Spare the Air days are called when air quality is forecast to deteriorate to levels that are unhealthy (151 and higher on the Air Quality Index) or unhealthy for sensitive groups (101-150) in adjacent counties. This year, Spare the Air declarations across the board were a fraction of previous years’ tallies. In the region downwind of Amador County, just one Spare the Air Day was declared in San Joaquin County, and two in Stanislaus County. In 2006, there were 10 Spare the Air days in San Joaquin County, 13 in Stanislaus. The Valley Air District covers eight counties including San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare and the valley portion of Kern County.

Spare the Air season runs from June through September each year, which is the height of the ozone season. Vehicle use contributes the majority of ozone-forming pollutants in the Valley. Ozone, the primary ingredient in smog, can exacerbate respiratory conditions and trigger asthma attacks. Children, the elderly and people with existing respiratory conditions are especially vulnerable, but when ozone reaches an unhealthy level, everybody is at risk. On Spare the Air Days, residents in the affected counties should limit outdoor exertion, especially between 3 and 7 p.m., when ozone levels usually are highest. Residents are also asked to voluntarily postpone emission-causing activities that contribute to deteriorating air quality. Some of the suggested Spare the Air alternatives are: Sharing a ride, taking public transportation, walking or biking instead of driving; Linking your trips (doing all your errands at one time); Postponing the use of gas-powered lawn equipment; Using an electric briquette igniter instead of lighter fluid; Using water-based paints and solvents instead of oil-based products.