Transportation Information -
Spare the Air
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Spare the Air, a program designed to educate and assist business and citizens on air pollution prevention and the use of environmental friendly alternatives. To find out more ways you can prevent air pollution at work click on any of these files or at home visit www.sparetheair.org |
On days when ozone (smog) levels are expected to violate state and federal health standards, Bay Area residents are asked to refrain from activities that cause pollution. If everyone makes clean air choices, the air will be healthier to breathe.
What Creates Smog?
The number one source of smog in the Bay Area is the automobile. More than 6.8 million people live in the Bay Area, driving 4.6 million cars 144 million miles a day. That creates over 322 tons of air pollution each day! Other sources of air pollution include consumer spray products like hairspray and household cleaners (52 tons per day), gasoline powered lawn and garden equipment (13 tons per day), recreational boats (29 tons), and oil-based paints, varnishes & other coatings (25 tons).
Health Effects of Smog 
(Streaming Video)
How Does Air Pollution Affect People?
High ozone levels contribute to respiratory problems such as asthma, shortness of breath, pain during deep breaths (especially when exercising outdoors), bronchitis, coughing and wheezing. The populations most susceptible to ozone's harmful effects are children, whose lungs are still developing, seniors, and people with preexisting respiratory problems.
What Can You Do To Spare the Air?
We at the City of Milpitas play an important role in the Spare the Air campaign. Our cumulative efforts can go a long way towards improving air quality on smoggy days. Here's what you can do to Spare the Air...
- Leave your car at home on Spare the Air days. Try taking transit, carpooling, telecommuting, walking or biking to work instead. Cars are the number one source of air pollution in the Bay Area.
- Don't use gas-powered lawn mowers and leaf blowers on those days. These tools create about 9 tons of air pollution per day!
- Avoid using consumer spray products like hairspray and household cleaners. Instead, try solids, gels, or liquids.
- Ignite your barbecue with an electric or chimney starter only.
- Refuel your car after the sun has gone down - and DON'T top off the tank. Fumes from refueling add about 11.2 tons of pollution, and spillage from topping off adds about 1.7 tons per day.
These are just some of the things you can do. For more information, contact: Janice Spuller, or visit www.sparetheair.org.
Thanks for helping the City of Milpitas Spare the Air!
| Transportation Office | Hours: |
| 455 East Calaveras Boulevard | Monday-Friday: 8:00 am-5:00 pm |
| Phone: (408) 586-3290 |