09 Jun Preventing Summertime Air Pollution’s Impacts
Have you noticed the warmer temperatures and longer days? Summer is right around the corner! This is the perfect time to embrace the beautiful outdoors, but it’s also important to stay informed about air quality conditions and know when to take action to help reduce pollution in the region.
From May 1 through October 31, the Spare The Air campaign encourages residents of Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, Solano, and El Dorado counties to help improve our region’s air quality by driving gas-powered vehicles less.
Understanding Air Pollution
Ground-level ozone, commonly known as smog, is formed when emissions from gas-powered vehicles combine with the sun’s powerful ultraviolet rays.
Exposure to this type of air pollution can contribute to long-term health impacts, particularly for sensitive groups including children, older adults, pregnant women, outdoor workers, athletes, and those with respiratory conditions.
What Does the Air Quality Index (AQI) Mean?
The AQI is a valuable tool that shows us the level of pollution in the air. A Spare The Air alert is issued when the AQI is forecast to be 126 or higher. On Spare The Air days, everyone is encouraged to take action.
Here are a few simple steps you can take to reduce air pollution and keep our community healthy:
- Stay Informed – Check the AQI forecast daily! Sign up for our new Air Alert notification system to receive daily email forecasts, including information about Spare The Air days. You can also get Spare The Air day alerts via SMS text. Find the forecast on the Spare The Air website or follow us on our social media pages on Facebook and X.
- Plan Ahead – If a high AQI is forecast, schedule activities for early morning or evening hours when pollution levels are typically lower.
- Drive Less – Small actions such as carpooling, taking public transit, combining errands, or bringing lunch to work all help reduce gas emissions.
- Share Information – Spread the word about air quality! As a Spare The Air partner, we encourage you to share informational materials with your friends, family, and colleagues.
Thank You for Your Support!
We appreciate your continued support throughout the 2025 Spare The Air season. Remember, air pollution affects us all, and together we can help make a positive impact.
