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TrueBreath - Smoke Equivalence Calculator - Boston

Health

Check Boston'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 Boston today =

Smoking 0.7 Cigarettes

Based on PM2.5 level: 16.0 μg/m³

The Math

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

Current PM2.5: 16.0 μg/m³

Calculation: 16.0 ÷ 22 = 0.73 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

16.0 μg/m³

WHO Safe Limit

15 μg/m³

1.1x above safe limit

Air Quality Details

AQI

59

Moderate

Main Pollutant

O3

PM10

10.0

O3

23.3

Last updated: 4/3/2026, 7:00:00 AM

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 0.7 cigarettes per day, based on the current PM2.5 level of 16.0 μg/m³.

Is Boston's air quality safe?

Boston's current PM2.5 level is 16.0 μg/m³. The WHO safe limit is 15 μg/m³ for 24-hour exposure. This exceeds the safe limit and poses health risks.

What health risks does Boston's air quality pose?

With a PM2.5 level of 16.0 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 59. 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 59 and PM2.5 level of 16.0 μg/m³.

How does Boston's PM10 level compare to PM2.5?

Boston's current PM10 level is 10.0 μg/m³, while PM2.5 is 16.0 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 23.3 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 6.5 μg/m³. NO2 is primarily produced by vehicle emissions and industrial processes. High levels can worsen respiratory conditions and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.