AIR QUALITY CA

Air Quality in Glendale, CA: Moderate (61 AQI)

AQI 61 · Moderate · Ozone · Updated 2026-05-03

Glendale's air quality is moderate. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged outdoor exertion.

Data: EPA AirNow, FEMA National Risk Index Last verified: 2026-05-03

Average AQI

Moderate

AQI Category

Unhealthy Days

Wildfire Risk

Mold Score

ZIP Codes

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. Glendale's average AQI of 61 falls in the "Moderate" 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 Map: Glendale, CA

Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates AQI level. Tap a dot for details.

Good (0-50) Moderate (51-100) USG (101-150) Unhealthy (151+)

Air Quality by ZIP Code in Glendale

AQI varies across Glendale's 14 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
91201	61	Moderate	91	40	View report →
91202	61	Moderate	91	37	View report →
91203	61	Moderate	91	25	View report →
91204	61	Moderate	91	31	View report →
91205	61	Moderate	91	34	View report →
91206	61	Moderate	91	40	View report →
91207	61	Moderate	91	37	View report →
91208	61	Moderate	91	43	View report →
91209	61	Moderate	91	21	View report →
91210	61	Moderate	91	16	View report →
91221	61	Moderate	91	12	View report →
91222	61	Moderate	91	12	View report →
91225	61	Moderate	91	12	View report →
91226	61	Moderate	91	12	View report →

Air Quality Overview

Glendale, California has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 61. Air quality is acceptable, though some pollutants may be a concern for a small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. 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 Glendale

AQI varies across Glendale's 14 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
91201	61	Moderate	91	40
91202	61	Moderate	91	37
91203	61	Moderate	91	25
91204	61	Moderate	91	31
91205	61	Moderate	91	34
91206	61	Moderate	91	40
91207	61	Moderate	91	37
91208	61	Moderate	91	43
91209	61	Moderate	91	21
91210	61	Moderate	91	16
91221	61	Moderate	91	12
91222	61	Moderate	91	12
91225	61	Moderate	91	12
91226	61	Moderate	91	12

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Glendale has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 91 (scale 0-100). There have been 560 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	91
Max smoke risk score	91
Fires within 100 km	560
High-risk ZIP codes	14

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

Glendale has an average mold risk score of 27 out of 100.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	27/100
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 moderate air quality (AQI 61), most people can be active outdoors. Sensitive groups should take precautions:

Sensitive groups (asthma, COPD, heart disease): consider reducing prolonged outdoor exertion
Keep windows closed on high-pollution days
Use a HEPA air purifier in main living areas
Check AirNow.gov before outdoor exercise

Glendale vs. Nearby California Cities

How Glendale's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Glendale	61	Moderate	188,784
Corte Madera	42	Good	186,895
Mill Valley	42	Good	186,895
San Quentin	42	Good	186,895

ZIP Codes in Glendale

Glendale covers 14 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the air safe to breathe in Glendale?

Glendale's average AQI is 61 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Glendale have?

Glendale experiences 14 unhealthy air quality days per year on average. During these days, everyone — not just sensitive groups — should reduce prolonged outdoor exertion.

What is the AQI in Glendale?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Glendale is 61, categorized as Moderate. The primary pollutant is Ozone. AQI ranges from 0-500, where 0-50 is Good, 51-100 Moderate, 101-150 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, and 151+ Unhealthy.

What is the wildfire risk in Glendale?

Glendale has a wildfire risk score of 91 out of 100. High wildfire risk can significantly worsen air quality during fire season. Consider HEPA air purifiers and monitor AirNow.gov for real-time conditions.

Is mold a concern in Glendale?

Glendale has a mold risk score of 27 out of 100, based on humidity, precipitation, and temperature data. Maintain good ventilation and address any water intrusion promptly to prevent mold growth.

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