AIR QUALITY MA

Air Quality in Melrose, MA: Good (42 AQI)

AQI 42 · Good · PM2.5 · Updated 2026-05-03

Melrose's air quality is good. Air pollution poses little or no risk.

Data: EPA AirNow, FEMA National Risk Index Last verified: 2026-05-03

Average AQI

Good

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. Melrose's average AQI of 42 falls in the "Good" 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 by ZIP Code in Melrose

AQI varies across Melrose's 1 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
02176	42	Good	23	63	View report →

Air Quality Overview

Melrose, Massachusetts has good air quality with an average AQI of 42. This means air pollution poses little or no risk. The dominant pollutant measured 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 Melrose

AQI varies across Melrose's 1 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
02176	42	Good	23	63

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Melrose 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	23
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

Melrose has an average mold risk score of 63 out of 100, with 1 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	63/100
Average humidity	67% RH
High-risk ZIPs	1
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 good air quality (AQI 42), Melrose residents can enjoy outdoor activities without significant restrictions. General tips:

Monitor AQI during wildfire season for temporary spikes
Use HEPA air purifiers indoors if you have respiratory conditions
Maintain indoor humidity between 30-50% to prevent mold

Melrose vs. Nearby Massachusetts Cities

How Melrose's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Melrose	42	Good	29,357
Stoughton	41	Good	29,331
Wareham	44	Good	29,190
Wellesley Hills	42	Good	29,550

ZIP Codes in Melrose

Melrose covers 1 ZIP code. 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 Melrose?

Yes — Melrose's average AQI is 42 (Good). Air pollution poses little or no risk for the general population.

How many unhealthy air days does Melrose have?

Melrose 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 Melrose?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Melrose is 42, categorized as Good. 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 Melrose?

Melrose 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 Melrose?

Melrose has a mold risk score of 63 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.

Home → Cities → Massachusetts → Melrose, MA → Air Quality