The goals of the Spare the Air program are to prevent exceeding air quality standards by asking the public to reduce activities that pollute and to notify residents to prepare for potentially unhealthy air. Last year, four tons of smog-forming pollutants were reduced on each spare the air episode due to public response to the advisories.
Motor vehicles are the leading source of air pollution in the Bay Area.
Other significant pollution sources include consumer products, like hair sprays and gasoline powered lawn and garden equipment. Take a lunch to work so you don't need to make another car trip. Refuel your car after 6 p.m. and postpone using gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment. If you must drive, link your trips together to avoid polluting cold starts. Vigorous outdoor exercise should be limited to the early morning hours or around sunset when ozone levels are lower.