For the third day in a row, a summer Spare the Air Alert is in effect, Saturday, August 13, 2016, for the San Francisco Bay Area. This is the 16th alert of the summer season.
This week, alerts was issued after light winds, warm temperatures and smoke from the Soberanes Fire in Monterey County is expected to cause unhealthy ozone, or smog, levels in the Bay Area. Smoke from the Monterey County wildfire is expected to impact the Bay Area region through the week.
Concentrations of ground-level ozone pollution are forecast to be unhealthy. High levels of ozone pollution are harmful to breathe, especially for young children, seniors and those with respiratory and heart conditions.
Exhaust from vehicles on Bay Area roads accounts for more than half of the air pollution in the region. Bay Area residents are asked to drive less to reduce smog and improve air quality in the region. Residents are also encouraged to consider an all-electric vehicle as their next vehicle purchase to help reduce the amount of gas powered vehicles that contribute to unhealthy smog.
Change your daily commute by carpooling, vanpooling, taking transit, biking or walking instead of driving alone. Doing this will help reduce pollution levels and health concerns when temperatures are high. To learn how to change your commute online, visit 511.org.
To find out how your company could help you save money on your commute by offering commuter benefits, visit commuterbenefits.511.org.
Receive funding to replace or decommission your old wood-burning stove or fireplace. Sign up today to get notification as soon as the Wood Smoke Reduction Incentive Program funding becomes available. Visit www.baaqmd.gov/WoodSmokeGrant for more details.
This AirAlert is provided by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Thank you for doing your part to Spare the Air!
