Union, New Jersey Air Quality
Union has a median AQI of 45, earning an air quality grade of A- — excellent air quality that ranks better than 27% of US cities. Air quality has been improving steadily over the past decade, a positive sign for residents. Particulate matter (PM2.5) is the primary concern, often linked to vehicle traffic, industrial activity, and wildfire smoke. In 2025, Union recorded 112 good air quality days (62% of monitored days).
Population: 2,774 • County: Union
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 22 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | A- |
| Median AQI (2025) | 45 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 27% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM2.5 |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 0 |
| 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 Union is sourced from the Elizabeth Trailer monitoring area, located approximately 5 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM2.5), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Union tends to see elevated PM2.5 readings during fall and winter months when temperature inversions trap pollutants near the surface. Wood burning, vehicle exhaust, and reduced wind speeds compound the effect. Residents with respiratory conditions should monitor forecasts closely between November and February.
AQI Trend (10 Years)
Air Quality Days by Year
Union Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Union — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 45 | 112 | — | 71 | PM2.5 |
| 2024 | 43 | 229 | — | 85 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 52 | 163 | 5 | 227 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 49 | 191 | — | 82 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 52 | 157 | 1 | 139 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 48 | 198 | 1 | 111 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 52 | 167 | — | 100 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 52 | 156 | — | 96 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 53 | 144 | 1 | 101 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 52 | 152 | — | 90 | 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 Union Air Quality
What is the air quality in Union today?
The current AQI in Union is 22, 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 Union getting better or worse?
Air quality in Union has been improving. The median AQI has dropped 7 points (from 52 in 2016 to 45 in 2025), a positive trend for residents.
What is the most common air pollutant in Union?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Union, responsible for 131 days (73% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Union have per year?
In 2025, Union recorded 62% good air quality days (112 days) out of 180 monitored days. There were 0 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 71.
What air quality grade does Union receive?
Union receives an air quality grade of A-, placing it better than 27% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 45 in 2025, with 112 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 27% of US cities
Nearby Cities
Get AQI Alerts
Receive notifications when air quality changes in Union
National Rankings
See how Union compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Union
Union sees its worst PM2.5 during winter temperature inversions when particulates get trapped near ground level. A unit with True HEPA and an auto-mode sensor is most effective for responding to these spikes.
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