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

Kirkland air quality.

Air quality observations and historical context for Kirkland, WA

Historical perspective

The longer view.

Annual PM2.5 concentrations · µg/m³

Regional reference: Seattle (7.7 miles away). These historical values are inherited from that location, not measured in Kirkland.

Historical annual PM2.5 concentrations 0.04.38.6 2019: 6.9 µg/m³20192020: 8.6 µg/m³20202021: 5.9 µg/m³20212022: 8.3 µg/m³20222023: 7.2 µg/m³20232024: 5.7 µg/m³2024
View data table
Annual PM2.5 · µg/m³
YearPM2.5
20196.9
20208.6
20215.9
20228.3
20237.2
20245.7
Historical score85.4/100
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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85.4
Clean Air Score
Kirkland Long-term Air Quality
Based on EPA 5-year data · Loading live AQI...
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Regional Air Quality Context & Seasonal Patterns

Kirkland is treated as a local community in WA, 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 improving. Its Clean Air Score is 85.4 (grade A), which helps compare Kirkland with other WA cities. In Kirkland, historical EPA observations show that pollution levels typically peak in August (averaging an index of 36), while the cleanest air conditions occur in June (averaging 23). With an extreme events rating of 100/100, Kirkland exhibits resilient atmospheric ventilation with fewer multi-day smoke outliers. Because Kirkland does not have its own long-running EPA station in this dataset, the report uses Seattle about 7.7 miles away as the closest proxy monitor.

Peak Season
August Peak

Summer (Photochemical ozone & warm-season haze)

Cleanest Air Window
June

Historically lowest pollution baseline

Sensitive Groups Guidance
Sensitive groups and outdoor runners should prioritize early morning activity before midday heat and ground-level ozone accelerate.

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

Clean Air Getaways & Cleaner Alternatives

Looking for cleaner air near Kirkland?

These destinations have significantly higher historical Clean Air Scores than Kirkland (Score: 85.4).

View All Clean Air Rankings →
60 mi away +4.2 pts higher

Anacortes, WA

89.6 / 100 Clean Air Score
21 mi away +4.2 pts higher

Bremerton, WA

89.6 / 100 Clean Air Score
51 mi away +4.2 pts higher

Mount Vernon, WA

89.6 / 100 Clean Air Score

Indoor Air Quality in Kirkland, WA

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

Complete Kirkland Home AQI & Filtration Guide

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

👉 Read Full Kirkland 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 Kirkland.

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

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

Kirkland holds a historical Clean Air Score of 85.4/100. 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 Kirkland Tap Water on WaterQ.us
Head-to-Head Benchmark

Compare Kirkland Air Quality

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

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Frequently Asked Questions about Kirkland Air Quality

Is air quality in Kirkland safe today?

Current air quality in Kirkland is being monitored. Based on historical data, Kirkland has a clean air score of 85.4. For real-time updates, check the live monitoring panel on this page.

When is air pollution highest in Kirkland?

According to multi-year EPA observations, air pollution in Kirkland historically peaks during August (Summer (Photochemical ozone & warm-season haze)). The cleanest air window typically occurs in June.

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

Sensitive groups and outdoor runners should prioritize early morning activity before midday heat and ground-level ozone accelerate. 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 Kirkland?

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

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