Air pollution is unavoidable in urban areas. Unfortunately, San Francisco's air quality is no exception to that rule, but air pollution here is less severe than other cities in the Bay Area or California. While benefiting from refreshing winds off S.F. Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the City still does not meet federal standards for certain pollutants.

The good news is that agencies like the San Francisco Department of the Environment and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) are working on programs to improve the air we breathe. What can you do to assist these efforts and also protect your own health?  

• To lodge complaints about air quality and pollution, call the BAAQMD, which is responsible for monitoring, protecting and improving the Bay Area's air quality. You can reach them via their 24-hour hotline at (800) 334-ODOR (800-334-6367). To file a complaint about sewer odors, however, call the San Francisco Public Utility Commission's 24-hour Odor Hotline: (415) 695-2096.
  
  
• If the source of pollution is an automobile — such as a smelly truck idling on your block — call the Smoking Vehicles Complaint Hotline at (800) EXHAUST (800-394-2878). You can also go online to fill out a Smoking Vehicle Report with the BAAQMD. 
  
  
• For a daily air quality forecast, call the Smog Information Hotline at (800) 794-SMOG (800-794-7664). The BAAQMD also offers air quality forecasts, clean air tips, and pollution prevention information through its Spare The Air Program. By the way, during an extended heat wave, you will hear "Spare The Air" messages on local media, offering free public transportation to avoid excessive auto usage.