Cal State LA monitors regional air quality to provide guidance and information on campus activities and operations. The university evaluates air quality conditions using current, and forecasted data, as well as other atmospheric variables such as wind and temperature. Air quality information can vary significantly depending on the location of sensors, the calculation methods used, and specific microclimates. Cal State LA primarily relies on data from AirNow, a trusted source operated by the Environmental Protection Agency. While AirNow provides reliable air quality data, its sensors closest to the campus are located in nearby areas, such as downtown Los Angeles and Pasadena, which may reflect conditions slightly different from those on campus. AirNow offers detailed insights into air quality index calculations and provides health-related recommendations for various air quality levels. The campus community is encouraged to use this resource to stay informed and make decisions to protect their well-being during periods of poor air quality.
Air Quality Index Colors and Their Meaning
The air quality index, or AQI, is a calculation based on a given air pollutant and its concentration over a period of time. Considered pollutants include ground-level ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide; AQI is calculated from the highest pollutant concentration. The index ranges from 0 to 500 with bands for: good, moderate, unhealthy for sensitive groups, unhealthy, very unhealthy, and hazardous.
| Color | Category | Air Quality Index (AQI) Range | Health Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green | Good | 0-50 | Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. |
| Yellow | Moderate | 51-100 | Air quality is acceptable; however, some pollutants may affect sensitive individuals. |
| Orange | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | 101-150 | Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. General public is unlikely to be affected. |
| Red | Unhealthy | 151-200 | Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious effects. |
| Purple | Very Unhealthy | 201-300 | Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health effects. |
| Maroon | Hazardous | 301-500 | Health warning of emergency conditions. Entire population is more likely to be affected. |
Wildfire Smoke
Wildfire smoke contains many air pollutants, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ozone that are known to cause health issues. Particulate matter can trigger respiratory problems and asthma. Those most at risk include the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic respiratory and heart conditions. Children are also at a higher risk as they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults, and wildfire smoke can irritate their still-developing lungs.
When a wildfire is threatening your area, follow these guidelines:
- Monitor local area radio or television states for the latest wildfire information.
- Be prepared to evacuate on a moment's notice.
- Make sure you have an emergency kit, complete with medications, copies of prescriptions and medical supplies.
- Locate nearby shelters, including ones that take pets.
- Arrange to stay with family or friends outside the threatened area.
Indoor PM2.5 Monitoring Update
June 24, 2026 Update
Cal State LA continues to monitor regional air quality conditions associated with the Boyle Heights warehouse fire.
As of June 24, 2026, regional Air Quality Index (AQI) values near campus have generally remained within the Moderate range. No widespread smoke impacts or smoke odors have been observed during campus monitoring activities today.
The Los Angeles Fire Department has reported significant progress in extinguishing the warehouse fire.
Indoor PM2.5 measurements collected on June 22 and June 23 remained generally low and demonstrated that conditions varied by location and time of day. Historical monitoring results remain available below for reference.
Indoor PM2.5 monitoring was conducted in response to smoke impacts associated with the warehouse fire. Additional indoor monitoring may be conducted if conditions warrant.
The university will continue to monitor regional air quality conditions and provide updates as appropriate.
Note: The values shown below are indoor PM2.5 measurements in micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m³) and should not be interpreted as Air Quality Index (AQI) values.
Indoor PM2.5 Monitoring History
June 23, 2026
The table below summarizes indoor PM2.5 measurements collected on June 23, 2026 at selected locations across campus buildings.
| Building | Morning Reading | Afternoon Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Corporation Yard | 4.4 (7:45 AM) | 7.2 (2:00 PM) |
| Salazar Hall | 4.2 (7:50 AM) | 7.1 (1:51 PM) |
| Simpson Tower | 2.6 (7:55 AM) | 6.2 (1:47 PM) |
| La Kretz Hall | 4.9 (8:00 AM) | 8.8 (1:42 PM) |
| Rosser Hall | 2.5 (8:05 AM) | 8.3 (1:40 PM) |
| Biological Sciences | 4.0 (8:10 AM) | 6.8 (1:35 PM) |
| Health Center | 3.7 (8:13 AM) | 4.4 (1:32 PM) |
| Career Center | 5.1 (8:15 AM) | 8.5 (1:28 PM) |
| Physical Education | 3.6 (8:18 AM) | 6.2 (1:25 PM) |
| ECST | 4.3 (8:21 AM) | 6.7 (1:22 PM) |
| Fine Arts | 4.7 (8:23 AM) | 9.7 (1:15 PM) |
| King Hall | 3.7 (8:25 AM) | 6.7 (1:10 PM) |
| Music Building | 4.3 (8:30 AM) | 6.1 (1:05 PM) |
| Theatre Arts | 5.3 (8:33 AM) | 8.4 (1:00 PM) |
| Library | 2.9 (8:46 AM) | 3.5 (1:17 PM) |
| Student Services Building (SSB) | 5.6 (8:55 AM) | 9.6 (12:45 PM) |
June 22, 2026
| Building | Time | PM2.5 (µg/m³) |
|---|---|---|
| King Hall | 11:30 AM | 6.3 |
| King Hall | 1:00 PM | 7.8 |
| King Hall | 2:30 PM | 1.4 |
| Student Services Building (SSB) | 7:30 AM | 5.7 |
| Student Services Building (SSB) | 11:15 AM | 13.8 |
| Student Services Building (SSB) | 12:45 PM | 6.7 |
| Student Services Building (SSB) | 3:15 PM | 5.8 |
| Music Building | 9:45 AM | 6.1 |
| Music Building | 11:30 AM | 6.6 |
| Music Building | 2:45 PM | 0.7 |
| Corporation Yard | 6:30 AM | 2.8 |
| Corporation Yard | 8:30 AM | 3.5 |
| Corporation Yard | 2:00 PM | 4.1 |
| Health Center / CAPS | 12:00 PM | 7.6 |
| Health Center / CAPS | 1:30 PM | 6.4 |
| Health Center / CAPS | 3:00 PM | 3.5 |
| Library | 12:15 PM | 12.6 |
| Library | 12:45 PM | 4.1 |
| Library | 3:05 PM | 2.0 |