SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — The Bay Area is set to be under its first Spare the Air Day alert of the summer on Tuesday, amid soaring temperatures and low winds.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District says the heat coupled with the weak winds will keep air pollution at low ground levels, prompting the alert.
The air district is calling on residents to help in the regional effort to cut down on pollution from vehicle exhaust. The district is asking residents to walk or bike instead of getting into cars, if possible. They also encourage carpooling or taking public transportation.
This week’s Spare the Air alert could be a multi-day event. “We’re taking it one day at a time,” district spokesman Ralph Borrmann tells KRON 4. Air quality officials plan to evaluate wind pattern to decide whether to issue another alert during the expected heat wave this week.
When Spare the Air alerts are issued, residents are advised to avoid physical activity during the hottest times of the day. Smog can lead to throat irritation, chest pain, asthma attacks and trigger other health issues, according to the air district.
More information about Spare the Air alerts are available at www.sparetheair.org.