EPA ACTIVE WATCH Western US & Intermountain Basins: Wildfire Smoke & Elevated PM2.5 Infiltration

Cañon City air quality.

Air quality observations and historical context for Cañon City, CO

Historical perspective

The longer view.

Annual PM2.5 concentrations · µg/m³

Regional reference: Colorado Springs (35.4 miles away). These historical values are inherited from that location, not measured in Cañon City.

Historical annual PM2.5 concentrations 0.03.06.0 2019: 5 µg/m³20192020: 6 µg/m³20202021: 6 µg/m³20212022: 4.6 µg/m³20222023: 5.4 µg/m³20232024: 5.7 µg/m³2024
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Annual PM2.5 · µg/m³
YearPM2.5
20195.0
20206.0
20216.0
20224.6
20235.4
20245.7
Historical score85/100
Annual mean PM2.55.7 µg/m³

Available history: 2019–2024. Historical scores are distinct from current AQI and do not describe today’s conditions.

Sources and scoring method ↗

Local context

What this page tells you

This page combines annual PM2.5, unhealthy days, 5-year trend, and data coverage so you can compare long-term air quality, not just today's reading.

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85
Clean Air Score
Cañon City Long-term Air Quality
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Regional Air Quality Context & Seasonal Patterns

Cañon City is treated as a local community in CO, so the most useful signal is the long-term pollution baseline rather than a single live AQI reading. Annual PM2.5 averages 5.7 ug/m3, with roughly 0 unhealthy-air days per year, and the multi-year trend is worsening. Its Clean Air Score is 85 (grade B), which helps compare Cañon City with other CO cities. In Cañon City, historical EPA observations show that pollution levels typically peak in October (averaging an index of 44), while the cleanest air conditions occur in May (averaging 21). With an extreme events rating of 100/100, Cañon City exhibits resilient atmospheric ventilation with fewer multi-day smoke outliers. Because Cañon City does not have its own long-running EPA station in this dataset, the report uses Colorado Springs about 35.4 miles away as the closest proxy monitor.

Peak Season
October Peak

Autumn (Wildfire smoke drift & air stagnation)

Cleanest Air Window
May

Historically lowest pollution baseline

Sensitive Groups Guidance
Monitor real-time hourly spikes and verify indoor HEPA filtration during seasonal transitions.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Cañon City is monitored for health safety. Long-term exposure to pollutants can lead to respiratory issues, making daily checks essential for active residents in CO.

Clean Air Getaways & Cleaner Alternatives

Looking for cleaner air near Cañon City?

These destinations have significantly higher historical Clean Air Scores than Cañon City (Score: 85).

View All Clean Air Rankings →
37 mi away +4.4 pts higher

Pueblo, CO

89.4 / 100 Clean Air Score
29 mi away +4.4 pts higher

Pueblo West, CO

89.4 / 100 Clean Air Score
109 mi away +4.1 pts higher

Boulder, CO

89.1 / 100 Clean Air Score

Indoor Air Quality in Cañon City, CO

Outdoor pollution can still affect indoor air when windows are open, filtration is weak, or wildfire smoke moves in.

Complete Cañon City Home AQI & Filtration Guide

Get custom room-by-room HEPA purifier sizing, seasonal PM2.5 trends, and local home sealing recommendations.

👉 Read Full Cañon City Guide →
AQI 0-50: Good
Windows

Usually safe to open windows for fresh air.

Air Purifier

Air purifier is optional for most households.

Stay Indoors

Normal indoor and outdoor activity is fine.

AQI 51-100: Moderate
Windows

Ventilate selectively; sensitive groups should watch symptoms.

Air Purifier

Run HEPA filtration on low if pollen, smoke smell, or traffic exhaust is noticeable.

Stay Indoors

Most people can continue normal activity; sensitive groups should keep an eye on AQI.

AQI 101-150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups
Windows

Keep windows closed so outdoor PM2.5 does not build indoors.

Air Purifier

Run HEPA filtration in bedrooms and main living spaces.

Stay Indoors

Children, older adults, and people with asthma should reduce outdoor exertion.

AQI 151+: Unhealthy
Windows

Keep windows and doors sealed as much as practical.

Air Purifier

Run filtration continuously; use the highest comfortable fan setting.

Stay Indoors

Stay indoors when possible and consider an N95 if you must go outside.

Health Recommendations

General Public

Most people can continue outdoor activities normally. Keep an eye on changing conditions.

Sensitive Groups

Children and elderly should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion if AQI rises above 50.

Running & Outdoor Exercise Guide

Explore available hourly data before planning outdoor time in Cañon City.

🏃 View Running Forecast →
SISTER RESEARCH INITIATIVE
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Environmental Health Dossier: Air & Tap Water in Cañon City

Atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and municipal drinking water contaminants represent the two primary involuntary daily exposures in any household. While HEPA filtration purifies indoor air, municipal tap water often contains invisible halogenated byproducts, heavy metals, or PFAS forever chemicals.

Atmospheric Exposure
Inhalation Risk

Cañon City holds a historical Clean Air Score of 85/100. High PM2.5 requires True HEPA (H13) physical media filters without electronic ozone generation.

Hydrological Exposure
Ingestion Risk

Municipal utility compliance focuses on legal limits, not health guidelines. Verified solid-carbon or Reverse Osmosis filters target lead, chlorine byproducts, and micropollutants.

Review EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) utility compliance reports.
Inspect Cañon City Tap Water on WaterQ.us
Head-to-Head Benchmark

Compare Cañon City Air Quality

See how Cañon City’s pollution baselines and seasonal patterns compare side-by-side.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cañon City Air Quality

Is air quality in Cañon City safe today?

Current air quality in Cañon City is being monitored. Based on historical data, Cañon City has a clean air score of 85. For real-time updates, check the live monitoring panel on this page.

When is air pollution highest in Cañon City?

According to multi-year EPA observations, air pollution in Cañon City historically peaks during October (Autumn (Wildfire smoke drift & air stagnation)). The cleanest air window typically occurs in May.

What should sensitive groups do during peak air pollution in Cañon City?

Monitor real-time hourly spikes and verify indoor HEPA filtration during seasonal transitions. Maintaining certified indoor HEPA filtration is an effective way to minimize personal exposure.

What is a dangerous AQI level?

An AQI (Air Quality Index) above 100 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, while levels above 150 are unhealthy for everyone. Levels above 300 are hazardous.

Should I wear a mask today in Cañon City?

If the AQI in Cañon City is above 150, an N95 mask is recommended for outdoor activities to filter out fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

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