Air District issues Spare the Air Alert for Wednesday

Air quality is forecast to be unhealthy tomorrow, Wednesday, September 9. High inland temperatures, combined with light surface winds and a delayed afternoon sea breeze, is expected to produce elevated concentrations of ozone, or smog, especially in the Eastern Zone and Santa Clara Valley.

Spare the Air Alerts are issued when ozone pollution is forecast to reach unhealthy levels. Ozone can cause throat irritation, congestion and chest pain. It can trigger asthma, inflame the lining of the lungs, and worsen bronchitis and emphysema. Long-term exposure can reduce lung function. Ozone pollution is particularly harmful for young children, older persons, and those with respiratory and heart conditions. When a Spare the Air Alert is issued, outdoor exercise should be undertaken only in the early morning hours when ozone concentrations are lower.

Bay Area residents can find out if a Spare the Air Alert is in effect by:

• Signing up for text alerts by texting the word “START” to the number 81757
• Calling 1-877-4NO-BURN
• Visiting www.sparetheair.org or www.baaqmd.gov
• Signing up for e-mail alerts at www.sparetheair.org/alerts
• Downloading the Spare the Air iPhone or Android app

View press release(280 Kb PDF, 1 pg, posted 9/8/2026).