Air Quality in Los Angeles, US

Yesterday AQI: Fair ⚠️ (2 of 5)

Tomorrow AQI: Fair ⚠️ (2 of 5)

UV Index: Not available

Pollutant Levels in Los Angeles (μg/m³)

• CO: 95.06 (0–12400 µg/m³) – Carbon Monoxide – a colorless gas that limits oxygen delivery in the body. – Produced by incomplete combustion from vehicles, stoves and wildfires. High exposure reduces oxygen transport and can be life-threatening. (Low)
• NO: 0 (0–200 µg/m³) – Nitric Oxide – reactive gas that contributes to ozone and smog formation. – Short-lived gas from fuel burning. Although unstable, it contributes to ground-level ozone and secondary pollutants. (Low)
• NO2: 0.7 (0–200 µg/m³) – Nitrogen Dioxide – toxic reddish gas, linked to asthma and lung irritation. – Strongly traffic-related pollutant. Long-term exposure is associated with asthma, reduced lung function, and cardiovascular risk. (Low)
• O3: 85.7 (0–180 µg/m³) – Ozone – harmful near the ground, formed when sunlight reacts with traffic and industrial emissions. – Unlike protective ozone in the upper atmosphere, ground-level ozone is harmful. It causes chest pain, coughing and worsens bronchitis. (Moderate)
• SO2: 0.66 (0–250 µg/m³) – Sulfur Dioxide – pungent gas from coal and oil combustion, triggers respiratory issues. – Major contributor to acid rain. Short-term exposure irritates eyes, nose, throat and can trigger asthma attacks. (Low)
• PM2_5: 4.59 (0–55 µg/m³) – Fine Particles (PM2.5) – microscopic dust and smoke that enter deep into the lungs. – Particles smaller than 2.5µm – from smoke, coal burning and vehicle exhaust. They bypass body filters and reach the bloodstream. (Low)
• PM10: 16.56 (0–250 µg/m³) – Coarse Particles (PM10) – larger dust, pollen and ash particles affecting breathing. – Particles up to 10µm – from construction dust, pollen and ash. Aggravates respiratory conditions like COPD and asthma. (Low)
• NH3: 0 (0–1000 µg/m³) – Ammonia – gas mainly from agriculture and fertilizer use. – Emitted by livestock farming, fertilizers and some industry. Can form fine secondary particles when combined with NOx and SO2. (Low)

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Los Angeles Pollution & Air Quality Highlights

Current Air Quality Snapshot:
According to IQAir as of September 10, 2025, Los Angeles has “Good” air quality with an AQI of approximately 20. PM₂.₅ sits near 3.6 µg/m³, meeting WHO’s annual guideline. Other pollutants like PM₁₀, O₃, and NO₂ are also within normal ranges.:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

January 2025 Wildfire Crisis:
A catastrophic wave of wildfires ignited on January 7—most notably the Palisades and Eaton Fires—driven by unnaturally dry vegetation, strong Santa Ana winds, and preceding wet winters.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} These fires devastated the region—destroying over 18,000 structures, forcing the evacuation of more than 200,000 residents, and causing at least 29 deaths.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Air Quality During the Fires:
During peak fire days, AQI values soared: one-hour peaks exceeded 500, categorized as “hazardous.” Daily averages reached ~189, considered “unhealthy” for sensitive groups.:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} PM₂.₅ concentrations were measured at **184 µg/m³** at one monitoring station—nearly 37 times the WHO annual guideline.:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Airborne Toxic Metals Spike:
The fires also released alarming spikes of toxic metals—like lead and arsenic—into the air. Measurements from January 7–11 showed levels much higher than in previous regional wildfires, raising concerns about long-term health risks from inhaling such pollutants.:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Health & Safety Guidance:
Public health agencies issued smoke advisories and urged residents—especially those with respiratory conditions—to stay indoors, use N95 or P100 masks if venturing outside, and recirculate air through conditioning systems.:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Why AQI Didn’t Tell the Full Story:
Despite burning neighborhoods full of synthetic materials, the standard AQI often underestimated the risks by not accounting for volatile organic compounds and heavy metals. Experts emphasized that AQI readings in built-up urban fire zones should be treated cautiously.:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Summary:
As of now, air quality in Los Angeles has returned to healthy levels. However, the January 2025 wildfires revealed the city’s vulnerability to severe pollution spikes, especially involving toxic particulate matter and chemicals that typical air quality indices may not capture. Full awareness of AQI limitations and proper protective measures are crucial for residents.

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