Community Corner

'Spare the Air' Smog Alert Issued for Wednesday

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued its eighth Spare the Air health alert for smog for 2011 this Wednesday, Sept. 28.

Officials at the Bay Area Air Quality Management District have issued a "spare the air" smog alert for Wednesday, Sept. 28.

It's the eighth health alert for smog issued by the district this year.

Officials say "high temperatures and light winds" will create poor air quality in the Bay Area.

Find out what's happening in Castro Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

They are urging residents to drive less, take public transit, ride a bike or carpool to reduce pollution. However, there is no ban Wednesday on burning wood.

District officials say the poor air quality can cause throat irritation and other health problems. They say it's particularly harmful to young children, senior citizens and those with respiratory and heart conditions

Find out what's happening in Castro Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

They urge people to exercise only in the early morning hours when pollution levels are lower.

To plan your commute by alternative modes, visit 511.org.
 

Visit the Apple App Store to download the free Spare the Air iPhone application for alert notifications, local air quality forecasts, podcasts and several tools to help reduce air pollution like the aforementioned bike route mapper.

To monitor current air quality conditions, visit http://www.sparetheair.org.


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