AIR QUALITY MN

Air Quality in Loretto, MN: Moderate (60 AQI)

AQI 60 · Moderate · Ozone · Updated 2026-07-18

Loretto's air quality is moderate. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged outdoor exertion.

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

Average AQI

Moderate

AQI Category

Unhealthy Days

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. Loretto's average AQI of 60 falls in the "Moderate" range.

Air Quality Map: Loretto, MN

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 Loretto

AQI varies across Loretto's 6 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
55357	61	Moderate	22	38	View report →
55595	60	Moderate	17	43	View report →
55596	60	Moderate	17	43	View report →
55597	60	Moderate	17	43	View report →
55598	60	Moderate	17	43	View report →
55599	60	Moderate	17	43	View report →

Air Quality Overview

Loretto, Minnesota has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 60. 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 Loretto

AQI varies across Loretto's 6 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
55357	61	Moderate	22	38
55595	60	Moderate	17	43
55596	60	Moderate	17	43
55597	60	Moderate	17	43
55598	60	Moderate	17	43
55599	60	Moderate	17	43

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Loretto has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 18 (scale 0-100). There have been 34 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	18
Max smoke risk score	22
Fires within 100 km	34
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

Loretto has an average mold risk score of 42 out of 100.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	42/100
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 60), 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

Loretto vs. Nearby Minnesota Cities

How Loretto's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Loretto	60	Moderate	3,704
Osakis	N/A	N/A	3,738
Braham	180	Unhealthy	3,655
South Haven	66	Moderate	3,640

ZIP Codes in Loretto

Loretto covers 6 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 Loretto?

Loretto's average AQI is 60 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Loretto have?

Loretto experiences 7 unhealthy air quality days per year on average. During these days, everyone - not just sensitive groups - should reduce prolonged outdoor exertion.

What is the AQI in Loretto?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Loretto is 60, 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 Loretto?

Loretto has a wildfire risk score of 18 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 Loretto?

Loretto has a mold risk score of 42 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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