Date

Monday, May 02, 2022

The Air District is announcing the start of the Spare the Air summer smog season on Monday, May 2. Millions of cars on our roadways each day remain the largest source of summertime smog pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in the Bay Area. The Spare the Air campaign encourages Bay Area residents to drive less and look for ways to share, shorten, or change their commutes to help reduce smog, traffic, and gridlock in the region.

Spare the Air Status

May 2 is also the start of national Air Quality Awareness Week, which promotes awareness of air quality issues and encourages everyone to learn about the Air Quality Index and how to track daily air quality. Bay Area residents can check hourly air quality readings at http://baaqmd.gov/highs.

During the warmer weather months, Spare the Air Alerts are issued when smog, or 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. Ozone pollution is particularly harmful for young children, seniors, and those with respiratory and heart conditions. When a Spare the Air Alert is called, limit outdoor exercise in the late afternoon when ozone concentrations are highest.

Know when a Spare the Air Alert is in effect:

View press releaseLanguage Icon Globe.

Last Updated: 5/2/2022