Problems in the airspace prevent air alert for Wednesday

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has issued a Spare the Air warning for smog for Wednesday.

District officials said air quality is expected to be hazardous to health on Wednesday. The forecast calls for very high temperatures inland, around 38 degrees, and a light breeze from the sea in the afternoon, as well as car exhaust fumes, which will lead to increased ozone or smog concentrations.

“Spare the Air” warnings are issued when ozone pollution is expected to reach levels that are harmful to health.

Ozone can cause throat irritation, congestion and chest pain. It can trigger asthma, inflame the lining of the lungs and aggravate bronchitis and emphysema.

Long-term exposure can impair lung function. Ozone pollution is especially harmful to young children, the elderly, and people with respiratory and heart conditions. When a Spare the Air warning is issued, exercise only in the early morning hours when ozone concentrations are lower.

To find out when a Spare the Air alert is in effect, residents can register for email air alerts at www.sparetheair.org, call 1 (800) HELP-AIR, download the Spare the Air app, or connect with Spare the Air on Facebook or Twitter.

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