AIR QUALITY TN

Air Quality in Knoxville, TN: Moderate (66 AQI)

AQI 66 · Moderate · Ozone · Updated 2026-05-03

Knoxville'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

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. Knoxville's average AQI of 66 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: Knoxville, 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 Knoxville

AQI varies across Knoxville's 31 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
37901	66	Moderate	23	39	View report →
37902	66	Moderate	24	53	View report →
37909	66	Moderate	24	41	View report →
37912	66	Moderate	24	48	View report →
37914	66	Moderate	23	56	View report →
37915	66	Moderate	24	42	View report →
37916	66	Moderate	24	36	View report →
37917	66	Moderate	24	68	View report →
37918	66	Moderate	23	53	View report →
37919	66	Moderate	24	51	View report →
37920	66	Moderate	24	51	View report →
37921	66	Moderate	24	48	View report →
37922	66	Moderate	23	39	View report →
37923	66	Moderate	24	44	View report →
37924	66	Moderate	23	44	View report →

Showing 15 of 20 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Knoxville, Tennessee has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 66. 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 Ozone.

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: Ozone

Ground-level ozone forms when pollutants from cars, power plants, and industrial facilities react with sunlight. Unlike stratospheric ozone, ground-level ozone is harmful to breathe.

Health effects of ozone exposure:

Irritation of the respiratory system
Reduced lung function
Aggravation of asthma and chronic lung diseases
Increased susceptibility to respiratory infections

Peak times: Ozone levels are typically highest on hot, sunny afternoons. Exercise outdoors in the morning when levels are lower.

Air Quality by ZIP Code in Knoxville

AQI varies across Knoxville's 31 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
37901	66	Moderate	23	39
37902	66	Moderate	24	53
37909	66	Moderate	24	41
37912	66	Moderate	24	48
37914	66	Moderate	23	56
37915	66	Moderate	24	42
37916	66	Moderate	24	36
37917	66	Moderate	24	68
37918	66	Moderate	23	53
37919	66	Moderate	24	51
37920	66	Moderate	24	51
37921	66	Moderate	24	48
37922	66	Moderate	23	39
37923	66	Moderate	24	44
37924	66	Moderate	23	44

Showing 15 of 31 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Knoxville has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 24 (scale 0-100). There have been 1,076 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	24
Max smoke risk score	24
Fires within 100 km	1,076
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

Knoxville has an average mold risk score of 41 out of 100, with 2 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	41/100
Average humidity	70% RH
High-risk ZIPs	2
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 66), 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

Knoxville vs. Nearby Tennessee Cities

How Knoxville's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Knoxville	66	Moderate	573,653
Arlington	65	Moderate	659,500
Brunswick	65	Moderate	659,500
Cordova	65	Moderate	659,500

ZIP Codes in Knoxville

Knoxville covers 31 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 Knoxville?

Knoxville's average AQI is 66 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Knoxville have?

Knoxville has zero recorded unhealthy air quality days, which is excellent. Air quality can still vary seasonally due to wildfire smoke, pollen, or industrial activity.

What is the AQI in Knoxville?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Knoxville is 66, categorized as Moderate. The primary pollutant is Ozone. 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 Knoxville?

Knoxville 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 Knoxville?

Knoxville has a mold risk score of 41 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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