AQI to Cigarette
Convert Air Quality Index (AQI) to cigarette equivalents. See how many cigarettes you're "smoking" by breathing polluted air.
Convert AQI to Cigarettes
Default: 24 hours (1 day)
Quick select common AQI levels:
Based on PM2.5 concentration · Berkeley Earth research
Global Air Pollution Comparison
See how air pollution varies around the world. Data based on 2024-2025 PM2.5 measurements fromIQAir,World Air Quality Report, and Smart Air Filters.
🏴Most Polluted Cities
| Rank | City | PM2.5 | Cigs/Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lahore, Pakistan Unhealthy | 150.4 µg/m³ | 6.8 |
| 2 | Byrnihat, India Unhealthy | 128.2 µg/m³ | 5.8 |
| 3 | Delhi, India Unhealthy | 108.3 µg/m³ | 4.9 |
| 4 | Kolkata, India Unhealthy | 85.4 µg/m³ | 3.9 |
| 5 | Cairo, Egypt Unhealthy | 78.5 µg/m³ | 3.6 |
🌿Cleanest Cities
| Rank | City | PM2.5 | Cigs/Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zürich, Switzerland Good | 0.7 µg/m³ | 0 |
| 2 | Perth, Australia Good | 1.4 µg/m³ | 0.1 |
| 3 | Vitória, Brazil Good | 2.2 µg/m³ | 0.1 |
| 4 | Oslo, Norway Good | 3.5 µg/m³ | 0.2 |
| 5 | Toronto, Canada Good | 4.1 µg/m³ | 0.2 |
The Difference is Staggering
Someone breathing air in Lahore, Pakistan is effectively "smoking" about 6.8 cigarettes per day, while someone in Zürich, Switzerland is only exposed to 0 cigarettes per day.
What is AQI?
AQI (Air Quality Index) is a number used by government agencies to communicate how clean or polluted the air is. It measures major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act.
How is AQI Calculated?
AQI is calculated from measurements of specific air pollutants, primarily PM2.5 (fine particulate matter), ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.
The highest pollutant concentration determines the AQI value for that location.
AQI Scale and Health Concerns
AQI values range from 0 to 500, with higher values indicating greater health concerns:
Good (0-50)
Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
Moderate (51-100)
Acceptable for most people. Unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101-150)
Sensitive groups may experience health effects; general public not affected.
Unhealthy (151-200)
Everyone may begin to experience health effects; sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
Very Unhealthy (201-300)
Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health effects.
Hazardous (301+)
Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health effects.
Key Points to Remember:
- AQI focuses on health effects you may experience within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air
- The calculations used to determine AQI vary by pollutant
- PM2.5 is the primary pollutant in smoke from wildfires and many urban areas
- AQI can vary significantly throughout the day
- Real-time AQI monitoring provides the most accurate picture of your current air quality
Why Need Aqi to Cigarette Converter?
Air quality indices like AQI can feel abstract. What does an AQI of 150 actually mean for your health? By converting air pollution into cigarette equivalents, we make the impact tangible.
The Berkeley Earth Research
In 2015, researchers at Berkeley Earth (a leading climate science organization) published a groundbreaking study analyzing epidemiological data on air pollution health effects. They found that breathing air with PM2.5 concentration of 22 μg/m³ for 24 hourshas approximately the same health impact as smoking one cigarette.
A Simple Example
If the air quality shows AQI 100 (moderate pollution), breathing that air all day has approximately the same health impact as smoking 1.6 cigarettes. This doesn't mean the air contains tobacco — it means the damage to your lungs and heart is similar.
This comparison helps you make informed decisions about your health:
- ✓Understand the real health risks of air pollution
- ✓Make informed decisions about outdoor activities
- ✓Take appropriate protective measures (masks, air purifiers, etc.)
- ✓Protect vulnerable family members (children, elderly)
Quick Reference: AQI to Cigarette Equivalents
Common AQI levels and their cigarette equivalents based on 24 hours of exposure:
| AQI | PM2.5 | Cigarettes/Day | Health Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 12.0 μg/m³ | ~0.5 | Air quality is satisfactory |
| 100 | 35.4 μg/m³ | ~1.6 | Acceptable for most people |
| 150 | 55.4 μg/m³ | ~2.5 | Sensitive groups should reduce exposure |
| 200 | 150.4 μg/m³ | ~6.8 | Everyone may experience health effects |
| 300 | 250.4 μg/m³ | ~11.4 | Health alert: everyone at risk |
Important Note
This calculation is a "rule of thumb" based on epidemiological studies by Berkeley Earth, not a precise medical conversion. Individual health impacts may vary based on factors like age, pre-existing conditions, and specific pollutant composition. Use this information as a general guide for understanding air pollution risks and making health-conscious decisions.
