AIR QUALITY SC

Air Quality in Greenville, SC: Moderate (70 AQI)

AQI 70 · Moderate · Ozone · Updated 2026-05-03

Greenville'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

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. Greenville's average AQI of 70 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: Greenville, 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 Greenville

AQI varies across Greenville's 17 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
29601	70	Moderate	19	43	View report →
29602	70	Moderate	34	40	View report →
29603	70	Moderate	18	40	View report →
29604	70	Moderate	35	40	View report →
29605	70	Moderate	18	52	View report →
29606	70	Moderate	19	45	View report →
29607	70	Moderate	18	46	View report →
29608	70	Moderate	19	40	View report →
29609	70	Moderate	19	52	View report →
29610	70	Moderate	19	36	View report →
29611	70	Moderate	19	52	View report →
29612	70	Moderate	19	36	View report →
29613	70	Moderate	24	36	View report →
29614	70	Moderate	18	51	View report →
29615	70	Moderate	18	54	View report →

Showing 15 of 17 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Greenville, South Carolina has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 70. 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 Greenville

AQI varies across Greenville's 17 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
29601	70	Moderate	19	43
29602	70	Moderate	34	40
29603	70	Moderate	18	40
29604	70	Moderate	35	40
29605	70	Moderate	18	52
29606	70	Moderate	19	45
29607	70	Moderate	18	46
29608	70	Moderate	19	40
29609	70	Moderate	19	52
29610	70	Moderate	19	36
29611	70	Moderate	19	52
29612	70	Moderate	19	36
29613	70	Moderate	24	36
29614	70	Moderate	18	51
29615	70	Moderate	18	54

Showing 15 of 17 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Greenville has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 21 (scale 0-100). There have been 164 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	21
Max smoke risk score	35
Fires within 100 km	164
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

Greenville has an average mold risk score of 44 out of 100.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	44/100
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 70), 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

Greenville vs. Nearby South Carolina Cities

How Greenville's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Greenville	70	Moderate	396,265
Conestee	85	Moderate	396,265
Charleston	71	Moderate	327,422
Hanahan	71	Moderate	327,422

ZIP Codes in Greenville

Greenville covers 17 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 Greenville?

Greenville's average AQI is 70 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Greenville have?

Greenville experiences 51 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 Greenville?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Greenville is 70, 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 Greenville?

Greenville 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 Greenville?

Greenville has a mold risk score of 44 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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