The air district measures six major pollutants – ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and two sizes of particulate matter. During an alert, the use of fireplaces, pellet stoves, wood stoves, fireplace inserts and outdoor fire pits is illegal. In the winter wood smoke is the largest source of soot pollution, hence the burn ban on days when pollution mounts to unhealthy levels. In addition to banning wood burning, the district warns locals to limit outdoor exertion due to an increased risk of respiratory irritation. The season runs through Feb. 29 and there have been eight “Spare the Air” alerts thus far this year.
For more information, visit www.sparetheair.org.
