The effects of particle pollution are serious. According to the American Lung Association, the particles are so small they bypass the body’s natural defenses and lodge deep in the lungs. Click here to view a short video clip on particle pollution.
However, the good news is that Spare the Air regulation does work in the Bay Area. According to Jack Broadbent, executive officer for the Bay Area Air Quality Management District:
Fine particles in wood smoke produce the same kinds of health effects as diesel exhaust pollution.
The article also states: “the Bay Area currently fails to meet the federal standard for fine particulates, with potentially serious consequences for many of our residents.”
For those who suffer from asthma or other respiratory problems, it is important to note when Spare the Air alert days have been issued. Fortunately, you doing so is easy with 511CC’s iSmog application for iPhone, a free download that delivers Spare the Air alerts and other air quality information for the Bay Area to your mobile device, as shown below:
This year, Winter Spare the Air season runs until February 28, 2010. Until then, it is illegal to burn wood, pellets or manufactured fire logs when a Winter Spare the Air Alert is issued.
For more information, visit the Spare the Air official website.
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