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TrueBreath - Smoke Equivalence Calculator - Durban

Health

Check Durban'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 eThekwini Metro, South Africa today =

Smoking 3.1 Cigarettes

Based on PM2.5 level: 69.0 μg/m³

The Math

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

Current PM2.5: 69.0 μg/m³

Calculation: 69.0 ÷ 22 = 3.14 cigarettes

Life Lost

You lost approx 0.6 hours of life expectancy today

Based on: 3.1 cigarettes × 11 minutes per cigarette

PM2.5 Level

Current PM2.5

69.0 μg/m³

WHO Safe Limit

15 μg/m³

4.6x above safe limit

Air Quality Details

AQI

158

Unhealthy

Main Pollutant

PM2.5

PM10

41.0

O3

0.0

Last updated: 1/9/2026, 10:00:00 PM

Most common question related to eThekwini Metro, South Africa's Air Quality

How many cigarettes is eThekwini Metro, South Africa's air equivalent to?

Breathing air in eThekwini Metro, South Africa is equivalent to smoking approximately 3.1 cigarettes per day, based on the current PM2.5 level of 69.0 μg/m³.

Is eThekwini Metro, South Africa's air quality safe?

eThekwini Metro, South Africa's current PM2.5 level is 69.0 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 eThekwini Metro, South Africa's air quality pose?

With a PM2.5 level of 69.0 μg/m³, eThekwini Metro, South Africa'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 eThekwini Metro, South Africa?

The Real-Time Air Quality Index (AQI) in eThekwini Metro, South Africa is 158. This is considered Unhealthy. AQI values above 100 indicate unhealthy air quality, especially for sensitive groups.

What is the main pollutant in eThekwini Metro, South Africa's air?

The primary pollutant affecting eThekwini Metro, South Africa's air quality is PM2.5. This pollutant is the main contributor to the current AQI of 158 and PM2.5 level of 69.0 μg/m³.

How does eThekwini Metro, South Africa's PM10 level compare to PM2.5?

eThekwini Metro, South Africa's current PM10 level is 41.0 μg/m³, while PM2.5 is 69.0 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 eThekwini Metro, South Africa?

The current ozone (O3) level in eThekwini Metro, South Africa 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 eThekwini Metro, South Africa?

The nitrogen dioxide (NO2) level in eThekwini Metro, South Africa 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.

Durban Air Quality: 3.1 Cigarettes/Day Equivalent