Smog & Air Quality Calculator
Smog = ground-level ozone + particulate matter. Caused by NOx + VOCs + sunlight. PM2.5 penetrates lungs—most dangerous. AQI 0–50 Good, 51–100 Moderate, 101–150 Unhealthy for Sensitive, 151+ Unhealthy. 4.2 million premature deaths/year from outdoor air pollution (WHO).
🌍 Why This Matters for the Planet
Why It Matters
Smog (ozone + PM2.5) causes 4.2 million premature deaths per year globally. PM2.5 penetrates deep into lungs. Personal exposure depends on hours outdoors, AQI level, and activity intensity. Understanding your exposure helps you take protective action.
How You Can Help
Enter average AQI, hours outdoors, activity level, PM2.5, days above AQI 100, and indoor purifier use. The calculator estimates health risk score, mask days, lung exposure index, safe exercise days, and annual health cost.
Key Insights
- ●Smog = ozone + PM2.5; formed by NOx + VOCs + sunlight
- ●4.2 million premature deaths/year from outdoor air pollution (WHO)
- ●PM2.5 penetrates lungs—most harmful pollutant
- ●Indoor air typically 30–70% of outdoor; purifiers reduce further
📋 Quick Examples — Click to Load
📊 AQI by Pollutant
Relative pollutant contribution (μg/m³ equiv)
📊 Exposure Breakdown
Outdoor vs indoor exposure share
📊 Monthly AQI Pattern
Typical seasonal variation
📊 Health Cost by AQI Level
Estimated health cost at different AQI levels
For educational and informational purposes only. Verify with a qualified professional.
🌎 Planet Impact Facts
Smog = ozone + PM2.5; formed by NOx + VOCs + sunlight
— EPA
PM2.5 penetrates deep into lungs—most dangerous pollutant
— WHO
4.2 million premature deaths/year from outdoor air pollution
— WHO
Indoor air typically 30–70% of outdoor levels
— EPA
N95/KN95 masks filter PM2.5 when AQI exceeds 100
— CDC
Vehicles, industry, power plants are major smog sources
— EPA
Smog = ground-level ozone + particulate matter. Caused by NOx + VOCs + sunlight. AQI: 0–50 Good, 51–100 Moderate, 101–150 Unhealthy for Sensitive, 151–200 Unhealthy, 201–300 Very Unhealthy, 301–500 Hazardous. PM2.5 penetrates lungs. 4.2 million premature deaths/year from outdoor air pollution (WHO). Sources: vehicles, industry, power plants.
Key Takeaways
- • Smog = ozone + PM2.5; formed by NOx + VOCs + sunlight
- • AQI > 100: limit outdoor exertion; > 150: everyone reduce activity
- • PM2.5 penetrates deep into lungs—most harmful pollutant
- • Indoor air typically 30–70% of outdoor; purifiers reduce further
Did You Know?
How Smog Impact Is Calculated
Personal Exposure
Exposure = hours_outdoors × AQI_level × activity_intensity_factor. Activity: rest=1, light=1.5, moderate=2.5, heavy=4.
Health Risk Score
Risk = (PM2.5×0.4 + Ozone×0.3 + NO₂×0.2 + SO₂×0.1) / 2. Higher = greater health impact.
Annual Health Cost
Estimate = risk_score × $50 (range $500–$5,000). Based on medical costs, lost productivity, and premature mortality.
AQI Scale Reference
| AQI | Category | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0–50 | Good | No restrictions |
| 51–100 | Moderate | Sensitive: consider reducing |
| 101–150 | Unhealthy for Sensitive | Limit prolonged exertion |
| 151–200 | Unhealthy | Everyone reduce outdoor activity |
| 201–500 | Very Unhealthy / Hazardous | Avoid outdoor exposure |
Reducing Your Exposure
Frequently Asked Questions
What is smog and how does it form?
Smog is ground-level ozone plus particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10). It forms when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react with sunlight. Vehicles, industry, and power plants are major sources. PM2.5 is most dangerous—it penetrates deep into the lungs.
What do AQI levels mean?
AQI 0–50: Good. 51–100: Moderate. 101–150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups. 151–200: Unhealthy. 201–300: Very unhealthy. 301–500: Hazardous. When AQI exceeds 100, sensitive people should limit outdoor activity; above 150, everyone should reduce exertion outdoors.
How many people die from outdoor air pollution?
The WHO estimates 4.2 million premature deaths per year from outdoor air pollution globally. PM2.5 is linked to heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and respiratory infections. Children, elderly, and those with existing conditions are most at risk.
Does an air purifier help with smog?
Yes. Indoor air is typically 30–70% of outdoor levels. HEPA air purifiers can reduce PM2.5 indoors by 50–90%. Spending more time indoors with a purifier on high-pollution days significantly reduces exposure.
When should I wear a mask for air quality?
N95 or KN95 masks filter PM2.5 effectively. Consider wearing one when AQI exceeds 100, especially during exercise. On hazardous days (AQI 301+), limit all outdoor exposure. Check local AQI forecasts before planning outdoor activities.
What is the lung exposure index?
The lung exposure index combines hours outdoors, AQI level, and activity intensity. Higher values mean more pollutant inhalation. Rest = 1×, light = 1.5×, moderate = 2.5×, heavy = 4×. Reducing outdoor time on bad days lowers your index.
Key Statistics
Official Data Sources
⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes. Health risk and cost estimates are approximate. Consult local air quality authorities and healthcare providers for personalized advice. Not professional medical or environmental advice.
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