Air Quality Alert: El Centro, CA - 107 AQI
AQI 107 · USG · Ozone · Updated 2026-07-18
El Centro's air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups. People with respiratory conditions should limit outdoor activity.
Data: EPA AirNow, FEMA National Risk Index Last verified: 2026-07-18
What is AQI?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardized scale from 0 to 500 that measures air pollution levels. 0-50 is "Good," 51-100 is "Moderate," 101-150 is "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups," and above 150 is "Unhealthy" for everyone. AQI tracks five major pollutants: ground-level ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. El Centro's average AQI of 107 falls in the "USG" range.
How do wildfires affect air quality?
Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that can travel hundreds of miles and dramatically spike AQI readings. During fire season, even cities far from active fires can experience unhealthy air. HEPA air purifiers (rated for PM2.5) are the most effective indoor protection. Check AirNow.gov for real-time conditions during fire season.
Air Quality by ZIP Code in El Centro
AQI varies across El Centro's 2 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.
| ZIP Code | AQI | Category | Wildfire | Mold | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92243 | 107 | USG | 25 | 31 | View report → |
| 92244 | 107 | USG | 26 | 29 | View report → |
Air Quality Overview
El Centro, California has air quality rated Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups with an average AQI of 107. People with respiratory conditions, children, and older adults may experience health effects. The dominant pollutant is Ozone.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is an EPA-standardized scale from 0 to 500. Values below 50 are "Good," 51-100 "Moderate," 101-150 "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups," 151-200 "Unhealthy," 201-300 "Very Unhealthy," and above 300 "Hazardous."
Dominant Pollutant: Ozone
Ground-level ozone forms when pollutants from cars, power plants, and industrial facilities react with sunlight. Unlike stratospheric ozone, ground-level ozone is harmful to breathe.
Health effects of ozone exposure:
- Irritation of the respiratory system
- Reduced lung function
- Aggravation of asthma and chronic lung diseases
- Increased susceptibility to respiratory infections
Peak times: Ozone levels are typically highest on hot, sunny afternoons. Exercise outdoors in the morning when levels are lower.
Air Quality by ZIP Code in El Centro
AQI varies across El Centro's 2 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:
Wildfire Smoke Risk
El Centro has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 26 (scale 0-100). There have been 30 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Avg. smoke risk score | 26 |
| Max smoke risk score | 26 |
| Fires within 100 km | 30 |
| High-risk ZIP codes | 0 |
Wildfire smoke contains PM2.5, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds. Even short-term exposure can trigger asthma attacks and respiratory distress.
Indoor Mold Risk
El Centro has an average mold risk score of 30 out of 100.
| Factor | Value |
|---|---|
| Mold risk score | 30/100 |
| Average humidity | 57% RH |
| High-risk ZIPs | 0 |
| Peak season | winter high |
Mold risk is influenced by humidity levels, housing age (older homes have more moisture issues), flood history, and water infrastructure quality. Indoor humidity above 60% creates favorable conditions for mold growth.
Signs of mold problems: musty odors, visible growth on walls or ceilings, worsening allergies indoors, condensation on windows. Professional mold testing ($300-$600) can identify hidden issues.
Health Recommendations
With USG-level air quality (AQI 107), sensitive groups should limit outdoor exposure:
- Sensitive groups: avoid prolonged outdoor exertion
- General public: reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion
- Keep windows and doors closed
- Run HEPA air purifiers continuously
- Wear N95 masks outdoors if prolonged exposure is unavoidable
El Centro vs. Nearby California Cities
How El Centro's air quality compares to nearby cities:
| City | AQI | Category | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Centro | 107 | USG | 48,556 |
| Poway | 61 | Moderate | 48,555 |
| Martinez | 52 | Moderate | 48,600 |
| Cerritos | 55 | Moderate | 48,607 |
ZIP Codes in El Centro
El Centro covers 2 ZIP codes. Air quality can vary by neighborhood based on proximity to highways, industrial areas, and green spaces. Check your specific ZIP code for localized data.
Data Sources
- Air quality: EPA AirNow - real-time and historical AQI data
- Wildfire risk: FEMA National Risk Index
- Mold risk: Derived from EPA, FEMA, Census ACS (humidity, housing age, flood history)
- Monthly AQI: EPA Air Quality Statistics
Updated daily.