AIR QUALITY CA

Air Quality in Salton City, CA: Moderate (90 AQI)

AQI 90 · Moderate · PM10 · Updated 2026-05-03

Salton City'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. Salton City's average AQI of 90 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 by ZIP Code in Salton City

AQI varies across Salton City's 1 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
92275	90	Moderate	28	17	View report →

Air Quality Overview

Salton City, California has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 90. 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 PM10.

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: PM10

PM10 is one of six criteria pollutants monitored by the EPA under the Clean Air Act. Elevated levels can cause respiratory irritation and may aggravate existing health conditions.

Air Quality by ZIP Code in Salton City

AQI varies across Salton City's 1 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
92275	90	Moderate	28	17

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Salton City has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 28 (scale 0-100). There have been 28 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	28
Max smoke risk score	28
Fires within 100 km	28
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

Salton City has an average mold risk score of 17 out of 100.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	17/100
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 90), 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

Salton City vs. Nearby California Cities

How Salton City's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Salton City	90	Moderate	316
Larkspur	42	Good	316
Mecca	91	Moderate	316
Thermal	91	Moderate	316

ZIP Codes in Salton City

Salton City covers 1 ZIP code. 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 Salton City?

Salton City's average AQI is 90 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Salton City have?

Salton City experiences 7 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 Salton City?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Salton City is 90, categorized as Moderate. The primary pollutant is PM10. 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 Salton City?

Salton City has a wildfire risk score of 28 out of 100. Low wildfire risk means smoke events are uncommon, but regional fires can still temporarily affect air quality.

Is mold a concern in Salton City?

Salton City has a mold risk score of 17 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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