AIR QUALITY NC

Air Quality in Burlington, NC: Moderate (59 AQI)

AQI 59 · Moderate · Ozone · Updated 2026-05-03

Burlington'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. Burlington's average AQI of 59 falls in the "Moderate" range.

Air Quality by ZIP Code in Burlington

AQI varies across Burlington's 4 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
27215	59	Moderate	13	54	View report →
27216	59	Moderate	13	45	View report →
27217	59	Moderate	13	58	View report →
27220	59	Moderate	13	45	View report →

Air Quality Overview

Burlington, North Carolina has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 59. 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 Burlington

AQI varies across Burlington's 4 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
27215	59	Moderate	13	54
27216	59	Moderate	13	45
27217	59	Moderate	13	58
27220	59	Moderate	13	45

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Burlington has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 13 (scale 0-100). There have been 4 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	4
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

Burlington has an average mold risk score of 51 out of 100, with 1 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	51/100
Average humidity	71% 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 moderate air quality (AQI 59), 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

Burlington vs. Nearby North Carolina Cities

How Burlington's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Burlington	59	Moderate	65,111
Maxton	62	Moderate	67,901
Fort Bragg	62	Moderate	68,733
Camp Lejeune	62	Moderate	69,500

ZIP Codes in Burlington

Burlington covers 4 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 Burlington?

Burlington's average AQI is 59 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Burlington have?

Burlington 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 Burlington?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Burlington is 59, 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 Burlington?

Burlington 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 Burlington?

Burlington has a mold risk score of 51 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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