AQI to Cigarettes Calculator
Convert AQI into cigarette equivalent and understand the health impact of air pollution exposure.
What our AQI to Cigarettes Calculator Shows
Air Quality Index (AQI) is a number that tells you how much polluted the air is. This calculator helps you visualize the health effects of air pollution by comparing it to the number of cigarettes you would effectively “smoke” by breathing that air for 24 hours.
By entering the AQI value, you can see the estimated PM2.5 concentration and that AQI is equivalent to smoking a how many number of cigarettes per day.
How AQI is Converted to Cigarettes
To estimate the cigarette equivalent:
- The calculator first converts your AQI input into a corresponding estimated PM2.5 concentration.
- Research has found that breathing air with a PM2.5 concentration of about 22 µg/m³ over 24 hours has roughly the same health impact as smoking one cigarette.
- Using this relationship, the calculator divides the estimated PM2.5 concentration by 22 to get the number of cigarettes equivalent for a day of exposure.
AQI to Cigarettes Reference Table
| AQI Range | PM2.5 Concentration (µg/m³) | Cigarettes Equivalent per Day |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50 | 0.0 - 12.0 | ~0–0.5 |
| 51-100 | 12.1 - 35.4 | ~1-2 |
| 101-150 | 35.5 - 55.4 | ~2-3 |
| 151-200 | 55.5 - 150.4 | ~3-7 |
| 201-300 | 150.5 - 250.4 | ~7-11 |
| 301-500 | 250.5 - 500.4 | ~11+ |
Important Disclaimer
This tool provides approximate values for awareness purposes only.
It is not a medical or diagnostic tool. Actual health effects may vary based on individual conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does AQI mean?
AQI stands for Air Quality Index. It is a number used to communicate how polluted the air currently is, Lower AQI values mean cleaner air, and higher values indicate worse pollution.
Is breathing polluted air really the same as smoking cigarettes?
Not exactly. This calculator gives an approximate equivalence based on PM2.5 exposure. It’s meant to help you visualize the health impact of air pollution in relatable terms, not that you literally smoked that many cigarettes.
Why does the calculator use PM2.5?
PM2.5 refers to particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometers or smaller in diameter. These particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, making them a key indicator of air pollution's health impact.
Can this calculator be used for medical advice?
No, this calculator is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
What AQI is considered safe?
AQI 0–50 is considered “Good” air quality. 51–100 is “Moderate,” and higher values indicate increasing health risks. People with sensitive health conditions should take precautions even at moderate levels.
How often should I check the AQI?
It's a good idea to check the AQI regularly, especially if you live in an area prone to pollution or during times of high pollution like wildfires or heavy traffic periods.
Where can I find reliable AQI data?
Reliable AQI data can often be found on government environmental agency websites, local air quality monitoring stations, or reputable weather websites and apps that include air quality information.