Spare The Air Alert for Thursday

Concentrations of ground-level ozone pollution are forecast to be unhealthy tomorrow,Thursday, and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District is encouraging residents to drive less and reduce their energy use.

To help prevent smog as temperatures climb this summer, BAAQMD asks residents to bike to work or around town, take public transit and, if possible,work from home or telecommute.

Lamorindans should also:

• Avoid using gas-powered lawn mowers and leaf blowers
• Reduce household energy use
• Don’t use lighter fluid on the barbecue
• Avoid using aerosol spray cleaners, paints and hairspray

High levels of ozone pollution are particularly harmful for young children, seniors and those with respiratory and heart conditions. Vigorous outdoor exercise should be undertaken only in the early morning hours when ozone concentrations are lower.

To plan your commute online, visit 511.org. To monitor current air quality conditions, visit sparetheair.org and download freeE Spare the Air iPhone or Android application for alert notifications, local air quality forecasts, podcasts and several tools to help reduce air pollution.