The highest pollutions levels expected Thursday are once again in the Santa Clara Valley, and in inland areas of Contra Costa and Alameda counties.
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The Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued the alert as a result of persistent hot temperatures and light winds combining with vehicle exhaust and smoke from the large Soberanes Fire that has burned almost 15,000 acres in Monterey County. Air quality in the Bay Area can be unhealthy at times throughout the year.
Record high temperatures, stagnant air and smoke from a massive wildfire north of Big Sur combined to cause a third consecutive air quality alert Wednesday for the region.
Further, the San Francisco Bay Area’s program educates the public on storing aerosol sprays inside their cabinets and open these sprays once air quality has improved, ABC7 News reported. Long-term exposure to ozone can reduce lung function, the district said.
Every day smog affects residents, but the elderly, young children and people with lung and heart conditions are especially susceptible to smog, Flannigan said.
Residents should limit outdoor activities to the early morning or late evening hours when the level of smog is lower, according to the district.
The public is encouraged to carpool, bike, walk or take public transit instead of driving alone. First-time violators will receive a $100 fine or have the option of reading about and then being tested on the health hazards of wood smoke.
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Wednesday’s is the 11th Spare the Air day of the season. Second-time offenders will now receive a $500 ticket, up from $400 previous year.
