‘Spare the Air Day’ Saturday

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has designated tomorrow (Saturday, Sept. 7) a “Spare the Air Day.”

Concentrations of ground-level ozone pollution are forecast to be unhealthy tomorrow, the district said.

Residents are encouraged to drive less and reduce their energy use tomorrow and every day so pollution levels are lower, preventing health alerts when temperatures are high.

To help prevent smog this summer, the district advises the following:

– Bike to work or around town

– Take public transit

– Telecommute

– Carpool and link your errands to reduce driving

– Avoid using gas-powered lawn mowers and leaf blowers

– Reduce household energy use

– Don’t use lighter fluid on the barbecue

– Avoid using aerosol spray cleaners, paints and hairspray

High levels of ozone pollution are particularly harmful for young children, seniors and those with respiratory and heart conditions. Vigorous outdoor exercise should be undertaken only in the early morning hours when ozone concentrations are lower.