Sacramento air quality officials have issued the first “Spare the Air” alert for the Sacramento region, warning residents of the poor air quality forecast for Friday and urging them to reduce driving and other activities that can contribute to air pollution.
In a news release Thursday morning, officials with the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District said Friday’s air quality index was expected to be 133, above the 126 AQI threshold that health officials use to trigger an alert. The dominant pollutant is ozone, and the quality level is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. AQI readings between 100 and 150 are common, including children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with heart and lung conditions.
“Drivers in the Sacramento region are being asked to drive less,” aviation managers said. “Carpool to sports and recreational activities, bike or walk in the morning hours when pollution levels are low, postpone grocery shopping or take public transportation.”
The increased pollution can be attributed to smoke from fireworks that will be used as part of the Fourth of July activities in the capital region on Thursday night, as well as increased travel for the holiday. AQI readings reached 119 on Wednesday, the same as what was forecast for Sacramento during the day on Thursday.
Air quality also takes a hit during periods of extreme heat. Temperatures in the city center are expected to reach 108 degrees on Thursday and could top 110 degrees on Friday, according to the National Weather Service, which issued an extreme heat watch for most of the Sacramento Valley through Tuesday. A lack of wind that prompted this week’s red flag warning could also trap fine particulate matter and other pollution in the region.
AQI levels in the foothills of El Dorado and Placer counties are expected to be 126 and 133, respectively, while Yolo County is forecast to have an AQI of 101.
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Tips to reduce air pollution include working from home, taking public transportation, driving electric, walking or cycling. However, with temperatures forecast to top 100 degrees this week, residents are also being warned to stay indoors.
High levels of air pollution can cause “immediate and serious” health problems, including respiratory illness, stress on the heart and lungs, and damaged cells in the airways, air quality officials say.
