AIR QUALITY NC

Air Quality in Pisgah Forest, NC: Moderate (55 AQI)

AQI 55 · Moderate · Ozone · Updated 2026-05-03

Pisgah Forest'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. Pisgah Forest's average AQI of 55 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 by ZIP Code in Pisgah Forest

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

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
28768	55	Moderate	24	50	View report →

Air Quality Overview

Pisgah Forest, North Carolina has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 55. 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 Pisgah Forest

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

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
28768	55	Moderate	24	50

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Pisgah Forest has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 24 (scale 0-100). There have been 18 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	24
Max smoke risk score	24
Fires within 100 km	18
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

Pisgah Forest has an average mold risk score of 50 out of 100.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	50/100
Average humidity	71% 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 55), 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

Pisgah Forest vs. Nearby North Carolina Cities

How Pisgah Forest's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Pisgah Forest	55	Moderate	74
Penrose	55	Moderate	74
Etowah	55	Moderate	75
Gerton	55	Moderate	77

ZIP Codes in Pisgah Forest

Pisgah Forest 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 Pisgah Forest?

Pisgah Forest's average AQI is 55 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Pisgah Forest have?

Pisgah Forest 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 Pisgah Forest?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Pisgah Forest is 55, 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 Pisgah Forest?

Pisgah Forest 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 Pisgah Forest?

Pisgah Forest has a mold risk score of 50 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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