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TrueBreath - Smoke Equivalence Calculator - Chicago

Health

Check Chicago'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 Illinois, USA today =

Smoking 1.0 Cigarettes

Based on PM2.5 level: 21.0 μg/m³

The Math

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

Current PM2.5: 21.0 μg/m³

Calculation: 21.0 ÷ 22 = 0.95 cigarettes

Life Lost

You lost approx 0.2 hours of life expectancy today

Based on: 1.0 cigarettes × 11 minutes per cigarette

PM2.5 Level

Current PM2.5

21.0 μg/m³

WHO Safe Limit

15 μg/m³

1.4x above safe limit

Air Quality Details

AQI

70

Moderate

Main Pollutant

PM2.5

PM10

0.0

O3

0.0

Last updated: 1/12/2026, 9:00:00 PM

Most common question related to Illinois, USA's Air Quality

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

Breathing air in Illinois, USA is equivalent to smoking approximately 1.0 cigarettes per day, based on the current PM2.5 level of 21.0 μg/m³.

Is Illinois, USA's air quality safe?

Illinois, USA's current PM2.5 level is 21.0 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 Illinois, USA's air quality pose?

With a PM2.5 level of 21.0 μg/m³, Illinois, 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 Illinois, USA?

The Real-Time Air Quality Index (AQI) in Illinois, USA is 70. This is considered Moderate. AQI values above 100 indicate unhealthy air quality, especially for sensitive groups.

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

The primary pollutant affecting Illinois, USA's air quality is PM2.5. This pollutant is the main contributor to the current AQI of 70 and PM2.5 level of 21.0 μg/m³.

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

Illinois, USA's current PM10 level is 0.0 μg/m³, while PM2.5 is 21.0 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 Illinois, USA?

The current ozone (O3) level in Illinois, USA is 0.0 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 Illinois, USA?

The nitrogen dioxide (NO2) level in Illinois, USA is currently 0.0 μg/m³. NO2 is primarily produced by vehicle emissions and industrial processes. High levels can worsen respiratory conditions and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.