AIR QUALITY NJ

Air Quality in Trenton, NJ: Moderate (72 AQI)

AQI 72 · Moderate · Ozone · Updated 2026-07-18

Trenton'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

140

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. Trenton's average AQI of 72 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 Map: Trenton, 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 Trenton

AQI varies across Trenton's 28 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
08601	72	Moderate	40	47	View report →
08602	72	Moderate	20	60	View report →
08603	72	Moderate	20	60	View report →
08604	72	Moderate	20	47	View report →
08605	72	Moderate	20	60	View report →
08606	72	Moderate	20	60	View report →
08607	72	Moderate	20	60	View report →
08608	72	Moderate	20	58	View report →
08609	72	Moderate	20	67	View report →
08610	72	Moderate	20	64	View report →
08611	72	Moderate	20	67	View report →
08618	72	Moderate	20	72	View report →
08619	72	Moderate	20	67	View report →
08620	72	Moderate	19	58	View report →
08625	72	Moderate	20	60	View report →

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Trenton, New Jersey has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 72. 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 Trenton

AQI varies across Trenton's 28 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
08601	72	Moderate	40	47
08602	72	Moderate	20	60
08603	72	Moderate	20	60
08604	72	Moderate	20	47
08605	72	Moderate	20	60
08606	72	Moderate	20	60
08607	72	Moderate	20	60
08608	72	Moderate	20	58
08609	72	Moderate	20	67
08610	72	Moderate	20	64
08611	72	Moderate	20	67
08618	72	Moderate	20	72
08619	72	Moderate	20	67
08620	72	Moderate	19	58
08625	72	Moderate	20	60

Showing 15 of 28 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Trenton has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 21 (scale 0-100). There have been 289 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	21
Max smoke risk score	40
Fires within 100 km	289
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

Trenton has an average mold risk score of 60 out of 100, with 23 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	60/100
Average humidity	67% RH
High-risk ZIPs	23
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 72), 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

Trenton vs. Nearby New Jersey Cities

How Trenton's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Trenton	72	Moderate	239,192
Whitesboro	170	Unhealthy	218,472
Jersey City	164	Unhealthy	289,691
Newark	164	Unhealthy	307,360

ZIP Codes in Trenton

Trenton covers 28 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 Trenton?

Trenton's average AQI is 72 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Trenton have?

Trenton experiences 140 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 Trenton?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Trenton is 72, 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 Trenton?

Trenton has a wildfire risk score of 21 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 Trenton?

Trenton has a mold risk score of 60 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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