Emerson, New Jersey Air Quality
Emerson has a median AQI of 40, earning an air quality grade of A — excellent air quality that ranks better than 60% of US cities. Air quality has been improving steadily over the past decade, a positive sign for residents. Ground-level ozone is the primary concern, typically peaking on warm sunny days due to vehicle and industrial emissions. In 2025, Emerson recorded 128 good air quality days (71% of monitored days) and 1 unhealthy days.
Population: 7,305 • County: Bergen
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 14 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | A |
| Median AQI (2025) | 40 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 60% |
| Primary Pollutant | Ozone |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 1 |
| 10-Year Trend | ↑ Improving |
| Data Source | EPA AQS (historical) · AirNow (live) |
Health Recommendation
Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
It's a great day to be active outside!
5-Day AQI Forecast
Last 90 Days
Current Pollutant Levels
Real-time data from EPA AirNow
Local Air Quality Context
Air quality data for Emerson is sourced from the Paterson monitoring area, located approximately 9 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks ground-level ozone, the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Emerson has relatively consistent air quality throughout the year without a strong seasonal peak. Air quality is primarily influenced by local traffic, industrial activity, and regional weather patterns rather than a single seasonal driver.
AQI Trend (10 Years)
Air Quality Days by Year
Emerson Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Emerson — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 40 | 128 | 1 | 108 | Ozone |
| 2024 | 40 | 267 | 10 | 156 | Ozone |
| 2023 | 48 | 204 | 9 | 197 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 42 | 259 | — | 90 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 43 | 230 | 9 | 147 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 43 | 228 | 3 | 119 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 53 | 149 | 5 | 150 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 53 | 153 | 14 | 164 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 45 | 209 | 7 | 140 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 47 | 197 | 10 | 151 | PM2.5 |
Source: EPA Air Quality System (AQS) annual summaries. "Unhealthy Days" includes Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, Very Unhealthy, and Hazardous categories.
2025 Air Quality Summary
Primary Pollutant Days (2025)
Days when each pollutant was the primary driver of AQI. Learn about pollutants →
Frequently Asked Questions About Emerson Air Quality
What is the air quality in Emerson today?
The current AQI in Emerson is 14, rated "Good". Air quality is good — outdoor activity is safe for everyone today. Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
Is air quality in Emerson getting better or worse?
Air quality in Emerson has been improving. The median AQI has dropped 7 points (from 47 in 2016 to 40 in 2025), a positive trend for residents.
What is the most common air pollutant in Emerson?
Ozone is the primary air pollutant in Emerson, responsible for 74 days (41% of monitored days) in 2025. Ground-level ozone forms when sunlight reacts with emissions from vehicles and industry, typically peaking on hot summer afternoons.
How many unhealthy air days does Emerson have per year?
In 2025, Emerson recorded 71% good air quality days (128 days) out of 180 monitored days. There were 1 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 108.
What air quality grade does Emerson receive?
Emerson receives an air quality grade of A, placing it better than 60% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 40 in 2025, with 128 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 60% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how Emerson compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Emerson
Ozone is Emerson's primary pollutant. Standard HEPA filters don't capture ozone molecules — you need activated carbon or PECO technology to chemically break them down. We highlight those units here.
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Molekule Air Pro
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