Air quality is deteriorating in parts of the Bay Area

Air quality has deteriorated in parts of the Bay Area due to a combination of cold weather, dense fog and smoke. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has issued a “spare the air” advisory for Sunday and Monday for the first time this season, meaning wood burning and fireplace use are prohibited during that time.

“The high pressure over Northern California will act as a lid, trapping smoke at ground level,” the BAAQMD said in a news release. “Offshore winds can also transport air pollution from the Central Valley to the Bay Area.”

The sky is particularly hazy in the North Bay, where a dense fog warning is in effect for Fairfield and Suisun until 11 a.m. Sunday. The National Weather Service said visibility is down to a quarter mile or less in some areas and drivers should use extra caution because “poor visibility could make driving conditions hazardous.” Sacramento, Modesto and Stockton are also under the advisory.

PurpleAir, a company that tracks air quality using user sensor data, shows many places in the Bay Area with moderate to unhealthy air quality on Sunday morning. Air quality is better near the coast, with conditions worsening as you head north or over the hills of the East Bay. People who are sensitive to poor air quality can feel its effects in the 101 to 150 range. All people can experience 150 health effects at readings above 150.

“Wood smoke, like cigarette smoke, contains carcinogenic substances such as particulate matter and carbon monoxide, which are harmful to health when inhaled,” BAAQMD said. “Exposure to wood smoke is associated with severe respiratory illness and an increased risk of heart attack.”

If caught violating the Spare the Air warning, first-time offenders will be banned from taking a class or face a $100 fine. Second offenses will result in a $500 fine, with fees increasing from that point on.