Spare the Air Alert Issued for Saturday

Bay City News Service—A Spare the Air alert warning of poor air quality has been issued for Saturday, air quality officials said yesterday.

The alert was issued by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District for the third day in a row because of a forecast of high levels of ozone pollution caused by weather conditions, district officials said.

"High temperatures and low winds are continuing in the Bay Area, prolonging conditions that are unfavorable for air quality," said district executive officer Jack Broadbent. "Bay Area residents should continue to take action to safeguard their health and reduce pollution levels in the region."

There is no free transit associated with this Spare the Air day, and there is no ban on wood burning in place. However, residents are urged to avoid driving and instead take public transit, carpool, walk or bike.

Ozone, or smog, can cause throat irritation, congestion and chest pain, trigger asthma, inflame the lining of the lungs and worsen bronchitis and emphysema. Over time, it will reduce lung function. Young children, seniors and those with respiratory and heart conditions are especially vulnerable to its effects and should stay indoors on high ozone days except in the early morning hours.

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