AIR QUALITY SC

Air Quality in Columbia, SC: Moderate (55 AQI)

AQI 55 · Moderate · PM2.5 · Updated 2026-07-18

Columbia'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

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. Columbia'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 Map: Columbia, SC

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 Columbia

AQI varies across Columbia's 34 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
29201	55	Moderate	18	54	View report →
29202	55	Moderate	18	54	View report →
29203	55	Moderate	18	62	View report →
29204	55	Moderate	18	69	View report →
29205	55	Moderate	23	72	View report →
29206	55	Moderate	23	69	View report →
29207	55	Moderate	23	39	View report →
29208	55	Moderate	18	63	View report →
29209	55	Moderate	23	60	View report →
29210	55	Moderate	18	65	View report →
29211	55	Moderate	18	63	View report →
29212	55	Moderate	18	60	View report →
29214	55	Moderate	18	49	View report →
29215	55	Moderate	23	49	View report →
29216	55	Moderate	18	63	View report →

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Columbia, South 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 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 Columbia

AQI varies across Columbia's 34 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
29201	55	Moderate	18	54
29202	55	Moderate	18	54
29203	55	Moderate	18	62
29204	55	Moderate	18	69
29205	55	Moderate	23	72
29206	55	Moderate	23	69
29207	55	Moderate	23	39
29208	55	Moderate	18	63
29209	55	Moderate	23	60
29210	55	Moderate	18	65
29211	55	Moderate	18	63
29212	55	Moderate	18	60
29214	55	Moderate	18	49
29215	55	Moderate	23	49
29216	55	Moderate	18	63

Showing 15 of 34 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Columbia has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 22 (scale 0-100). There have been 104 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	22
Max smoke risk score	39
Fires within 100 km	104
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

Columbia has an average mold risk score of 59 out of 100, with 23 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	59/100
Average humidity	73% 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 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

Columbia vs. Nearby South Carolina Cities

How Columbia's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Columbia	55	Moderate	345,750
State Park	87	Moderate	319,500
Conestee	60	Moderate	396,265
Greenville	60	Moderate	231,120

ZIP Codes in Columbia

Columbia covers 34 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 Columbia?

Columbia'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 Columbia have?

Columbia 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 Columbia?

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

Columbia has a wildfire risk score of 22 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 Columbia?

Columbia has a mold risk score of 59 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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