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

Clifton air quality.

Air quality observations and historical context for Clifton, CO

Historical perspective

The longer view.

Annual PM2.5 concentrations · µg/m³

Regional reference: Grand Junction (5.8 miles away). These historical values are inherited from that location, not measured in Clifton.

Historical annual PM2.5 concentrations 0.03.16.2 2019: 5 µg/m³20192020: 6.1 µg/m³20202021: 6.2 µg/m³20212022: 5.2 µg/m³20222023: 4.5 µg/m³20232024: 4.9 µg/m³2024
View data table
Annual PM2.5 · µg/m³
YearPM2.5
20195.0
20206.1
20216.2
20225.2
20234.5
20244.9
Historical score88.8/100
Annual mean PM2.54.9 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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88.8
Clean Air Score
Clifton Long-term Air Quality
Based on EPA 5-year data · Loading live AQI...
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Regional Air Quality Context & Seasonal Patterns

Clifton 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 4.9 ug/m3, with roughly 0 unhealthy-air days per year, and the multi-year trend is relatively stable. Its Clean Air Score is 88.8 (grade A), which helps compare Clifton with other CO cities. In Clifton, historical EPA observations show that pollution levels typically peak in December (averaging an index of 51), while the cleanest air conditions occur in May (averaging 15). With an extreme events rating of 100/100, Clifton exhibits resilient atmospheric ventilation with fewer multi-day smoke outliers. Because Clifton does not have its own long-running EPA station in this dataset, the report uses Grand Junction about 5.8 miles away as the closest proxy monitor.

Peak Season
December Peak

Winter (Temperature inversions & woodsmoke trapping)

Cleanest Air Window
May

Historically lowest pollution baseline

Sensitive Groups Guidance
Keep home windows sealed during calm late evening hours when surface inversions concentrate particulates near ground level.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Clifton 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 Clifton?

These destinations have significantly higher historical Clean Air Scores than Clifton (Score: 88.8).

View All Clean Air Rankings →
215 mi away +0.6 pts higher

Pueblo, CO

89.4 / 100 Clean Air Score
207 mi away +0.6 pts higher

Pueblo West, CO

89.4 / 100 Clean Air Score
181 mi away +0.3 pts higher

Boulder, CO

89.1 / 100 Clean Air Score

Indoor Air Quality in Clifton, CO

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

Complete Clifton Home AQI & Filtration Guide

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

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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 Clifton.

🏃 View Running Forecast →
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Environmental Health Dossier: Air & Tap Water in Clifton

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

Clifton holds a historical Clean Air Score of 88.8/100. 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 Clifton Tap Water on WaterQ.us
Head-to-Head Benchmark

Compare Clifton Air Quality

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

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Frequently Asked Questions about Clifton Air Quality

Is air quality in Clifton safe today?

Current air quality in Clifton is being monitored. Based on historical data, Clifton has a clean air score of 88.8. For real-time updates, check the live monitoring panel on this page.

When is air pollution highest in Clifton?

According to multi-year EPA observations, air pollution in Clifton historically peaks during December (Winter (Temperature inversions & woodsmoke trapping)). The cleanest air window typically occurs in May.

What should sensitive groups do during peak air pollution in Clifton?

Keep home windows sealed during calm late evening hours when surface inversions concentrate particulates near ground level. 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 Clifton?

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

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