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

Nashville air quality.

Air quality observations and historical context for Nashville, TN

Historical perspective

The longer view.

Annual PM2.5 concentrations · µg/m³

Historical annual PM2.5 concentrations 0.05.110.2 2019: 8.3 µg/m³20192020: 9.7 µg/m³20202021: 10.2 µg/m³20212022: 9 µg/m³20222023: 9.4 µg/m³20232024: 8 µg/m³2024
View data table
Annual PM2.5 · µg/m³
YearPM2.5
20198.3
20209.7
202110.2
20229.0
20239.4
20248.0
Historical score72.1/100
Annual mean PM2.58.0 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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72.1
Clean Air Score
Nashville Long-term Air Quality
Based on EPA 5-year data · Loading live AQI...
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Regional Air Quality Context & Seasonal Patterns

Nashville is treated as a major metro in TN, so the most useful signal is the long-term pollution baseline rather than a single live AQI reading. Annual PM2.5 averages 8 ug/m3, with roughly 0 unhealthy-air days per year, and the multi-year trend is relatively stable. Its Clean Air Score is 72.1 (grade B), which helps compare Nashville with other TN cities. In Nashville, historical EPA observations show that pollution levels typically peak in August (averaging an index of 50), while the cleanest air conditions occur in September (averaging 33). With an extreme events rating of 100/100, Nashville exhibits resilient atmospheric ventilation with fewer multi-day smoke outliers. This report uses direct city-level monitor coverage where available, so the trend is tied closely to conditions in Nashville.

Peak Season
August Peak

Summer (Photochemical ozone & warm-season haze)

Cleanest Air Window
September

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 Nashville is monitored for health safety. Long-term exposure to pollutants can lead to respiratory issues, making daily checks essential for active residents in TN.

Clean Air Getaways & Cleaner Alternatives

Looking for cleaner air near Nashville?

These destinations have significantly higher historical Clean Air Scores than Nashville (Score: 72.1).

View All Clean Air Rankings →
41 mi away +11 pts higher

Clarksville, TN

83.1 / 100 Clean Air Score
72 mi away +10.8 pts higher

Cookeville, TN

82.9 / 100 Clean Air Score
145 mi away +10.2 pts higher

Dyersburg, TN

82.3 / 100 Clean Air Score

Indoor Air Quality in Nashville, TN

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

Complete Nashville Home AQI & Filtration Guide

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

👉 Read Full Nashville 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 Nashville

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.
  • 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)
  • Ultrasonic Humidifiers & Essential OilsWill not clean air. Unfiltered tap water in ultrasonic units atomizes minerals into fine respirable white dust.
  • Ozone-Emitting Ionizers / ElectrostaticWill not fix this. Ionizers make particles sticky and emit lung-irritating ozone (O3), restricted by CARB.
💡EPA Mold & Moisture: Air purifiers manage airborne spores, but relative humidity must be kept below 50% using a dehumidifier to prevent active mold replication.

Check indoor relative humidity with a hygrometer. If humidity exceeds 55%, pair your HEPA air purifier with a compressor dehumidifier.

Lab-tested air purifiers certified for dust mites & airborne mold spores

Levoit CARB Zero-Ozone

Levoit Core 300 True HEPA

Budget-Friendly Bedroom & Home Office up to 219 sq ft

Coverage (2 ACH):219 sq ft
Smoke CADR:141 CFM
Noise Level:24 - 50 dB
Annual Filter Cost:$30 - $40
✓Compact cylindrical footprint fits nightstands and work desks
✓Affordable OEM and verified replacement filter cartridges
·Not designed for open living spaces over 300 sq ft
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
Blueair CARB Zero-Ozone

Blueair Blue Pure 311i+ Max

Whisper-Quiet Living Rooms & Fast Allergen Clearing (465 sq ft)

Coverage (2 ACH):465 sq ft
Smoke CADR:250 CFM
Noise Level:23 - 50 dB
Annual Filter Cost:$45 - $55
✓HEPASilent technology moves higher airflow with lower fan wattage
✓Washable fabric exterior pre-filter in modern Scandinavian colors
·Uses electrostatic assist; certified CARB compliant but not pure mechanical-only

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 Nashville.

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

Environmental Health Dossier: Air & Tap Water in Nashville

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

Nashville holds a historical Clean Air Score of 72.1/100. 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 Nashville Tap Water on WaterQ.us
Head-to-Head Benchmark

Compare Nashville Air Quality

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

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Frequently Asked Questions about Nashville Air Quality

Is air quality in Nashville safe today?

Current air quality in Nashville is being monitored. Based on historical data, Nashville has a clean air score of 72.1. For real-time updates, check the live monitoring panel on this page.

When is air pollution highest in Nashville?

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

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

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 Nashville?

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

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