AIR QUALITY LA

Air Quality in New Orleans, LA: Moderate (53 AQI)

AQI 53 · Moderate · PM2.5 · Updated 2026-05-03

New Orleans'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. New Orleans's average AQI of 53 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: New Orleans, 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 New Orleans

AQI varies across New Orleans's 62 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
70112	53	Moderate	25	92	View report →
70113	53	Moderate	25	92	View report →
70114	53	Moderate	25	86	View report →
70115	53	Moderate	25	92	View report →
70116	53	Moderate	20	92	View report →
70117	53	Moderate	20	92	View report →
70118	53	Moderate	25	92	View report →
70119	53	Moderate	20	92	View report →
70121	53	Moderate	25	89	View report →
70122	53	Moderate	20	89	View report →
70123	53	Moderate	25	81	View report →
70124	53	Moderate	20	81	View report →
70125	53	Moderate	25	92	View report →
70126	53	Moderate	20	81	View report →
70127	53	Moderate	20	81	View report →

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

New Orleans, Louisiana has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 53. 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 New Orleans

AQI varies across New Orleans's 62 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
70112	53	Moderate	25	92
70113	53	Moderate	25	92
70114	53	Moderate	25	86
70115	53	Moderate	25	92
70116	53	Moderate	20	92
70117	53	Moderate	20	92
70118	53	Moderate	25	92
70119	53	Moderate	20	92
70121	53	Moderate	25	89
70122	53	Moderate	20	89
70123	53	Moderate	25	81
70124	53	Moderate	20	81
70125	53	Moderate	25	92
70126	53	Moderate	20	81
70127	53	Moderate	20	81

Showing 15 of 62 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

New Orleans has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 24 (scale 0-100). There have been 69 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	24
Max smoke risk score	25
Fires within 100 km	69
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

New Orleans has an average mold risk score of 73 out of 100, with 62 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	73/100
Average humidity	80% RH
High-risk ZIPs	62
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 53), 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

New Orleans vs. Nearby Louisiana Cities

How New Orleans's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
New Orleans	53	Moderate	387,921
Harvey	67	Moderate	351,929
Marrero	67	Moderate	343,437
Arabi	67	Moderate	334,903

ZIP Codes in New Orleans

New Orleans covers 62 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 New Orleans?

New Orleans's average AQI is 53 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does New Orleans have?

New Orleans 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 New Orleans?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in New Orleans is 53, 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 New Orleans?

New Orleans has a wildfire risk score of 24 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 New Orleans?

New Orleans has a mold risk score of 73 out of 100, based on humidity, precipitation, and temperature data. This is elevated — proper ventilation, dehumidifiers, and regular inspection of basements and bathrooms are important.

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