El Paso Air Quality Reaches Unhealthy Levels Due to Particulate Matter (PM10)

Current Air Quality

On February 17, 2026, the reporting area of El Paso, TX, recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 153, which falls into the Unhealthy category. The primary pollutant driving this reading is PM10. Additionally, PM2.5 was measured at an AQI of 109 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups), and Ozone (O3) was recorded at an AQI of 35 (Good).

What This Means

An AQI in the “Unhealthy” range (151-200) signifies that the air quality is reaching levels where the general public may begin to experience health effects. Members of sensitive groups are more likely to experience more serious health effects during this time.

Who Should Take Precautions

While the entire population in the El Paso area may be affected, specific groups are at higher risk. These include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teenagers. These individuals should be particularly mindful of their outdoor exposure while levels remain elevated.

What You Should Do

To reduce health risks, the general public should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors, take more breaks, and shorten the duration of outdoor activities. Members of sensitive groups should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, keep outdoor activities short, and consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them to a time when air quality improves.

Source

Data provided by EPA AirNow.