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

Ken Caryl air quality.

Air quality observations and historical context for Ken Caryl, CO

Historical perspective

The longer view.

Annual PM2.5 concentrations · µg/m³

Regional reference: Denver (13.2 miles away). These historical values are inherited from that location, not measured in Ken Caryl.

Historical annual PM2.5 concentrations 0.04.59.0 2019: 7.7 µg/m³20192020: 8.8 µg/m³20202021: 9 µg/m³20212022: 6.5 µg/m³20222023: 7.4 µg/m³20232024: 6.6 µg/m³2024
View data table
Annual PM2.5 · µg/m³
YearPM2.5
20197.7
20208.8
20219.0
20226.5
20237.4
20246.6
Historical score79.7/100
Annual mean PM2.56.6 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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79.7
Clean Air Score
Ken Caryl Long-term Air Quality
Based on EPA 5-year data · Loading live AQI...
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Regional Air Quality Context & Seasonal Patterns

Ken Caryl 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 6.6 ug/m3, with roughly 0 unhealthy-air days per year, and the multi-year trend is improving. Its Clean Air Score is 79.7 (grade B), which helps compare Ken Caryl with other CO cities. In Ken Caryl, historical EPA observations show that pollution levels typically peak in October (averaging an index of 48), while the cleanest air conditions occur in May (averaging 22). With an extreme events rating of 100/100, Ken Caryl exhibits resilient atmospheric ventilation with fewer multi-day smoke outliers. Because Ken Caryl does not have its own long-running EPA station in this dataset, the report uses Denver about 13.2 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 Ken Caryl 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 Ken Caryl?

These destinations have significantly higher historical Clean Air Scores than Ken Caryl (Score: 79.7).

View All Clean Air Rankings →
95 mi away +9.7 pts higher

Pueblo, CO

89.4 / 100 Clean Air Score
87 mi away +9.7 pts higher

Pueblo West, CO

89.4 / 100 Clean Air Score
31 mi away +9.4 pts higher

Boulder, CO

89.1 / 100 Clean Air Score

Indoor Air Quality in Ken Caryl, CO

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

Complete Ken Caryl Home AQI & Filtration Guide

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

👉 Read Full Ken Caryl 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.

EPA 9.0 µg/m³ Benchmark Advisory Tested Filtration Guidance

Hardware Buying Decision: What Works vs What Fails for Ken Caryl

In areas with elevated particulate or seasonal stagnation, basic ionizers or thin sponge filters fail to clear indoor air. Review verified physical capture technologies before investing in home equipment.

Verified Technologies That Work
  • True HEPA H13 (99.97% @ 0.3µm)The gold standard for fine particulate capture: wildfire smoke PM2.5, pet dander, pollen, and dust.
  • Granular Activated Carbon (GAC Pellets)Heavy pellet carbon bed (1+ lbs) that physically adsorbs smoke odors, benzene, and toxic VOC gases.
  • Washable Coarse Mesh Pre-FilterCaptures hair, lint, and pet fur before reaching HEPA, extending main filter lifespan by 50%.
Will Not Fix This (Avoid Spending Here)
  • Ozone-Emitting Ionizers / ElectrostaticWill not fix this. Ionizers make particles sticky and emit lung-irritating ozone (O3), restricted by CARB.
  • Thin Carbon-Coated Foam SheetsWill not fix smoke or VOCs. Contains just a few grams of carbon that saturates in days and re-emits trapped odors.
  • Ultrasonic Humidifiers & Essential OilsWill not clean air. Unfiltered tap water in ultrasonic units atomizes minerals into fine respirable white dust.
💡EPA Wildfire Advisory: Maintain indoor PM2.5 below 12 µg/m³; seal exterior air intakes and run True HEPA on medium or high continuously.

Track outdoor smoke plumes via satellite and local AQI. Use an indoor laser PM2.5 monitor to verify that your clean room maintains particulate levels below 10 µg/m³.

Lab-tested air purifiers certified for wildfire smoke

Coway CARB Zero-Ozone

Coway Airmega 400

Heavy Wildfire Smoke & Large Open Floors up to 1,560 sq ft

Coverage (2 ACH):1560 sq ft
Smoke CADR:328 CFM
Noise Level:22 - 52 dB
Annual Filter Cost:$90 - $110
✓Dual-suction design moves tremendous CFM with very low fan noise
✓Deep granular carbon bed handles severe wildfire smoke and pet odors
·Large physical footprint (14.8 x 14.8 x 22.8 inches)
Coway CARB Zero-Ozone

Coway Airmega 200M (AP-1512HH)

Best Overall for Bedrooms & Living Rooms up to 360 sq ft

Coverage (2 ACH):361 sq ft
Smoke CADR:233 CFM
Noise Level:24.4 - 53.8 dB
Annual Filter Cost:$45 - $55
✓Wirecutter top pick for 9 consecutive years
✓Ultra-quiet Eco mode powers down fan when air is clean
·Carbon filter is relatively thin; requires Coway 400 for heavy persistent smoke
IQAir CARB Zero-Ozone

IQAir HealthPro Plus

Medical-Grade HyperHEPA for Severe Asthma & Chemical Off-Gassing

Coverage (2 ACH):1125 sq ft
Smoke CADR:300 CFM
Noise Level:25 - 59 dB
Annual Filter Cost:$120 - $160 (split over 2-4 year staggered replacement)
✓Individually tested and certified with signed factory performance sheet
✓5 lbs of granular carbon and chemisorbent removes formaldehyde and heavy VOCs
·Substantial upfront cost ($900+)

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 Ken Caryl.

🏃 View Running Forecast →
SISTER RESEARCH INITIATIVE
WATERQ.US × CLEANAIRDATA

Environmental Health Dossier: Air & Tap Water in Ken Caryl

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

Ken Caryl holds a historical Clean Air Score of 79.7/100. 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 Ken Caryl Tap Water on WaterQ.us
Head-to-Head Benchmark

Compare Ken Caryl Air Quality

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

Custom City Matchup →
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ken Caryl Air Quality

Is air quality in Ken Caryl safe today?

Current air quality in Ken Caryl is being monitored. Based on historical data, Ken Caryl has a clean air score of 79.7. For real-time updates, check the live monitoring panel on this page.

When is air pollution highest in Ken Caryl?

According to multi-year EPA observations, air pollution in Ken Caryl 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 Ken Caryl?

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 Ken Caryl?

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

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