As Bay Area heats up, another Spare the Air alert

As temperatures soar this week, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District is calling a second consecutive Spare the Air Day for the region on Monday.

The alert was issued as air district officials predict a high level of air pollution and smog throughout the Bay Area on Monday.

Unhealthy levels of ozone pollution are expected in the region as a result of high temperatures and low winds mixing with motor vehicle exhaust throughout the Bay Area, according to air district officials.

Temperatures on Monday are expected to range from the high 70s in coastal areas to up to 103 degrees inland, air district officials said.

Air district officials say the best way to cut the smog is by driving less.

“To avoid unhealthy air quality and congestion on Bay Area roads, it’s crucial that commuters find a better way to work than driving alone,” air district Executive Officer Jack Broadbent said.

Broadbent encouraged commuters to do their part by taking advantage of the Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program, which requires employers with at least 50 fulltime workers to offer commute benefits to their

employees.

The air district calls Spare the Air Days when ozone pollution is expected to reach unhealthy levels, triggering asthma and causing throat irritation, chest pain, congestion and worsening bronchitis and emphysema.

Bay Area residents can find out when Spare the Air alerts are in effect by calling (800) HELP-AIR, registering for email AirAlerts at www.sparetheair.org, downloading the Spare the Air app or connecting with Spare the Air on Facebook or Twitter.