The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has issued a Spare the Air Alert for ozone for this Friday, May 30, indicating that air quality in the region is expected to hit unhealthy levels. High temperatures, particularly inland, combined with vehicle emissions, are to blame for the increased ozone, which can lead to various respiratory problems.
Residents with respiratory issues, young children, and older adults will be at a higher risk due to the smog, which can aggravate conditions like asthma and bronchitis. The alert advises that outdoor activities, particularly strenuous ones, should be limited to early morning hours when the ozone is less concentrated. According to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, exposure to elevated levels of smog can also lead to throat irritation, congestion, chest pain, and, in the long term, can impair lung function.
To keep abreast with the air quality alerts, Bay Area residents can sign up for text alerts by texting “START” to 81757, calling 1-877-4NO-BURN, visiting the District’s website at www.sparetheair.org or www.baaqmd.gov, or by downloading the Spare the Air mobile app.
