AIR QUALITY NJ

Air Quality in Newark, NJ: Moderate (56 AQI)

AQI 56 · Moderate · PM2.5 · Updated 2026-05-03

Newark'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. Newark's average AQI of 56 falls in the "Moderate" range.

Air Quality Map: Newark, NJ

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 Newark

AQI varies across Newark's 20 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
07101	56	Moderate	17	36	View report →
07102	56	Moderate	17	46	View report →
07103	56	Moderate	17	37	View report →
07104	56	Moderate	17	51	View report →
07105	56	Moderate	17	55	View report →
07106	56	Moderate	17	54	View report →
07107	56	Moderate	17	51	View report →
07108	56	Moderate	17	43	View report →
07112	56	Moderate	17	57	View report →
07114	56	Moderate	17	52	View report →
07175	56	Moderate	17	32	View report →
07184	56	Moderate	17	32	View report →
07188	56	Moderate	17	32	View report →
07189	56	Moderate	17	32	View report →
07191	56	Moderate	17	32	View report →

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Newark, New Jersey has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 56. 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 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 Newark

AQI varies across Newark's 20 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
07101	56	Moderate	17	36
07102	56	Moderate	17	46
07103	56	Moderate	17	37
07104	56	Moderate	17	51
07105	56	Moderate	17	55
07106	56	Moderate	17	54
07107	56	Moderate	17	51
07108	56	Moderate	17	43
07112	56	Moderate	17	57
07114	56	Moderate	17	52
07175	56	Moderate	17	32
07184	56	Moderate	17	32
07188	56	Moderate	17	32
07189	56	Moderate	17	32
07191	56	Moderate	17	32

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Newark has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 17 (scale 0-100). There have been 60 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	17
Max smoke risk score	17
Fires within 100 km	60
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

Newark has an average mold risk score of 40 out of 100, with 2 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	40/100
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 56), 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

Newark vs. Nearby New Jersey Cities

How Newark's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Newark	56	Moderate	294,274
Bayonne	55	Moderate	294,274
Elizabethport	55	Moderate	294,274
Elizabeth	55	Moderate	294,274

ZIP Codes in Newark

Newark covers 20 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 Newark?

Newark's average AQI is 56 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Newark have?

Newark 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 Newark?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Newark is 56, categorized as Moderate. 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 Newark?

Newark has a wildfire risk score of 17 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 Newark?

Newark has a mold risk score of 40 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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