Logo courtesy of Placer County Air Pollution Control District

AUBURN, CA (MPG) - The 32nd annual Spare The Air Season began May 1 and runs through Oct. 31. The Spare the Air program is a regional effort led by local air districts that helps residents and businesses stay informed about daily air quality, understand the health impacts of air pollution, and take simple steps to reduce emissions during the summer months.

Ground-level ozone, commonly known as smog, remains a key concern in the region. It forms when emissions from gas-powered vehicles react with heat and sunlight – conditions that are common during the summer. The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures daily air pollution levels and their potential health impacts. When the AQI is forecast to reach or exceed 126, a Spare The Air alert is issued. These alerts encourage residents to reduce driving and limit outdoor activity when air quality is unhealthy. 

Air pollution can affect everyone, causing symptoms like coughing and irritated eyes, and contributing to more serious conditions like asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Some groups are more vulnerable, including children under age 14, adults aged 65-plus, pregnant women, outdoor workers, athletes who train vigorously outdoors and people with heart or lung conditions, including asthma.

Residents can help improve air quality by driving less or combining trips, using public transit or carpooling and teleworking, if possible.

For more information, to check daily AQI forecasts, or to sign up for alerts, visit SpareTheAir.com.