Sheffield, Alabama Air Quality
Sheffield has a median AQI of 38, earning an air quality grade of A — excellent air quality that ranks better than 69% of US cities. Air quality has remained relatively stable over the past decade. Ground-level ozone is the primary concern, typically peaking on warm sunny days due to vehicle and industrial emissions. In 2019, Sheffield recorded 238 good air quality days (90% of monitored days).
Population: 9,340 • County: Colbert
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 20 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | A |
| Median AQI (2019) | 38 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 69% |
| Primary Pollutant | Ozone |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 0 |
| 10-Year Trend | → Stable |
| Data Source | EPA AQS (historical) · AirNow (live) |
Health Recommendation
Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
It's a great day to be active outside!
5-Day AQI Forecast
Last 90 Days
Current Pollutant Levels
Real-time data from EPA AirNow
Local Air Quality Context
Air quality data for Sheffield is sourced from the Loretto monitoring area, located approximately 29 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks ground-level ozone, the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Sheffield has relatively consistent air quality throughout the year without a strong seasonal peak. Air quality is primarily influenced by local traffic, industrial activity, and regional weather patterns rather than a single seasonal driver.
AQI Trend (10 Years)
Air Quality Days by Year
Sheffield Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Sheffield — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 38 | 238 | — | 65 | Ozone |
| 2018 | 37 | 235 | — | 93 | Ozone |
| 2017 | 39 | 244 | — | 67 | Ozone |
| 2016 | 41 | 241 | 1 | 115 | Ozone |
Source: EPA Air Quality System (AQS) annual summaries. "Unhealthy Days" includes Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, Very Unhealthy, and Hazardous categories.
2019 Air Quality Summary
Primary Pollutant Days (2019)
Days when each pollutant was the primary driver of AQI. Learn about pollutants →
Frequently Asked Questions About Sheffield Air Quality
What is the air quality in Sheffield today?
The current AQI in Sheffield is 20, rated "Good". Air quality is good — outdoor activity is safe for everyone today. Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
Is air quality in Sheffield getting better or worse?
Air quality in Sheffield has been stable. The median AQI has dropped 3 points (from 41 in 2016 to 38 in 2019).
What is the most common air pollutant in Sheffield?
Ozone is the primary air pollutant in Sheffield, responsible for 219 days (83% of monitored days) in 2019. Ground-level ozone forms when sunlight reacts with emissions from vehicles and industry, typically peaking on hot summer afternoons.
How many unhealthy air days does Sheffield have per year?
In 2019, Sheffield recorded 90% good air quality days (238 days) out of 263 monitored days. There were 0 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 65.
What air quality grade does Sheffield receive?
Sheffield receives an air quality grade of A, placing it better than 69% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 38 in 2019, with 238 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 69% of US cities
Nearby Cities
Get AQI Alerts
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National Rankings
See how Sheffield compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Sheffield
Ozone is Sheffield's primary pollutant. Standard HEPA filters don't capture ozone molecules — you need activated carbon or PECO technology to chemically break them down. We highlight those units here.
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Molekule Air Pro
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Honeywell HPA300
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