First Spare the Air Alert of the Year for Sacramento. Here’s how you can help reduce pollution

Sacramento air quality officials have issued the first “Spare the Air” alert for the Sacramento region, warning residents of poor air quality forecast for Friday and urging them to drive less and limit other activities that could contribute to air pollution.

In a news release Thursday morning, officials with the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District said the air quality index was expected to be 133 on Friday, above the AQI threshold of 126 that health officials use to trigger an alert. The predominant pollutant is ozone, and the quality level is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. AQI readings between 100 and 150 are common, including among children, pregnant women, older adults and people with heart and lung conditions.

“Drivers in the Sacramento region are asked to drive less,” the air traffic managers said. “Carpool to sports and recreational activities, ride a bike or walk in the morning when air pollution is low, postpone running errands or use public transportation.”

The increased air pollution could be due to smoke from fireworks set off as part of Fourth of July activities in the Capital Region on Thursday night, as well as increased travel for the holiday. AQI readings reached 119 on Wednesday, the same level predicted for Sacramento on Thursday for the day.

Air quality also suffers in extreme heat. Temperatures in downtown are expected to reach 42 degrees on Thursday and could reach 43 degrees on Friday, according to the National Weather Service, which has issued a heat warning for most of the Sacramento Valley through Tuesday. The lack of wind that prompted the heat warning this week may also allow particulate matter and other pollutants to settle in the region.

In the foothills of El Dorado and Placer counties, AQI levels are expected to reach 126 and 133, respectively, while Yolo County is forecast to have an AQI of 101.

How is AQI calculated? How to monitor local air quality in California

Tips to reduce air pollution include telecommuting, using public transport, driving an electric car, walking or cycling. However, with temperatures forecast to exceed 38 degrees Celsius this week, residents are also being warned to stay indoors.

According to air quality authorities, high levels of air pollution can cause “immediate and severe” health problems such as respiratory disease, heart and lung strain, and respiratory damage.