Contra Costa Times
A third consecutive Spare the Air Alert for Wednesday has been declared by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.
Temperatures expected to hit almost 100, low winds and motor vehicle exhaust pollution are expected to combine to cause unhealthy ozone pollution throughout the Bay Area.
“To reduce air pollution that creates summertime smog and congestion on Bay Area roads, it’s crucial that commuters find a better way to work than driving alone,” said Jack Broadbent, the air district’s executive officer, in a statement.
Area residents are encouraged to walk, bike, carpool or take transit instead of driving alone, and not just on Spare the Air days, according to district spokesman Tom Flannigan. Go to www.stacommutetips.org to find a list of commute programs and incentives available.
Spare the Air Alerts are issued when ozone pollution is forecast to reach unhealthy levels. Ozone, or smog, can cause throat irritation, congestion, chest pain, trigger asthma, inflame the lining of the lungs and worsen bronchitis and emphysema. Long-term exposure to ozone can reduce lung function.
