AIR QUALITY FL

Air Quality in Tampa, FL: Moderate (56 AQI)

AQI 56 · Moderate · PM2.5 · Updated

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

Data: EPA AirNow, FEMA National Risk Index Last verified:

56
Average AQI
Moderate
AQI Category
23
Wildfire Risk
58
Mold Score
59
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. Tampa's average AQI of 56 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: Tampa, FL

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 Tampa

AQI varies across Tampa's 59 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code AQI Category Wildfire Mold
33602 57 Moderate 23 46 View report →
33603 57 Moderate 23 67 View report →
33604 57 Moderate 23 64 View report →
33605 57 Moderate 23 64 View report →
33606 57 Moderate 23 59 View report →
33607 57 Moderate 23 55 View report →
33608 57 Moderate 23 65 View report →
33609 57 Moderate 23 59 View report →
33610 57 Moderate 23 53 View report →
33611 57 Moderate 23 59 View report →
33612 57 Moderate 23 61 View report →
33613 57 Moderate 23 61 View report →
33614 57 Moderate 23 59 View report →
33617 57 Moderate 23 63 View report →
33618 57 Moderate 23 55 View report →

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Tampa, Florida 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 Tampa

AQI varies across Tampa's 59 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code AQI Category Wildfire Risk Mold Score
33602 57 Moderate 23 46
33603 57 Moderate 23 67
33604 57 Moderate 23 64
33605 57 Moderate 23 64
33606 57 Moderate 23 59
33607 57 Moderate 23 55
33608 57 Moderate 23 65
33609 57 Moderate 23 59
33610 57 Moderate 23 53
33611 57 Moderate 23 59
33612 57 Moderate 23 61
33613 57 Moderate 23 61
33614 57 Moderate 23 59
33617 57 Moderate 23 63
33618 57 Moderate 23 55

Showing 15 of 59 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Tampa has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 23 (scale 0-100). There have been 1 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric Value
Avg. smoke risk score 23
Max smoke risk score 28
Fires within 100 km 1
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

Tampa has an average mold risk score of 58 out of 100, with 38 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor Value
Mold risk score 58/100
Average humidity 72% RH
High-risk ZIPs 38
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

Tampa vs. Nearby Florida Cities

How Tampa's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City AQI Category Population
Tampa 56 Moderate 826,077
Fort Lauderdale 25 Good 849,882
Jacksonville 32 Good 945,632
Orlando 28 Good 1,072,954

ZIP Codes in Tampa

Tampa covers 59 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

Source reporting periods vary. See each cited source for its publication schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the air safe to breathe in Tampa?
Tampa'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 Tampa have?
Tampa 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 Tampa?
The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Tampa 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 Tampa?
Tampa has a wildfire risk score of 23 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 Tampa?
Tampa has a mold risk score of 58 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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