Smog season runs from May 1 through September 30. During those months sun and hot temperatures combine with pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, chemical plants and other sources to form ground-level ozone that can cause respiratory problems. In such conditions, outdoor exercise can be a health hazard.

Groups who are particularly susceptible to ground-level ozone:

• People with asthma or other respiratory diseases,
• Children who spend much of the summer playing outside,
• Adults of all ages who work or exercise vigorously outdoors,
• Older adults.

Be Smart About Smog-Season Excercise:

• Exercise outside only in the morning or after 6 p.m.
• Before exercising outside any time (especially if you belong to one of the susceptible categories above), check air quality around the state by clicking here. For a map of where the monitoring is happening, click here.
• Exercise indoors if you cannot exercise in early morning or after 6 p.m.

To help reduce smog …

• Keep your car and lawn mower well-tuned.
• Don't "top off" your car's gas tank. Refuel after 6 p.m.
• Combine errands. Use carpools and vanpools for work and taking children to their destinations.

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