Lots of Smog, Hot Hot Heat = Third 'Spare the Air' Day This Week

For the third day in a row this week, Bay Area air officials issued a "Spare the Air" warning.

That means don't drive as much, cut back your energy consumption and be mindful that there are unhealthy smog levels today, according to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

Wednesday will be the seventh alert the district issued in 2011, said air district spokesman Aaron Richardson.

"This late seasonal hot spell is expected to create conditions for unhealthy air quality for the third day in a row,” said Jack Broadbent, an air district executive officer. “We’re urging everyone to make clean air choices, such as taking public transportation, reducing energy use, and refraining from using gas-powered lawn equipment, to keep pollution levels down.”

There won't be free public transit Wednesday, and no wood burning ban. But district officials said people should reduce their driving and energy use every day so they don't have to issue alerts on hot days when smog levels are higher.

Breathing in too much particulate smog causes breathing problems and aggravates asthma, emphysema and bronchitis. Children and elderly folks should stay in doors and limit exercising to the early morning or cooler evening hours, the district says.

The district suggests the following ways to do your part:

• Take public transit
• Work at home or 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
• Bike to work or around town

For more info, go to www.baaqmd.gov or www.sparetheair.org.