Spare the Air Day on Friday

<p>Air quality officials have declared a Spare the Air Day for the third straight day and are urging motorists to use alternative transportation Friday or defer unnecessary trips.</p><p>Continuing hot temperatures and calm winds mean ground level pollution is expected to be high, potentially contributing to respiratory problems for those with pre-existing conditions or high sensitivity.</p><p>Residents around the Bay Area are being asked to drive less or avoid driving altogether, use less household energy, avoid gas-powered mowers or leaf blowers, refrain from cooking outdoors on barbecues, and avoid products like oil-based paints and aerosol sprays that contribute to poor air quality.</p><p>It's the fifth Spare the Air Day of the summer.</p>