The Hero Stat
Breathing air in Delhi, India today =
Smoking 9.0 Cigarettes
Based on PM2.5 level: 199.0 μg/m³
The Math
Berkeley Earth Rule: 22 μg/m³ of PM2.5 ≈ 1 cigarette
Current PM2.5: 199.0 μg/m³
Calculation: 199.0 ÷ 22 = 9.05 cigarettes
Life Lost
You lost approx 1.7 hours of life expectancy today
Based on: 9.0 cigarettes × 11 minutes per cigarette
PM2.5 Level
Current PM2.5
199.0 μg/m³
WHO Safe Limit
15 μg/m³
13.3x above safe limit
Air Quality Details
AQI
199
Unhealthy
Main Pollutant
PM2.5
PM10
153.0
O3
2.1
Last updated: 1/8/2026, 5:30:00 PM
Most common question related to Delhi, India's Air Quality
How many cigarettes is Delhi, India's air equivalent to?
Breathing air in Delhi, India is equivalent to smoking approximately 9.0 cigarettes per day, based on the current PM2.5 level of 199.0 μg/m³.
Is Delhi, India's air quality safe?
Delhi, India's current PM2.5 level is 199.0 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 Delhi, India's air quality pose?
With a PM2.5 level of 199.0 μg/m³, Delhi, India's air quality poses significant health risks, especially for sensitive groups. Prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and reduced life expectancy.
What is the current AQI in Delhi, India?
The Real-Time Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi, India is 199. This is considered Unhealthy. AQI values above 100 indicate unhealthy air quality, especially for sensitive groups.
What is the main pollutant in Delhi, India's air?
The primary pollutant affecting Delhi, India's air quality is PM2.5. This pollutant is the main contributor to the current AQI of 199 and PM2.5 level of 199.0 μg/m³.
How does Delhi, India's PM10 level compare to PM2.5?
Delhi, India's current PM10 level is 153.0 μg/m³, while PM2.5 is 199.0 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 Delhi, India?
The current ozone (O3) level in Delhi, India is 2.1 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 Delhi, India?
The nitrogen dioxide (NO2) level in Delhi, India is currently 26.1 μg/m³. NO2 is primarily produced by vehicle emissions and industrial processes. High levels can worsen respiratory conditions and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.
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