AIR QUALITY TN

Air Quality in Oak Ridge, TN: Moderate (61 AQI)

AQI 61 · Moderate · PM2.5 · Updated 2026-07-18

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

Data: EPA AirNow, FEMA National Risk Index Last verified: 2026-07-18

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. Oak Ridge's average AQI of 61 falls in the "Moderate" range.

Air Quality by ZIP Code in Oak Ridge

AQI varies across Oak Ridge's 2 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
37830	61	Moderate	19	57	View report →
37831	61	Moderate	19	56	View report →

Air Quality Overview

Oak Ridge, Tennessee has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 61. 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 Oak Ridge

AQI varies across Oak Ridge's 2 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
37830	61	Moderate	19	57
37831	61	Moderate	19	56

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Oak Ridge has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 19 (scale 0-100). There have been 53 fires recorded within 100 km of city ZIP codes.

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	19
Max smoke risk score	19
Fires within 100 km	53
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

Oak Ridge has an average mold risk score of 57 out of 100, with 2 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	57/100
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 61), 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

Oak Ridge vs. Nearby Tennessee Cities

How Oak Ridge's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Oak Ridge	61	Moderate	32,519
Goodlettsville	57	Moderate	32,344
Lenoir City	51	Moderate	31,993
Springfield	57	Moderate	31,420

ZIP Codes in Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge covers 2 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 Oak Ridge?

Oak Ridge's average AQI is 61 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Oak Ridge have?

Oak Ridge experiences 2 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 Oak Ridge?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Oak Ridge is 61, 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 Oak Ridge?

Oak Ridge has a wildfire risk score of 19 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 Oak Ridge?

Oak Ridge has a mold risk score of 57 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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