The Hero Stat
Breathing air in Paris today =
Smoking 0.8 Cigarettes
Based on PM2.5 level: 18.0 μg/m³
The Math
Berkeley Earth Rule: 22 μg/m³ of PM2.5 ≈ 1 cigarette
Current PM2.5: 18.0 μg/m³
Calculation: 18.0 ÷ 22 = 0.82 cigarettes
Life Lost
You lost approx 0.1 hours of life expectancy today
Based on: 0.8 cigarettes × 11 minutes per cigarette
PM2.5 Level
Current PM2.5
18.0 μg/m³
WHO Safe Limit
15 μg/m³
1.2x above safe limit
Air Quality Details
AQI
28
Good
Main Pollutant
O3
PM10
11.0
O3
27.8
Last updated: 1/8/2026, 9:00:00 PM
Most common question related to Paris's Air Quality
How many cigarettes is Paris's air equivalent to?
Breathing air in Paris is equivalent to smoking approximately 0.8 cigarettes per day, based on the current PM2.5 level of 18.0 μg/m³.
Is Paris's air quality safe?
Paris's current PM2.5 level is 18.0 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 Paris's air quality pose?
With a PM2.5 level of 18.0 μg/m³, Paris'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 Paris?
The Real-Time Air Quality Index (AQI) in Paris is 28. This is considered Good. AQI values above 100 indicate unhealthy air quality, especially for sensitive groups.
What is the main pollutant in Paris's air?
The primary pollutant affecting Paris's air quality is O3. This pollutant is the main contributor to the current AQI of 28 and PM2.5 level of 18.0 μg/m³.
How does Paris's PM10 level compare to PM2.5?
Paris's current PM10 level is 11.0 μg/m³, while PM2.5 is 18.0 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 Paris?
The current ozone (O3) level in Paris is 27.8 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 Paris?
The nitrogen dioxide (NO2) level in Paris is currently 7.5 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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