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TrueBreath - Smoke Equivalence Calculator - Alexandria

Health

Check Alexandria's air quality and see how many cigarettes worth of smoke you're breathing. Real-time PM2.5 data and health impact calculator.

The Hero Stat

Breathing air in Northern Virginia, USA today =

Smoking 0.7 Cigarettes

Based on PM2.5 level: 15.0 μg/m³

The Math

Berkeley Earth Rule: 22 μg/m³ of PM2.5 ≈ 1 cigarette

Current PM2.5: 15.0 μg/m³

Calculation: 15.0 ÷ 22 = 0.68 cigarettes

Life Lost

You lost approx 0.1 hours of life expectancy today

Based on: 0.7 cigarettes × 11 minutes per cigarette

PM2.5 Level

Current PM2.5

15.0 μg/m³

WHO Safe Limit

15 μg/m³

1.0x above safe limit

Air Quality Details

AQI

57

Moderate

Main Pollutant

PM2.5

PM10

5.0

O3

13.5

Last updated: 1/12/2026, 8:00:00 PM

Most common question related to Northern Virginia, USA's Air Quality

How many cigarettes is Northern Virginia, USA's air equivalent to?

Breathing air in Northern Virginia, USA is equivalent to smoking approximately 0.7 cigarettes per day, based on the current PM2.5 level of 15.0 μg/m³.

Is Northern Virginia, USA's air quality safe?

Northern Virginia, USA's current PM2.5 level is 15.0 μg/m³. The WHO safe limit is 15 μg/m³ for 24-hour exposure. This is within acceptable limits, but long-term exposure should still be minimized.

What health risks does Northern Virginia, USA's air quality pose?

With a PM2.5 level of 15.0 μg/m³, Northern Virginia, USA's air quality may cause minor health issues, particularly for people with respiratory conditions. It's advisable to limit outdoor activities during high pollution periods.

What is the current AQI in Northern Virginia, USA?

The Real-Time Air Quality Index (AQI) in Northern Virginia, USA is 57. This is considered Moderate. AQI values above 100 indicate unhealthy air quality, especially for sensitive groups.

What is the main pollutant in Northern Virginia, USA's air?

The primary pollutant affecting Northern Virginia, USA's air quality is PM2.5. This pollutant is the main contributor to the current AQI of 57 and PM2.5 level of 15.0 μg/m³.

How does Northern Virginia, USA's PM10 level compare to PM2.5?

Northern Virginia, USA's current PM10 level is 5.0 μg/m³, while PM2.5 is 15.0 μg/m³. PM10 particles are larger (2.5-10 micrometers) and less harmful than PM2.5, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream.

What is the ozone (O3) level in Northern Virginia, USA?

The current ozone (O3) level in Northern Virginia, USA is 13.5 μg/m³. Ozone is a harmful gas that can cause respiratory problems, especially during physical activity. The WHO guideline for 8-hour exposure is 100 μg/m³.

What are the nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels in Northern Virginia, USA?

The nitrogen dioxide (NO2) level in Northern Virginia, USA is currently 1.5 μg/m³. NO2 is primarily produced by vehicle emissions and industrial processes. High levels can worsen respiratory conditions and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.

Alexandria Air Quality: 0.7 Cigarettes/Day Equivalent