Lowell, MA
Long-term air quality
What this page tells you
This page combines annual PM2.5, unhealthy days, 5-year trend, and data coverage so you can compare long-term air quality, not just today's reading.
Lowell, MA air quality summary: Lowell, MA, has a clean air score of 55.4 and an air quality grade of C. The annual mean concentration of PM2.5 in the city is 8.8 micrograms per cubic meter. Lowell maintains a PM2.5 annual mean of 8.8, which represents a moderate level for long-term particulate exposure. The long-term air quality in Lowell has been worsening over recent years.
Clean Air Score
The score of 55.4 and C grade indicate that Lowell experiences average air quality typical of many Northeastern urban centers. These values suggest that particulate levels are moderate but persistent over the long term.
🏡 What This Means for Buying
Prospective residents should evaluate air quality as one factor among several when considering a home in Lowell. The C grade indicates that particulate levels are a relevant part of the city's environmental profile.
Indoor Air Quality in Lowell, MA
Outdoor pollution can still affect indoor air when windows are open, filtration is weak, or wildfire smoke moves in.
How to react when today's AQI changes
Use the AQI bands below to decide whether to open windows, run an air purifier, or stay indoors when pollution spikes in Lowell.
AQI 0-50
GoodOpen windows: Open windows if you want fresh air.
Air purifier: No purifier needed for most homes.
Indoor activity: Normal indoor activity is fine.
AQI 51-100
ModerateOpen windows: Sensitive groups should limit open-window time.
Air purifier: Use fans or filtration if dust or pollen is bothering you.
Indoor activity: Most people can stay active indoors.
AQI 101-150
Unhealthy for Sensitive GroupsOpen windows: Keep windows closed.
Air purifier: Run a HEPA purifier in the main room and bedroom.
Indoor activity: Sensitive groups should reduce outdoor exposure.
AQI 151+
UnhealthyOpen windows: Keep windows and doors closed.
Air purifier: Run HEPA continuously and seal obvious drafts.
Indoor activity: Stay indoors as much as possible; use an N95 if you must go out.
Common indoor air concerns in Lowell:
- Seasonal pollen and dust mite allergens
- VOCs from household products
Recommended action: If today's AQI reaches 101 or higher, close windows and run HEPA filtration before indoor air starts to feel smoky or stale.
Top Products for Lowell Homes:
🩺 My Health Risk Assessment
See how Lowell's air quality affects you and your family specifically.
Health Advice
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</> Create Free Widget🏡 Property Value Impact Analysis
Between 2019 and 2024, Lowell's air quality worsened by 2.2 μg/m³. Based on NBER studies, this change correlates with a estimated 8.8% decrease in relative property value retention.
Cleaner Alternatives in MA
Why Lowell earned a 55.4
Raw inputs, scoring weights, and data coverage for this city.
Best Time to Run
Find the cleanest hours for your run today.
Cycling Forecast
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📅 Past 30 Days Trend
Real-time daily PM2.5 AQI
🌸 Pollen Outlook
Current Seasonal Forecast
How it worksBased on current seasonal forecast data. Not a long-term pollution rating or relocation score.
Score Breakdown
| Component | Weight | Score Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Air Quality | 40% | 45.5 |
| Unhealthy Days | 25% | 78.1 |
| 5-Year Trend | 20% | 39 |
| Seasonal Variability | 10% | 37.3 |
| Extreme Events | 5% | 80 |
Explore More Air Quality Data
Frequently Asked Questions
About This Data
Data Sources
Historical air quality mapping and scoring are based completely on official U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) AirNow API data. 5-day AQI forecasts are provided by WAQI.
Methodology
Our Clean Air Score (0-100) is a proprietary algorithm that weighs multiple factors:
- Annual PM2.5 averages (40%)
- Frequency of unhealthy days (25%)
- 5-year pollution trends (20%)
- Seasonal variability and extreme events (15%)
Updates & Accuracy
Real-time data is updated hourly. Historical aggregate scores are recalculated monthly to reflect the latest trends. While we strive for accuracy, sensor maintenance and local conditions can affect individual readings.
Practical Advice
When AQI > 100: Sensitive groups (children, elderly, asthmatics) should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
When AQI > 150: Everyone should avoid outdoor exercise and keep windows closed.
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Lowell Air Quality FAQs
Is Lowell a good fit for people who care about long-term air quality?
With a score of 55.4 and a grade of C, Lowell is in a moderate category for air quality. Its PM2.5 annual mean of 8.8 is considered acceptable but remains an important factor for long-term living.
How frequent is unhealthy air in Lowell?
Lowell records an unhealthy air day frequency of 1.1%, which contributes to its overall grade of C. This frequency suggests that residents will occasionally encounter days with elevated pollution levels.
Is air quality in Lowell improving or getting worse over time?
Current data indicates that long-term air quality in Lowell has been worsening over recent years. Monitoring trends show a gradual increase in typical particulate levels.
Does air quality vary across different parts of Lowell?
Air quality can vary within Lowell due to local traffic, industry, and location patterns. Individual addresses may experience different exposure levels based on their specific urban context.