AIR QUALITY DC

Air Quality in Washington, DC: Moderate (56 AQI)

AQI 56 · Moderate · PM2.5 · Updated 2026-05-03

Washington'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

Wildfire Risk

Mold Score

274

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. Washington's average AQI of 56 falls in the "Moderate" range.

Air Quality Map: Washington, DC

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 Washington

AQI varies across Washington's 274 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
20001	56	Moderate	10	49	View report →
20002	56	Moderate	10	64	View report →
20003	56	Moderate	10	50	View report →
20004	56	Moderate	10	38	View report →
20005	56	Moderate	10	52	View report →
20006	56	Moderate	10	55	View report →
20007	56	Moderate	10	67	View report →
20008	56	Moderate	10	58	View report →
20009	56	Moderate	10	61	View report →
20010	56	Moderate	10	61	View report →
20011	56	Moderate	10	64	View report →
20012	56	Moderate	10	61	View report →
20013	56	Moderate	10	38	View report →
20015	56	Moderate	10	64	View report →
20016	56	Moderate	10	61	View report →

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Washington, District of Columbia has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 56. 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 Washington

AQI varies across Washington's 274 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
20001	56	Moderate	10	49
20002	56	Moderate	10	64
20003	56	Moderate	10	50
20004	56	Moderate	10	38
20005	56	Moderate	10	52
20006	56	Moderate	10	55
20007	56	Moderate	10	67
20008	56	Moderate	10	58
20009	56	Moderate	10	61
20010	56	Moderate	10	61
20011	56	Moderate	10	64
20012	56	Moderate	10	61
20013	56	Moderate	10	38
20015	56	Moderate	10	64
20016	56	Moderate	10	61

Showing 15 of 274 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Washington has a low wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 10 (scale 0-100). However, smoke from distant wildfires can temporarily degrade air quality even in low-risk areas.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	10
Max smoke risk score	16
Fires within 100 km	479
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

Washington has an average mold risk score of 40 out of 100, with 17 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	40/100
Average humidity	64% RH
High-risk ZIPs	17
Peak season	summer 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 56), 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

Washington vs. Nearby District of Columbia Cities

How Washington's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Washington	56	Moderate	667,325
Naval Anacost Annex	60	Moderate	632,323
Parcel Return Service	60	Moderate	632,323
Washington Navy Yard	60	Moderate	632,323

ZIP Codes in Washington

Washington covers 274 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 Washington?

Washington's average AQI is 56 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Washington have?

Washington has zero recorded unhealthy air quality days, which is excellent. Air quality can still vary seasonally due to wildfire smoke, pollen, or industrial activity.

What is the AQI in Washington?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Washington is 56, 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 Washington?

Washington has a wildfire risk score of 10 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 Washington?

Washington has a mold risk score of 40 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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