A second consecutive Spare the Air day has been issued in the Bay Area for Tuesday because forecasted high temperatures and low winds are expected to create unhealthy smog levels, air quality officials said.
It is the second alert issued by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District for its summer season after the first was issued for Monday.
Commuters are urged to avoid driving alone on Spare the Air days to cut down on the amount of car exhaust entering the atmosphere, according to the air district.
"Vehicle traffic accounts for most of the ozone-forming pollution in the Bay Area, and choosing commute alternatives such as carpooling or taking transit can make a big difference when it comes to protecting air quality and our health," air district spokesman Jack Broadbent said in a statement.
The air district said 37 percent of Bay Area employees commute alone to work every day and that employees are more likely to adopt alternatives if encouraged by their employer.
To that end, employers with 50 or more full-time employees must register on 511.org to provide commute options for their employees.
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Suggestions for commute alternatives are also available at www.stacommutetips.org.
High levels of ozone can cause numerous health problems including throat irritation, congestion, chest pain, asthma and worsened bronchitis and emphysema, according to the air district.
Air pollution is particularly harmful to young children and seniors, district officials said.