What Should You Do at Different AQI Levels?
Take appropriate actions based on current air quality to protect your health and your family.
AQI 0-50: Good
- •Air quality is satisfactory
- •Enjoy outdoor activities
- •Great day for outdoor exercise
- •Open windows to let fresh air in
AQI 51-100: Moderate
- •Acceptable for most people
- •Unusually sensitive people should reduce prolonged outdoor exertion
- •Consider shorter outdoor activities
- •Monitor how you feel when outdoors
AQI 101-150: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
- •Sensitive groups should reduce outdoor exertion
- •Children, elderly, and those with respiratory conditions should limit outdoor time
- •Consider wearing an N95 mask outdoors
- •Keep windows closed during peak hours
AQI 151-200: Unhealthy
- •Everyone should reduce outdoor activities
- •Wear N95 or higher-rated masks when going outside
- •Keep windows closed and use air purifiers
- •Avoid outdoor exercise
- •Stay hydrated and rest
AQI 201-300: Very Unhealthy
- •Avoid all outdoor physical activities
- •Remain indoors and keep activity levels low
- •Run air purifiers on high setting
- •Keep all windows and doors closed
- •Consider leaving the area if you have respiratory conditions
AQI 301+: Hazardous
- •Health emergency: everyone at risk
- •Stay indoors with windows and doors sealed
- •Avoid all physical exertion
- •Use multiple air purifiers if available
- •Consider evacuating to an area with better air quality
- •Seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms
💡General Tips for Bad Air Quality Days
- ✓Check AQI forecast before planning outdoor activities
- ✓Keep N95 masks readily available at home
- ✓Invest in a good air purifier with HEPA filter
- ✓Stay hydrated to help your body cope with pollutants
- ✓Avoid exercising near busy roads during rush hours
- ✓Monitor symptoms especially in children and elderly
Important Disclaimer
This AQI to Cigarette Converter is designed to help you understand the health impact of air pollution in a relatable way. However, please keep in mind:
- •This is a simplified estimation tool based on epidemiological studies, not a precise medical calculation
- •Individual health impacts vary based on age, health status, genetics, and lifestyle factors
- •Air pollution contains many other pollutants besides PM2.5 that may affect your health
- •Consider multiple environmental indicators (ozone, NO2, SO2, pollen counts, etc.) when assessing air quality
- •Always consult healthcare professionals for health concerns related to air pollution exposure
Use this tool as a general guide to raise awareness about air quality, but make health decisions based on comprehensive information from health authorities and medical professionals.
How to Protect Yourself
Avoid Peak Hours
Reduce outdoor activity during rush hours when pollution levels are highest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AQI?
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AQI (Air Quality Index) is a number used by government agencies to communicate how clean or polluted the air is. It ranges from 0 to 500, with higher values indicating greater health concerns. AQI is calculated from measurements of specific air pollutants, primarily PM2.5 (fine particulate matter), ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.
How accurate is this conversion?
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This is a "rule of thumb" based on epidemiological studies byBerkeley Earth, not a precise medical conversion. Individual health impacts may vary based on factors like age, pre-existing conditions, and specific pollutant composition. Use this information as a general guide for understanding air pollution risks and making health-conscious decisions.
Where does the data come from?
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Our AQI data comes from Open-Meteo, which provides global air quality data. The conversion formula is based on research fromBerkeley Earth, a leading climate science organization.
Why does 22 μg/m³ equal 1 cigarette?
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This finding comes from Berkeley Earth researchers who analyzed multiple epidemiological studies. They found that exposure to PM2.5 concentration of 22 μg/m³ for 24 hours has approximately the same health impact as smoking one cigarette. This comparison helps people understand the seriousness of air pollution in terms everyone can relate to.
Who is most at risk from air pollution?
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- Children - Their respiratory systems are still developing
- Older adults - May have weakened immune systems or pre-existing conditions
- People with asthma or other lung diseases
- People with heart disease or other cardiovascular conditions
- Outdoor workers - Those who spend extended time outside
- Athletes - Breathe more air during physical activity
Does indoor air quality matter?
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Yes! Indoor air quality can be just as polluted as outdoor air, especially without proper ventilation. Sources of indoor air pollution include cooking fumes, tobacco smoke, cleaning products, and dust. Using air purifiers with HEPA filters and ensuring proper ventilation can significantly improve indoor air quality.
What causes air pollution?
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Major sources of air pollution include:
- Vehicle emissions - Cars, trucks, and other transportation
- Industrial emissions - Factories and power plants
- Wildfires - Increasingly common due to climate change
- Agricultural burning - Crop residue burning
- Construction dust - From building activities
- Residential heating - Wood burning and other fuels