AIR QUALITY TN

Air Quality in Chattanooga, TN: Moderate (64 AQI)

AQI 64 · Moderate · PM2.5 · Updated 2026-05-03

Chattanooga's air quality is moderate. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged outdoor exertion.

Data: EPA AirNow, FEMA National Risk Index Last verified: 2026-05-03

Average AQI

Moderate

AQI Category

Unhealthy Days

Wildfire Risk

Mold Score

ZIP Codes

What is AQI?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardized scale from 0 to 500 that measures air pollution levels. 0-50 is "Good," 51-100 is "Moderate," 101-150 is "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups," and above 150 is "Unhealthy" for everyone. AQI tracks five major pollutants: ground-level ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Chattanooga's average AQI of 64 falls in the "Moderate" range.

How do wildfires affect air quality?

Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that can travel hundreds of miles and dramatically spike AQI readings. During fire season, even cities far from active fires can experience unhealthy air. HEPA air purifiers (rated for PM2.5) are the most effective indoor protection. Check AirNow.gov for real-time conditions during fire season.

Air Quality Map: Chattanooga, TN

Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates AQI level. Tap a dot for details.

Good (0-50) Moderate (51-100) USG (101-150) Unhealthy (151+)

Air Quality by ZIP Code in Chattanooga

AQI varies across Chattanooga's 20 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
37401	64	Moderate	24	44	View report →
37402	64	Moderate	24	49	View report →
37403	64	Moderate	24	57	View report →
37404	64	Moderate	24	69	View report →
37405	64	Moderate	24	58	View report →
37406	64	Moderate	24	60	View report →
37407	64	Moderate	24	66	View report →
37408	64	Moderate	24	39	View report →
37409	64	Moderate	24	60	View report →
37410	64	Moderate	24	60	View report →
37411	64	Moderate	24	69	View report →
37412	64	Moderate	24	68	View report →
37414	64	Moderate	24	40	View report →
37415	64	Moderate	24	66	View report →
37416	64	Moderate	25	52	View report →

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Chattanooga, Tennessee has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 64. Air quality is acceptable, though some pollutants may be a concern for a small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. The dominant pollutant is PM2.5.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is an EPA-standardized scale from 0 to 500. Values below 50 are "Good," 51-100 "Moderate," 101-150 "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups," 151-200 "Unhealthy," 201-300 "Very Unhealthy," and above 300 "Hazardous."

Dominant Pollutant: PM2.5

PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) consists of particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers — about 30 times thinner than a human hair. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.

Health effects of PM2.5 exposure:

Short-term: coughing, shortness of breath, aggravated asthma
Long-term: reduced lung function, cardiovascular disease, premature death
Most vulnerable: children, elderly, people with heart or lung disease

Common sources in urban areas: vehicle exhaust, construction dust, industrial emissions, wildfire smoke, residential wood burning.

Air Quality by ZIP Code in Chattanooga

AQI varies across Chattanooga's 20 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
37401	64	Moderate	24	44
37402	64	Moderate	24	49
37403	64	Moderate	24	57
37404	64	Moderate	24	69
37405	64	Moderate	24	58
37406	64	Moderate	24	60
37407	64	Moderate	24	66
37408	64	Moderate	24	39
37409	64	Moderate	24	60
37410	64	Moderate	24	60
37411	64	Moderate	24	69
37412	64	Moderate	24	68
37414	64	Moderate	24	40
37415	64	Moderate	24	66
37416	64	Moderate	25	52

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Chattanooga has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 24 (scale 0-100). There have been 267 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	24
Max smoke risk score	25
Fires within 100 km	267
High-risk ZIP codes	0

Wildfire smoke contains PM2.5, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds. Even short-term exposure can trigger asthma attacks and respiratory distress.

Indoor Mold Risk

Chattanooga has an average mold risk score of 54 out of 100, with 11 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	54/100
Average humidity	70% RH
High-risk ZIPs	11
Peak season	summer high

Mold risk is influenced by humidity levels, housing age (older homes have more moisture issues), flood history, and water infrastructure quality. Indoor humidity above 60% creates favorable conditions for mold growth.

Signs of mold problems: musty odors, visible growth on walls or ceilings, worsening allergies indoors, condensation on windows. Professional mold testing ($300-$600) can identify hidden issues.

Health Recommendations

With moderate air quality (AQI 64), most people can be active outdoors. Sensitive groups should take precautions:

Sensitive groups (asthma, COPD, heart disease): consider reducing prolonged outdoor exertion
Keep windows closed on high-pollution days
Use a HEPA air purifier in main living areas
Check AirNow.gov before outdoor exercise

Chattanooga vs. Nearby Tennessee Cities

How Chattanooga's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Chattanooga	64	Moderate	279,166
La Vergne	71	Moderate	282,747
Clarksville	81	Moderate	289,449
Heiskell	96	Moderate	254,671

ZIP Codes in Chattanooga

Chattanooga covers 20 ZIP codes. Air quality can vary by neighborhood based on proximity to highways, industrial areas, and green spaces. Check your specific ZIP code for localized data.

Data Sources

Air quality: EPA AirNow — real-time and historical AQI data
Wildfire risk: FEMA National Risk Index
Mold risk: Derived from EPA, FEMA, Census ACS (humidity, housing age, flood history)
Monthly AQI: EPA Air Quality Statistics

Updated daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the air safe to breathe in Chattanooga?

Chattanooga's average AQI is 64 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Chattanooga have?

Chattanooga experiences 20 unhealthy air quality days per year on average. During these days, everyone — not just sensitive groups — should reduce prolonged outdoor exertion.

What is the AQI in Chattanooga?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Chattanooga is 64, categorized as Moderate. The primary pollutant is PM2.5. AQI ranges from 0-500, where 0-50 is Good, 51-100 Moderate, 101-150 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, and 151+ Unhealthy.

What is the wildfire risk in Chattanooga?

Chattanooga has a wildfire risk score of 24 out of 100. Low wildfire risk means smoke events are uncommon, but regional fires can still temporarily affect air quality.

Is mold a concern in Chattanooga?

Chattanooga has a mold risk score of 54 out of 100, based on humidity, precipitation, and temperature data. Maintain good ventilation and address any water intrusion promptly to prevent mold growth.

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