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TrueBreath - Smoke Equivalence Calculator - Austin

Health

Check Austin'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 Austin, Texas today =

Smoking 0.4 Cigarettes

Based on PM2.5 level: 9.0 μg/m³

The Math

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

Current PM2.5: 9.0 μg/m³

Calculation: 9.0 ÷ 22 = 0.41 cigarettes

Life Lost

You lost approx 0.1 hours of life expectancy today

Based on: 0.4 cigarettes × 11 minutes per cigarette

PM2.5 Level

Current PM2.5

9.0 μg/m³

WHO Safe Limit

15 μg/m³

0.6x below safe limit

Air Quality Details

AQI

38

Good

Main Pollutant

O3

PM10

0.0

O3

32.8

Last updated: 1/12/2026, 10:00:00 PM

Most common question related to Austin, Texas's Air Quality

How many cigarettes is Austin, Texas's air equivalent to?

Breathing air in Austin, Texas is equivalent to smoking approximately 0.4 cigarettes per day, based on the current PM2.5 level of 9.0 μg/m³.

Is Austin, Texas's air quality safe?

Austin, Texas's current PM2.5 level is 9.0 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 Austin, Texas's air quality pose?

With a PM2.5 level of 9.0 μg/m³, Austin, Texas'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 Austin, Texas?

The Real-Time Air Quality Index (AQI) in Austin, Texas is 38. This is considered Good. AQI values above 100 indicate unhealthy air quality, especially for sensitive groups.

What is the main pollutant in Austin, Texas's air?

The primary pollutant affecting Austin, Texas's air quality is O3. This pollutant is the main contributor to the current AQI of 38 and PM2.5 level of 9.0 μg/m³.

How does Austin, Texas's PM10 level compare to PM2.5?

Austin, Texas's current PM10 level is 0.0 μg/m³, while PM2.5 is 9.0 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 Austin, Texas?

The current ozone (O3) level in Austin, Texas is 32.8 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 Austin, Texas?

The nitrogen dioxide (NO2) level in Austin, Texas is currently 1.7 μg/m³. NO2 is primarily produced by vehicle emissions and industrial processes. High levels can worsen respiratory conditions and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.