The Hero Stat
Breathing air in New York today =
Smoking 1.2 Cigarettes
Based on PM2.5 level: 27.0 μg/m³
The Math
Berkeley Earth Rule: 22 μg/m³ of PM2.5 ≈ 1 cigarette
Current PM2.5: 27.0 μg/m³
Calculation: 27.0 ÷ 22 = 1.23 cigarettes
Life Lost
You lost approx 0.2 hours of life expectancy today
Based on: 1.2 cigarettes × 11 minutes per cigarette
PM2.5 Level
Current PM2.5
27.0 μg/m³
WHO Safe Limit
15 μg/m³
1.8x above safe limit
Air Quality Details
AQI
27
Good
Main Pollutant
PM2.5
PM10
0.0
O3
0.0
Last updated: 1/8/2026, 6:00:00 AM
Most common question related to New York's Air Quality
How many cigarettes is New York's air equivalent to?
Breathing air in New York is equivalent to smoking approximately 1.2 cigarettes per day, based on the current PM2.5 level of 27.0 μg/m³.
Is New York's air quality safe?
New York's current PM2.5 level is 27.0 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 New York's air quality pose?
With a PM2.5 level of 27.0 μg/m³, New York'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 New York?
The Real-Time Air Quality Index (AQI) in New York is 27. This is considered Good. AQI values above 100 indicate unhealthy air quality, especially for sensitive groups.
What is the main pollutant in New York's air?
The primary pollutant affecting New York's air quality is PM2.5. This pollutant is the main contributor to the current AQI of 27 and PM2.5 level of 27.0 μg/m³.
How does New York's PM10 level compare to PM2.5?
New York's current PM10 level is 0.0 μg/m³, while PM2.5 is 27.0 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 New York?
The current ozone (O3) level in New York 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 New York?
The nitrogen dioxide (NO2) level in New York 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.
Related Tools
View All Tools →Can I Run Outside?
Should you go for a run today? Check the real-time outdoor exercise safety rating for your city based on current pollution levels and heart-rate risk. Get activity recommendations and best times to exercise.
AirWars: City vs. City
Compare air pollution between any two cities. Is Delhi cleaner than Beijing right now? See the live AQI battle, pollution difference, and health impact comparison.