Politics & Government
Unhealthy Air Warning – Year's 2nd Smog Alert Today
The Bay Area's air monitoring agency says the amount of ground-level ozone expected today, July 10, will be unhealthy and urges residents to take mass transit, reduce energy use and avoid vigorous outdoor exercise, except in the early morning.
Update, 2:25 p.m.: Another "Spare the Air" alert has been issued for tomorrow, July 11, the third this year.
This year's second "Spare the Air" smog alert has been declared for today, Tuesday, by the Bay Area Air Management Quality District.
"Air quality in the Bay Area is forecast to be unhealthy tomorrow, Tuesday, July 10," the district said in a news release Monday.
Find out what's happening in El Cerritowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Dangerous ground-level ozone increases with a rise in temperature in combination with sunlight, oxygen and volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides caused by car exhaust, gasoline vapors, industrial emissions and household chemicals, according to the district.
The agency said ozone, or smog, can cause "throat irritation, congestion, chest pain, trigger asthma, inflame the lining of the lungs and worsen bronchitis and emphysema."
Find out what's happening in El Cerritowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"Long-term exposure to ozone can reduce lung function," according to the district. "Ozone pollution is particularly harmful for young children, seniors and those with respiratory and heart conditions."
The agency urged members of the public to carpool, take transit, bike or walk instead of driving alone. More information about commute alternatives can be found at sparetheair.org or 511.org.
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