Spare the Air Alert Issued for Friday

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has issued a Spare the Air alert for Friday, when possible triple-digit temperatures and low winds are expected to create unhealthy pollution in the region.

The alert, the sixth issued during the summer season and the first since June 9, is prompted by high levels of ozone pollution expected in the Bay Area on Friday, air district officials said.

Temperatures could reach as high as 104 degrees in the East Bay on Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

The air district encourages Bay Area residents to drive less, particularly on Spare the Air days, since heat, low wind and vehicle exhaust can combine to cause breathing problems, particularly for the young, seniors and those with respiratory or heart conditions.

"Using alternative commutes instead of driving alone to work or school not only helps to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion, it can also save money and reduce stress," air district executive officer Jack Broadbent said in a statement.

Bay Area residents can find out when Spare the Air alerts are in effect by calling (800) HELP-AIR, registering at www.sparetheair.org to receive alerts or connecting with Spare the Air on Facebook or Twitter.
 

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