Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
22 March 2012 09:08
The number of air alerts issued in San Francisco over winter reached a five-year high
Authorities in San Francisco issued a high number of air quality warnings over winter, according to reports.
At the end of the Winter Spare The Air season, the San Francisco Bay Area Air Quality Management District confirmed that officials had issued the city with 15 alerts, the most alerts issued for half a decade.
Over the winter, weather conditions meant pollution became trapped over the city, leading to nearly 20 days in which the standard of air quality became bad enough for officials to take note.
Pollution in the area is most widely caused by wood smoke, coming from more than a million log-burning fires and stoves in and around the city.
Wood smoke is one of the most dangerous forms of pollutants, containing high levels of life-threatening particulates and carbon monoxide.
The number of alerts is likely to be of concern to tourists visiting the city who already suffer with asthma, and will serve as a reminder to arrange pre-existing medical travel insurance before making the trip.
San Francisco air quality official Jack Broadbent said: "It was a tough winter for air quality and public health, but things could have been much worse. Wood burning overall is decreasing, but we still see unhealthy levels in certain neighbourhoods."
Copyright Press Association 2012
18 April 2019
Going away with your children? Beat the stress of travelling with your family with these great travel tips. Here's what you need to know if you're travelling with kids this Easter.
[more...]
16 April 2019
Heading to Madrid? Here's our guide to six must-see places you should visit in the Spanish capital, from food markets to fine art and plenty in between.
10 April 2019
Experience the magic of Madrid's Fiesta de San Isidro 2019! Discover where to stay, what to eat and what to see as you explore one of Spain's greatest festivals.
Experience Seville's intoxicating Feria de Abril and discover Andalucía's most famous festival! Here's your ultimate guide to La Feria.
01 April 2019
Songkran is Thailand's famous New Year's festival - and the world's biggest water fight. Here's everything you need to know before you plan your trip.
Travelling to Thailand? Learn the important local traditions and cultures to ensure you act respectfully in 'The land of a thousand smiles.'
Travelling overseas with young children? Make going through the airport easy and stress-free by following these top tips for surviving the airport with kids when flying.
25 March 2019
Discover the best places to learn to scuba dive! Check out our list of top dive locations around the world that are perfect for scuba diving beginners.
Looking for some late-season skiing? Here are some of the best places for spring skiing in Europe where you can enjoy reliable snow cover.
19 March 2019
Looking for adventure? Create your perfect Scandinavian weekend with these alternative city break ideas.
Lower your blood pressure with these fresh, healthy foods you can add to your diet.
02 March 2019
A Flybe flight was forced to abort take-off due to the cabin filling with "smoke" while it was accelerating along the runway at Exeter Airport.