Sacramento: Spare the Air alert issued due to poor air quality

(FOX40.COM) — Sacramento-area air quality officials issued the first Spare the Air warning of the year for Friday and Saturday due to poor air quality caused by smoke from wildfires and Fourth of July fireworks, increased driving over the holiday weekend and extreme heat, among other factors.

Officials with the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District said the air quality index is expected to be at or above 143 on both days, meaning the air is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as people with respiratory diseases.

At temperatures of 126 degrees Celsius, “Spare the Air” warnings are issued. At temperatures of 151 degrees Celsius, the air is considered unhealthy for many citizens and can have more serious health effects for sensitive groups.

The AQI is based on measurements of five major air pollutants:
• ground level zone
• Particle pollution (also called fine dust)
• Carbon monoxide
• Sulphur dioxide
• Nitrogen dioxide

To improve air quality, authorities say people can take several measures:
• drive less
• Prepare meals so that fewer trips to restaurants/shops are necessary
• Carpooling with family, friends and colleagues
• use public transport
• If you have to drive, pack all errands and tasks into one trip
• work from home if possible