SAN FRANCISCO \u2013 The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is launching the 2016 Spare the Air season on May 2, which focuses on reducing ozone, or smog-forming pollution during the warmer summer months.<\/p>\n
The Spare the Air program encourages Bay Area residents to reduce air pollution every day by rethinking their commute and avoiding driving alone.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs the Bay Area\u2019s job market has grown, we see more gridlock on our roads and freeways, and transportation-related pollution,\u201d said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the Air District. \u201cWe can reduce traffic and smog-forming pollution by rethinking our commute and choosing something other than driving alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Transportation is the largest source of smog pollution in the Bay Area and single occupancy vehicles are the main contributor. The Spare the Air summer outreach campaign encourages Bay Area residents to look for ways to share, shorten or change their commutes to reduce smog and traffic gridlock.<\/p>\n
Bay Area employees are encouraged to check with their human resources office to learn what commuter benefits are available to them through their employer. The Bay Area Commuter Benefits program requires all employers in the Air District\u2019s jurisdiction with 50 or more full-time employees to offer commuter benefits to their workers.<\/p>\n
During the summer months, Spare the Air health alerts are issued when ozone pollution is forecast to reach unhealthy levels. Ozone can cause throat irritation, congestion, chest pain, trigger asthma, inflame the lining of the lungs and worsen bronchitis and emphysema. Ozone pollution is particularly harmful for young children, seniors and those with respiratory and heart conditions. When a Spare the Air Alert is issued, outdoor exercise should be limited to the early morning hours when ozone concentrations are lower.<\/p>\n
To find out when a Spare the Air Alert is in effect, register for email AirAlerts at sparetheair.org, call 1(800) HELP-AIR, download the Spare the Air App or connect with Spare the Air on Facebook or Twitter.<\/p>\n