The Hero Stat
Breathing air in Boston today =
Smoking 0.6 Cigarettes
Based on PM2.5 level: 13.0 μg/m³
The Math
Berkeley Earth Rule: 22 μg/m³ of PM2.5 ≈ 1 cigarette
Current PM2.5: 13.0 μg/m³
Calculation: 13.0 ÷ 22 = 0.59 cigarettes
Life Lost
You lost approx 0.1 hours of life expectancy today
Based on: 0.6 cigarettes × 11 minutes per cigarette
PM2.5 Level
Current PM2.5
13.0 μg/m³
WHO Safe Limit
15 μg/m³
0.9x below safe limit
Air Quality Details
AQI
53
Moderate
Main Pollutant
O3
PM10
24.0
O3
25.6
Last updated: 1/12/2026, 8:00:00 PM
Most common question related to Boston's Air Quality
How many cigarettes is Boston's air equivalent to?
Breathing air in Boston is equivalent to smoking approximately 0.6 cigarettes per day, based on the current PM2.5 level of 13.0 μg/m³.
Is Boston's air quality safe?
Boston's current PM2.5 level is 13.0 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 Boston's air quality pose?
With a PM2.5 level of 13.0 μg/m³, Boston'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 Boston?
The Real-Time Air Quality Index (AQI) in Boston is 53. This is considered Moderate. AQI values above 100 indicate unhealthy air quality, especially for sensitive groups.
What is the main pollutant in Boston's air?
The primary pollutant affecting Boston's air quality is O3. This pollutant is the main contributor to the current AQI of 53 and PM2.5 level of 13.0 μg/m³.
How does Boston's PM10 level compare to PM2.5?
Boston's current PM10 level is 24.0 μg/m³, while PM2.5 is 13.0 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 Boston?
The current ozone (O3) level in Boston is 25.6 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 Boston?
The nitrogen dioxide (NO2) level in Boston is currently 9.3 μg/m³. NO2 is primarily produced by vehicle emissions and industrial processes. High levels can worsen respiratory conditions and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.
Related Tools
View All Tools →Can I Run Outside?
Should you go for a run today? Check the real-time outdoor exercise safety rating for your city based on current pollution levels and heart-rate risk. Get activity recommendations and best times to exercise.
AirWars: City vs. City
Compare air pollution between any two cities. Is Delhi cleaner than Beijing right now? See the live AQI battle, pollution difference, and health impact comparison.