AIR QUALITY MD

Air Quality in Silver Spring, MD: Moderate (54 AQI)

AQI 54 · Moderate · Ozone · Updated 2026-05-03

Silver Spring'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. Silver Spring's average AQI of 54 falls in the "Moderate" range.

Air Quality Map: Silver Spring, MD

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 Silver Spring

AQI varies across Silver Spring's 16 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
20901	54	Moderate	16	55	View report →
20902	54	Moderate	16	55	View report →
20903	54	Moderate	16	46	View report →
20904	54	Moderate	16	40	View report →
20905	54	Moderate	16	40	View report →
20906	54	Moderate	16	50	View report →
20907	54	Moderate	16	29	View report →
20908	54	Moderate	16	29	View report →
20910	54	Moderate	16	49	View report →
20911	54	Moderate	16	29	View report →
20914	54	Moderate	16	29	View report →
20915	54	Moderate	16	29	View report →
20916	54	Moderate	16	29	View report →
20918	54	Moderate	16	29	View report →
20993	54	Moderate	16	29	View report →

Showing 15 of 16 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Silver Spring, Maryland has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 54. 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 Silver Spring

AQI varies across Silver Spring's 16 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
20901	54	Moderate	16	55
20902	54	Moderate	16	55
20903	54	Moderate	16	46
20904	54	Moderate	16	40
20905	54	Moderate	16	40
20906	54	Moderate	16	50
20907	54	Moderate	16	29
20908	54	Moderate	16	29
20910	54	Moderate	16	49
20911	54	Moderate	16	29
20914	54	Moderate	16	29
20915	54	Moderate	16	29
20916	54	Moderate	16	29
20918	54	Moderate	16	29
20993	54	Moderate	16	29

Showing 15 of 16 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Silver Spring has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 16 (scale 0-100). There have been 16 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	16
Max smoke risk score	16
Fires within 100 km	16
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

Silver Spring has an average mold risk score of 37 out of 100, with 2 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	37/100
Average humidity	67% RH
High-risk ZIPs	2
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 54), 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

Silver Spring vs. Nearby Maryland Cities

How Silver Spring's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Silver Spring	54	Moderate	1,248
Ashton	57	Moderate	1,248
Bladensburg	60	Moderate	1,248
Brentwood	60	Moderate	1,248

ZIP Codes in Silver Spring

Silver Spring covers 16 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 Silver Spring?

Silver Spring's average AQI is 54 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Silver Spring have?

Silver Spring 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 Silver Spring?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Silver Spring is 54, categorized as Moderate. The primary pollutant is Ozone. 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 Silver Spring?

Silver Spring has a wildfire risk score of 16 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 Silver Spring?

Silver Spring has a mold risk score of 37 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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