SALIDA — Rising ozone levels throughout the San Joaquin Valley are causing air quality to deteriorate, and local air officials urge residents to take health-protective measures where necessary.

Typical summer meteorological conditions are ideal for ozone (smog) formation, which officials expect to continue through today.

The District has developed a valuable tool to help residents stay informed about air quality in their area. The Real-Time Air Advisory Network (RAAN) is a free, automated data delivery service that links the subscriber’s computer to an air monitor of choice. (For more information and to subscribe to RAAN, visit http://www.valleyair.org/Programs/RAAN/raan_landing.htm).

“This is, unfortunately, typical summer air quality in the Valley. Folks need to take precautions to protect their health, and to take steps to reduce their emissions,” said Jaime Holt, the District’s Chief Communications Officer.

Ozone is created when emissions “cook” in heat and sunlight, and peaks during late afternoon and early evening hours. It can exacerbate conditions such as asthma and cause symptoms including sore throat, cough and fatigue.

Residents can reduce smog-forming emissions by:

• Refraining from idling their vehicles

• Carpooling, vanpooling or alternate transportation

• Refraining from using drive-through services

 For more information about the Valley Air District, call a regional office: in Fresno, 559-230-6000; in Bakersfield, 661-392-5500; and in Modesto, 209-557-6400.