Knox County Tennessee

EPA declares Knox County in attainment for fine particular matter

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced recently that Knox County has been designated in attainment for two important National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS): the 1997 annual particulate matter (PM) 2.5 criteria and the 2006 24-hour PM 2.5 criteria. The annual designation is effective immediately; the 24-hour or daily designation is effective Sept. 27, 2017. The designation area, which includes Anderson, Blount, Knox and Loudon Counties, and a portion of Roane County, met the standards in December 2015 but was awaiting official EPA designation.

This designation is based on quality-assured, certified air quality data collected from 2013 to 2015 by Knox County Air Quality Management and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Studies have shown fine particulates, which are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller than the diameter of a human hair, can be a significant public health problem. Because of their small size, fine particulates can be inhaled into the deepest recesses of the lungs. People with heart or lung diseases, older adults and children are most likely to be affected by particle pollution exposure. Particle pollution exposure has been connected to a variety of health issues, including irritation of the eyes, nose and throat; coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath; reduced lung function; irregular heartbeat; asthma attacks; heart attacks; and premature death in people with heart or lung disease. Fine particulates are generated by motor vehicles, power plants, residential wood burning, forest fires and some industrial processes.

The primary responsibility of Knox County’s Air Quality Management Division is to achieve and maintain the National Ambient Air Quality Standards in Knox County for all criteria pollutants designed to protect health and welfare. This is accomplished through several activities including the continuous monitoring of the ambient air; issuance of air quality health alerts; permitting of industrial air contaminant sources. The department also performs compliance and complaint investigations, issues residential open burning permits, and provides technical and educational services.

For more information on the Knox County Health Department’s Air Quality department, including how to obtain an open burning permit, click HERE.

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Knox County Tennessee - Health Department

Main Clinic
140 Dameron Ave,
Knoxville, TN 37917
865-215-5000

Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
*Some clinics have extended hours. Please check the clinic's webpage for their respective hours.

Please Note:

On the first Wednesday of every month, all KCHD offices and clinics are closed in the morning for staff in-service. On these days, the main location (140 Dameron Ave.) will open at 11 a.m. and the West Clinic (1028 Old Cedar Bluff) will open at 11:30 a.m.
Clinics will also open at 10 a.m. (Main location), and 10:30 a.m. (West Clinic) on the following Wednesdays:
  • October 18, 2023
  • January 17, 2024
  • April 17,2024
  • July 17, 2024

*All other offices will open at 8 a.m.

Infant and childhood immunizations as well as adult vaccines by appointment ONLY. Please call 865-215-5950.

1028 Old Cedar Bluff
Knoxville, TN 37923
865-215-5950

Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Clinics will also open at 10 a.m. (Main location), and 10:30 a.m. (West Clinic) on the following Wednesdays:
  • January 18
  • April 19
  • July 19
  • September 20

Map Of All Clinics
Department Email