Shocking but true: Air pollution can be as harmful as smoking. Enter your city's PM2.5 level to see the cigarette equivalent.
This calculator uses the methodology developed by researchers at Berkeley Earth, comparing the health impact of PM2.5 particulate matter to cigarette smoking.
PM2.5 (particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers) is the most dangerous form of air pollution because it penetrates deep into the lungs and enters the bloodstream. One cigarette produces approximately 22 µg/m³ of PM2.5 when inhaled directly.
Formula Used:
- Daily cigarettes = (PM2.5 concentration ÷ 22) × breathing volume factor
- Annual equivalent = Daily cigarettes × 365 days
This is an educational estimate, not a medical diagnosis. Individual exposure varies based on time spent outdoors, indoor air filtration, and personal breathing rates. However, the comparison effectively illustrates that chronic air pollution exposure carries similar health risks to smoking.
| City | PM2.5 (µg/m³) | Cigarettes/Year |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 95 | ~1,577 |
| Beijing | 52 | ~863 |
| Warsaw | 18 | ~299 |
| New York | 9 | ~149 |
Scientifically, both involve inhaling particulate matter that damages lungs and cardiovascular system. Studies show that long-term exposure to high PM2.5 levels causes similar DNA damage and inflammation patterns as smoking. The cigarette equivalent calculator helps visualize this invisible risk.
The WHO recommends annual average PM2.5 below 5 µg/m³. For context, many European cities average 15-25 µg/m³ (equivalent to 1-2 cigarettes daily), while heavily polluted cities like Delhi can exceed 100 µg/m³ (4+ cigarettes daily).
High-quality HEPA filters can reduce indoor PM2.5 by 80-90%, significantly lowering your exposure. However, most people spend time outdoors, so location still matters for overall health impact.
The calculation uses peer-reviewed conversion rates from Berkeley Earth research. Individual results vary based on breathing rate, time outdoors, and indoor air quality, but the estimate provides a scientifically-grounded comparison for educational purposes.