AIR QUALITY CA

Air Quality in Los Angeles, CA: Moderate (63 AQI)

AQI 63 · Moderate · PM2.5 · Updated 2026-07-18

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

Data: EPA AirNow, FEMA National Risk Index Last verified: 2026-07-18

Average AQI

Moderate

AQI Category

129

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. Los Angeles's average AQI of 63 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: Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles

AQI varies across Los Angeles's 95 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
90041	70	Moderate	91	45	View report →
90004	69	Moderate	91	45	View report →
90005	69	Moderate	91	39	View report →
90006	69	Moderate	91	39	View report →
90007	69	Moderate	90	36	View report →
90009	69	Moderate	90	21	View report →
90010	69	Moderate	91	22	View report →
90011	69	Moderate	90	45	View report →
90012	69	Moderate	90	30	View report →
90013	69	Moderate	90	42	View report →
90014	69	Moderate	90	48	View report →
90015	69	Moderate	90	18	View report →
90017	69	Moderate	90	30	View report →
90018	69	Moderate	85	45	View report →
90019	69	Moderate	86	51	View report →

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Los Angeles, California has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 63. 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 PM2.5.

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: PM2.5

PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) consists of particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers - about 30 times thinner than a human hair. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.

Health effects of PM2.5 exposure:

Short-term: coughing, shortness of breath, aggravated asthma
Long-term: reduced lung function, cardiovascular disease, premature death
Most vulnerable: children, elderly, people with heart or lung disease

Common sources in urban areas: vehicle exhaust, construction dust, industrial emissions, wildfire smoke, residential wood burning.

Air Quality by ZIP Code in Los Angeles

AQI varies across Los Angeles's 95 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
90041	70	Moderate	91	45
90004	69	Moderate	91	45
90005	69	Moderate	91	39
90006	69	Moderate	91	39
90007	69	Moderate	90	36
90009	69	Moderate	90	21
90010	69	Moderate	91	22
90011	69	Moderate	90	45
90012	69	Moderate	90	30
90013	69	Moderate	90	42
90014	69	Moderate	90	48
90015	69	Moderate	90	18
90017	69	Moderate	90	30
90018	69	Moderate	85	45
90019	69	Moderate	86	51

Showing 15 of 95 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Los Angeles has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 89 (scale 0-100). There have been 3,576 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	89
Max smoke risk score	91
Fires within 100 km	3,576
High-risk ZIP codes	95

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

Los Angeles has an average mold risk score of 35 out of 100.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	35/100
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 63), 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

Los Angeles vs. Nearby California Cities

How Los Angeles's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Los Angeles	63	Moderate	2,384,216
Piedmont	56	Moderate	1,442,800
San Diego	63	Moderate	1,330,316
New Almaden	60	Moderate	1,039,920

ZIP Codes in Los Angeles

Los Angeles covers 95 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 Los Angeles?

Los Angeles's average AQI is 63 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Los Angeles have?

Los Angeles experiences 129 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 Los Angeles?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Los Angeles is 63, categorized as Moderate. The primary pollutant is PM2.5. 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 Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has a wildfire risk score of 89 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 Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has a mold risk score of 35 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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