Air District Announces Opening of Summer Spare the Air Season

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is launched the 2013 summer Spare the Air season on May 1. 

Spare the Air season used to start at the beginning of June, but according to air district spokesperson Jennifer Jones the season now starts in May because of the “unhealthy air quality that can occur during spring heat waves.” 

This summer, the air district is encouraging Bay Area residents to find a better way to work and enjoy the many perks experienced by commuters who take transit, carpool, bike or walk to work, instead of driving alone.  

“Transportation related air pollution continues to be our biggest air pollution challenge,” said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the air district. “Rethinking our daily commute, choosing clean vehicles, and exploring options to driving alone will help our region stay competitive and improve air quality.” 

During the summer months, pollution from cars and trucks can “cook up” in high temperatures and lead to unhealthy air quality. When air quality is forecast to be unhealthy, the air district will issue a Spare the Air alert in order to warn the public about the health impacts of poor air quality and to reemphasize the need for all residents to drive less, every day. Poor air quality is especially harmful for children, the elderly and those with heart or respiratory conditions. When a Spare the Air Alert is issued, outdoor exercise should be done only in the early morning hours when ozone concentrations are lower. 

Last summer the air district issued 10 Spare the Air alerts.  You can see more historical data here.

The single most effective way for residents to reduce smog is to drive less. According to recent census data, more than 37 percent of Bay Area employees commute alone to work each day, spending an average of 58 minutes on the road. air district survey results also find that Bay Area employees are more likely to adopt alternatives to driving alone when encouraged to do so by their employer. 

This summer, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District will launch a new outreach campaign to encourage employers and their employees to look for ways to share, shorten or change their commutes so that they spend less time driving alone.  Bay Area residents can also get aggregated commute information and tips by county. 

To find out when a Spare the Air Alert is in effect, register for email AirAlerts at sparetheair.org, call 1(800) HELP-AIR, download the Spare the Air App or connect with Spare the Air on Facebook or Twitter. 

This article was submitted by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

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