The Hero Stat
Breathing air in London today =
Smoking 1.5 Cigarettes
Based on PM2.5 level: 34.0 μg/m³
The Math
Berkeley Earth Rule: 22 μg/m³ of PM2.5 ≈ 1 cigarette
Current PM2.5: 34.0 μg/m³
Calculation: 34.0 ÷ 22 = 1.55 cigarettes
Life Lost
You lost approx 0.3 hours of life expectancy today
Based on: 1.5 cigarettes × 11 minutes per cigarette
PM2.5 Level
Current PM2.5
34.0 μg/m³
WHO Safe Limit
15 μg/m³
2.3x above safe limit
Air Quality Details
AQI
34
Good
Main Pollutant
PM2.5
PM10
20.0
O3
5.7
Last updated: 1/8/2026, 4:00:00 PM
Most common question related to London's Air Quality
How many cigarettes is London's air equivalent to?
Breathing air in London is equivalent to smoking approximately 1.5 cigarettes per day, based on the current PM2.5 level of 34.0 μg/m³.
Is London's air quality safe?
London's current PM2.5 level is 34.0 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 London's air quality pose?
With a PM2.5 level of 34.0 μg/m³, London'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 London?
The Real-Time Air Quality Index (AQI) in London is 34. This is considered Good. AQI values above 100 indicate unhealthy air quality, especially for sensitive groups.
What is the main pollutant in London's air?
The primary pollutant affecting London's air quality is PM2.5. This pollutant is the main contributor to the current AQI of 34 and PM2.5 level of 34.0 μg/m³.
How does London's PM10 level compare to PM2.5?
London's current PM10 level is 20.0 μg/m³, while PM2.5 is 34.0 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 London?
The current ozone (O3) level in London is 5.7 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 London?
The nitrogen dioxide (NO2) level in London is currently 22.4 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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