AIR QUALITY LA

Air Quality in Baton Rouge, LA: Moderate (55 AQI)

AQI 55 · Moderate · PM2.5 · Updated 2026-05-03

Baton Rouge'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

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. Baton Rouge's average AQI of 55 falls in the "Moderate" range.

Air Quality Map: Baton Rouge, LA

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 Baton Rouge

AQI varies across Baton Rouge's 42 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
70801	55	Moderate	13	68	View report →
70802	55	Moderate	13	74	View report →
70803	55	Moderate	13	41	View report →
70804	55	Moderate	13	56	View report →
70805	55	Moderate	13	78	View report →
70806	55	Moderate	13	69	View report →
70807	55	Moderate	13	71	View report →
70808	55	Moderate	13	71	View report →
70809	55	Moderate	13	69	View report →
70810	55	Moderate	13	62	View report →
70811	55	Moderate	13	71	View report →
70812	55	Moderate	13	69	View report →
70813	55	Moderate	13	56	View report →
70814	55	Moderate	13	73	View report →
70815	55	Moderate	13	73	View report →

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Baton Rouge, Louisiana has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 55. 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 Baton Rouge

AQI varies across Baton Rouge's 42 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
70801	55	Moderate	13	68
70802	55	Moderate	13	74
70803	55	Moderate	13	41
70804	55	Moderate	13	56
70805	55	Moderate	13	78
70806	55	Moderate	13	69
70807	55	Moderate	13	71
70808	55	Moderate	13	71
70809	55	Moderate	13	69
70810	55	Moderate	13	62
70811	55	Moderate	13	71
70812	55	Moderate	13	69
70813	55	Moderate	13	56
70814	55	Moderate	13	73
70815	55	Moderate	13	73

Showing 15 of 42 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Baton Rouge has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 13 (scale 0-100). There have been 296 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	13
Max smoke risk score	13
Fires within 100 km	296
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

Baton Rouge has an average mold risk score of 60 out of 100, with 28 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	60/100
Average humidity	80% RH
High-risk ZIPs	28
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 55), 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

Baton Rouge vs. Nearby Louisiana Cities

How Baton Rouge's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Baton Rouge	55	Moderate	695,268
Brusly	93	Moderate	596,844
New Orleans	67	Moderate	387,921
Harvey	67	Moderate	351,929

ZIP Codes in Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge covers 42 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 Baton Rouge?

Baton Rouge's average AQI is 55 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Baton Rouge have?

Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Baton Rouge is 55, 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 Baton Rouge?

Baton Rouge has a wildfire risk score of 13 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 Baton Rouge?

Baton Rouge has a mold risk score of 60 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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