Helena, AL
Long-term air quality
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.
Helena, AL air quality summary: Helena, AL, holds a clean air score of 52 and a grade of D. The annual PM2.5 mean of 11.3 indicates elevated long-term particulate exposure. Helena records an annual PM2.5 mean of 11.3, which is considered moderate for long-term exposure. Long-term air quality in Helena has been worsening over recent years.
Clean Air Score
A clean air score of 52 and a grade of D suggest that Helena faces challenges with long-term air quality. These metrics indicate frequent exposure to particulate levels that exceed optimal health standards.
🏡 What This Means for Buying
Homebuyers should carefully consider the implications of the local air quality when evaluating Helena. The D grade highlights air quality as an important factor for those prioritizing a low-pollution environment.
Indoor Air Quality in Helena, AL
Outdoor pollution can still affect indoor air when windows are open, filtration is weak, or wildfire smoke moves in.
How to react when today's AQI changes
Use the AQI bands below to decide whether to open windows, run an air purifier, or stay indoors when pollution spikes in Helena.
AQI 0-50
GoodOpen windows: Open windows if you want fresh air.
Air purifier: No purifier needed for most homes.
Indoor activity: Normal indoor activity is fine.
AQI 51-100
ModerateOpen windows: Sensitive groups should limit open-window time.
Air purifier: Use fans or filtration if dust or pollen is bothering you.
Indoor activity: Most people can stay active indoors.
AQI 101-150
Unhealthy for Sensitive GroupsOpen windows: Keep windows closed.
Air purifier: Run a HEPA purifier in the main room and bedroom.
Indoor activity: Sensitive groups should reduce outdoor exposure.
AQI 151+
UnhealthyOpen windows: Keep windows and doors closed.
Air purifier: Run HEPA continuously and seal obvious drafts.
Indoor activity: Stay indoors as much as possible; use an N95 if you must go out.
Common indoor air concerns in Helena:
- Seasonal pollen and dust mite allergens
- VOCs from household products
Recommended action: If today's AQI reaches 101 or higher, close windows and run HEPA filtration before indoor air starts to feel smoky or stale.
Top Products for Helena Homes:
🩺 My Health Risk Assessment
See how Helena's air quality affects you and your family specifically.
Health Advice
Reduce prolonged outdoor exertion.
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</> Create Free Widget🏡 Property Value Impact Analysis
Between 2019 and 2024, Helena's air quality worsened by 1.7 μg/m³. Based on NBER studies, this change correlates with a estimated 6.8% decrease in relative property value retention.
Cleaner Alternatives in AL
Why Helena earned a 52
Raw inputs, scoring weights, and data coverage for this city.
Best Time to Run
Find the cleanest hours for your run today.
Cycling Forecast
Avoid pollution spikes on your next ride.
📅 Past 30 Days Trend
Real-time daily PM2.5 AQI
🌸 Pollen Outlook
Current Seasonal Forecast
How it worksBased on current seasonal forecast data. Not a long-term pollution rating or relocation score.
Score Breakdown
| Component | Weight | Score Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Air Quality | 40% | 10.7 |
| Unhealthy Days | 25% | 94.5 |
| 5-Year Trend | 20% | 41.5 |
| Seasonal Variability | 10% | 91.1 |
| Extreme Events | 5% | 100 |
Explore More Air Quality Data
Frequently Asked Questions
About This Data
Data Sources
Historical air quality mapping and scoring are based completely on official U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) AirNow API data. 5-day AQI forecasts are provided by WAQI.
Methodology
Our Clean Air Score (0-100) is a proprietary algorithm that weighs multiple factors:
- Annual PM2.5 averages (40%)
- Frequency of unhealthy days (25%)
- 5-year pollution trends (20%)
- Seasonal variability and extreme events (15%)
Updates & Accuracy
Real-time data is updated hourly. Historical aggregate scores are recalculated monthly to reflect the latest trends. While we strive for accuracy, sensor maintenance and local conditions can affect individual readings.
Practical Advice
When AQI > 100: Sensitive groups (children, elderly, asthmatics) should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
When AQI > 150: Everyone should avoid outdoor exercise and keep windows closed.
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Helena Air Quality FAQs
Is Helena a good fit for people who care about long-term air quality?
Helena may present concerns, given its clean air score of 52 and grade of D. The annual PM2.5 mean of 11.3 indicates a higher level of particulate exposure than many other regions.
What is the frequency of unhealthy air in Helena?
Helena experiences unhealthy air on 0.3% of days, which is a relevant factor for long-term health. This frequency contributes to the city's D grade and moderate annual PM2.5 mean.
Is air quality in Helena improving or getting worse over time?
Air quality in Helena is currently worsening. Data from recent years indicates a trend toward higher particulate concentrations.
Does air quality vary within Helena?
Air quality can vary significantly within the city due to local traffic and weather patterns. Specific locations may experience different particulate levels based on proximity to major thoroughfares.