Ahead of high temperatures, the Bay Area Air District has issued an unsafe air alert for Sept. 9. Bay Area residents, particularly those in the East Bay and Santa Clara Valley, are advised to limit driving and outside activities.
“Spare the air” alerts are issued when unsafe levels of ozone pollution, or smog, are predicted for the given day.
“Air quality is forecast to be unhealthy… High inland temperatures, combined with light surface winds and a delayed afternoon sea breeze, is expected to produce elevated concentrations of ozone, or smog,” according to the air district’s website.
The website states that ozone inhalation can cause throat irritation, congestion, chest pain and worsen lung health. Additionally, the risks of ozone inhalation may be worse for children and elderly adults.
Sparetheair.org cautions residents to stay informed on potential health risks, and sign up for text alerts through the website.
For more information, sparetheair.org or baaqmd.gov.
