AIR QUALITY TX

Air Quality in Desoto, TX: Moderate (62 AQI)

AQI 62 · Moderate · PM2.5 · Updated 2026-05-03

Desoto'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. Desoto's average AQI of 62 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 Desoto

AQI varies across Desoto's 2 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
75115	62	Moderate	30	44	View report →
75123	62	Moderate	30	28	View report →

Air Quality Overview

Desoto, Texas has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 62. 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 Desoto

AQI varies across Desoto's 2 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
75115	62	Moderate	30	44
75123	62	Moderate	30	28

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Desoto has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 30 (scale 0-100). There have been 38 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	30
Max smoke risk score	30
Fires within 100 km	38
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

Desoto has an average mold risk score of 36 out of 100.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	36/100
Average humidity	63% RH
High-risk ZIPs	0
Peak season	winter 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 62), 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

Desoto vs. Nearby Texas Cities

How Desoto's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Desoto	62	Moderate	57,999
Clint	88	Moderate	59,049
San Elizario	88	Moderate	59,049
Waxahachie	54	Moderate	59,149

ZIP Codes in Desoto

Desoto covers 2 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 Desoto?

Desoto's average AQI is 62 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Desoto have?

Desoto 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 Desoto?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Desoto is 62, 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 Desoto?

Desoto has a wildfire risk score of 30 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 Desoto?

Desoto has a mold risk score of 36 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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