As the Bay Area gears up for another smoky weekend, the Air Quality Management District has decided to expand its clean air filtration program to all Bay Area counties.
To combat the harmful effects of wildfire smoke, portable air filtration units will be distributed through nonprofits, community-based health organizations and managed-care organizations to low-income residents with respiratory conditions, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District reported.
"The clean air filtration program is essential to ensure cleaner air for our most vulnerable residents," Jack Broadbent, executive director of the Air District, told KCBS Radio.
Along with wildfire smoke, many low-income residents already struggle with air pollution, said Margaret Gordon, co-founder of West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project.
"We already have black carbon from diesel and then simultaneously we are getting the wildfires," she explained. "So we really are getting the double whammy."
Donations from companies or individuals for more air filters are welcome.
The Air District has issued an air quality advisory for Friday and Saturday as air quality is expected to be moderate with hazy and smoky skies.
