The smoke from the Mendocino Complex fires is continuing to pollute Bay Area skies, and it’s expected to get worse before it gets better.

A Spare the Air Day has been declared for Wednesday.

“Air quality in our region is being threatened for two reasons – smoke from wildfires and smog from cars on our roadways,” Executive Officer of the Air District Jack Broadbent said. “We can reduce poor air quality by not contributing to it – carpooling, taking transit and working from home help reduce overall air pollution and protect the health of those already struggling from the effects of wildfire smoke.”

Smog can cause throat irritation, congestion, chest pain, trigger asthma, inflame the lining of the lungs, and worsen bronchitis and emphysema.

Young children and seniors with respiratory and heart conditions are also susceptible. Long-term exposure to smog can reduce the function of your lungs.

Officials say exercise should be done early in the morning. But people are urged to stay inside and close their windows.

“Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a scratchy throat and irritated sinuses. Elevated particulate matter in the air from smoke can trigger wheezing in those who suffer from asthma, emphysema or COPD. Elderly persons, children and individuals with respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure,” officials said.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Check here for real-time air quality readings: https://go.usa.gov/xUwyz for fine particulate pollution levels from wildfire smoke and check here for ozone levels:https://go.usa.gov/xUwV3.
 
Find out more about what the Air District is doing to address climate change in the nine-county Bay Area. Spare the Air-Cool the Climate is a blueprint for tackling regional air pollution and climate pollutants while improving the health of Bay Area residents for the next several decades. Check out this video about our bold vision to combat climate change at https://youtu.be/p9BxhIrIqrI.
 
To find out when a Spare the Air Alert is in effect, residents can register for email AirAlerts at www.sparetheair.org, call 1(800) HELP-AIR, download the Spare the Air App or connect with Spare the Air on social media.
 
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is the regional agency responsible for protecting air quality in the nine-county Bay Area. Connect with the Air District viaTwitter, Facebook, and YouTube.