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

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. Palatine's average AQI of 58 falls in the "Moderate" range.

Air Quality Map: Palatine, IL

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 Palatine

AQI varies across Palatine's 7 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
60038	58	Moderate	11	43	View report →
60055	58	Moderate	11	43	View report →
60067	58	Moderate	11	52	View report →
60074	58	Moderate	11	52	View report →
60078	58	Moderate	11	43	View report →
60094	58	Moderate	11	43	View report →
60095	58	Moderate	11	43	View report →

Air Quality Overview

Palatine, Illinois has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 58. 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 Palatine

AQI varies across Palatine's 7 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Palatine has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 11 (scale 0-100). There have been 7 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	11
Max smoke risk score	11
Fires within 100 km	7
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

Palatine has an average mold risk score of 46 out of 100.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	46/100
Average humidity	68% RH
High-risk ZIPs	0
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 58), 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

Palatine vs. Nearby Illinois Cities

How Palatine's air quality compares to nearby cities:

ZIP Codes in Palatine

Palatine covers 7 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.