AIR QUALITY CA

Air Quality in Los Angeles, CA: Moderate (54 AQI)

AQI 54 · Moderate · Ozone · Updated 2026-05-03

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: 2026-05-03

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. Los Angeles's average AQI of 54 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
90028	61	Moderate	91	39	View report →
90041	61	Moderate	91	45	View report →
90046	61	Moderate	86	48	View report →
90068	61	Moderate	91	51	View report →
90004	56	Moderate	91	45	View report →
90005	56	Moderate	91	39	View report →
90006	56	Moderate	91	39	View report →
90007	56	Moderate	90	36	View report →
90009	56	Moderate	90	15	View report →
90010	56	Moderate	91	22	View report →
90011	56	Moderate	90	36	View report →
90012	56	Moderate	90	24	View report →
90013	56	Moderate	90	42	View report →
90014	56	Moderate	90	48	View report →
90015	56	Moderate	90	18	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 54. 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 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
90028	61	Moderate	91	39
90041	61	Moderate	91	45
90046	61	Moderate	86	48
90068	61	Moderate	91	51
90004	56	Moderate	91	45
90005	56	Moderate	91	39
90006	56	Moderate	91	39
90007	56	Moderate	90	36
90009	56	Moderate	90	15
90010	56	Moderate	91	22
90011	56	Moderate	90	36
90012	56	Moderate	90	24
90013	56	Moderate	90	42
90014	56	Moderate	90	48
90015	56	Moderate	90	18

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 32 out of 100.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	32/100
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 54), 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	54	Moderate	4,028,484
Studio City	93	Moderate	3,981,169
Sherman Oaks	90	Moderate	3,875,648
Culver City	71	Moderate	3,875,566

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 54 (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 4 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 54, 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 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 32 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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