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TrueBreath - Smoke Equivalence Calculator - Johannesburg

Health

Check Johannesburg'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 City of Johannesburg, South Africa today =

Smoking 2.3 Cigarettes

Based on PM2.5 level: 50.0 μg/m³

The Math

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

Current PM2.5: 50.0 μg/m³

Calculation: 50.0 ÷ 22 = 2.27 cigarettes

Life Lost

You lost approx 0.4 hours of life expectancy today

Based on: 2.3 cigarettes × 11 minutes per cigarette

PM2.5 Level

Current PM2.5

50.0 μg/m³

WHO Safe Limit

15 μg/m³

3.3x above safe limit

Air Quality Details

AQI

137

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

Main Pollutant

PM2.5

PM10

23.0

O3

8.7

Last updated: 1/12/2026, 2:00:00 PM

Most common question related to City of Johannesburg, South Africa's Air Quality

How many cigarettes is City of Johannesburg, South Africa's air equivalent to?

Breathing air in City of Johannesburg, South Africa is equivalent to smoking approximately 2.3 cigarettes per day, based on the current PM2.5 level of 50.0 μg/m³.

Is City of Johannesburg, South Africa's air quality safe?

City of Johannesburg, South Africa's current PM2.5 level is 50.0 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 City of Johannesburg, South Africa's air quality pose?

With a PM2.5 level of 50.0 μg/m³, City of Johannesburg, South Africa'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 City of Johannesburg, South Africa?

The Real-Time Air Quality Index (AQI) in City of Johannesburg, South Africa is 137. This is considered Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. AQI values above 100 indicate unhealthy air quality, especially for sensitive groups.

What is the main pollutant in City of Johannesburg, South Africa's air?

The primary pollutant affecting City of Johannesburg, South Africa's air quality is PM2.5. This pollutant is the main contributor to the current AQI of 137 and PM2.5 level of 50.0 μg/m³.

How does City of Johannesburg, South Africa's PM10 level compare to PM2.5?

City of Johannesburg, South Africa's current PM10 level is 23.0 μg/m³, while PM2.5 is 50.0 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 City of Johannesburg, South Africa?

The current ozone (O3) level in City of Johannesburg, South Africa is 8.7 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 City of Johannesburg, South Africa?

The nitrogen dioxide (NO2) level in City of Johannesburg, South Africa is currently 4.6 μg/m³. NO2 is primarily produced by vehicle emissions and industrial processes. High levels can worsen respiratory conditions and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.