The Hero Stat
Breathing air in Toronto today =
Smoking 1.9 Cigarettes
Based on PM2.5 level: 42.0 μg/m³
The Math
Berkeley Earth Rule: 22 μg/m³ of PM2.5 ≈ 1 cigarette
Current PM2.5: 42.0 μg/m³
Calculation: 42.0 ÷ 22 = 1.91 cigarettes
Life Lost
You lost approx 0.3 hours of life expectancy today
Based on: 1.9 cigarettes × 11 minutes per cigarette
PM2.5 Level
Current PM2.5
42.0 μg/m³
WHO Safe Limit
15 μg/m³
2.8x above safe limit
Air Quality Details
AQI
117
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Main Pollutant
PM2.5
PM10
0.0
O3
10.4
Last updated: 1/12/2026, 9:00:00 PM
Most common question related to Toronto's Air Quality
How many cigarettes is Toronto's air equivalent to?
Breathing air in Toronto is equivalent to smoking approximately 1.9 cigarettes per day, based on the current PM2.5 level of 42.0 μg/m³.
Is Toronto's air quality safe?
Toronto's current PM2.5 level is 42.0 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 Toronto's air quality pose?
With a PM2.5 level of 42.0 μg/m³, Toronto'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 Toronto?
The Real-Time Air Quality Index (AQI) in Toronto is 117. 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 Toronto's air?
The primary pollutant affecting Toronto's air quality is PM2.5. This pollutant is the main contributor to the current AQI of 117 and PM2.5 level of 42.0 μg/m³.
How does Toronto's PM10 level compare to PM2.5?
Toronto's current PM10 level is 0.0 μg/m³, while PM2.5 is 42.0 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 Toronto?
The current ozone (O3) level in Toronto is 10.4 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 Toronto?
The nitrogen dioxide (NO2) level in Toronto is currently 14.4 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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