Heavy smoke in San Francisco
June 29th, 2008The past week has seen a severe deterioration in air-quality in the whole Bay Area. At least in San Francisco proper, we are protected by a steady breeze from the ocean. Unfortunately, on warm days when the atmospehre “inverts,” the breezes die down and even come from inland. My experience has been that the early morning is the best time for running, breath work and any strenuous outdoor activity. Until about 8 am, the breeze comes in from the ocean. It seems to shift, or die down, at around 8. Also unfortunately, there seems to be no restriction on oil-fired roofing, a popular summer activity for California builders, since it rarely rains between June and September. And there are just as many cars on the streets (bridges, freeways, etc.) as on any clear day. I recommend to my students that they buy a simple flu-mask at any drugstore, and wear it as much as possible when outdoors. I also recommend that they try to avoid places where the pollution is compounded - busy intersections (whether driving or on foot), constructions sites, freshly painted or freshly carpeted rooms or buildings and anywhere where their senses (smell, taste, touch, etc.) tell them that the air is bad.