AQI Comparison
AQI 50 vs AQI 150
A one-step AQI category change can mean a meaningful increase in estimated PM2.5 concentration-time.
AQI 50
0.41
cigarette-equivalents per 24h
Good: Most people can keep their normal routine.
AQI 150
2.52
cigarette-equivalents per 24h
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups: This is the point where many households should start changing plans.
What changes between these two AQI values
Difference in PM2.5
46.4
µg/m³
Difference per day
2.11
cigarettes
Direction
AQI 150 is materially heavier exposure
Moving from AQI 50 to AQI 150 changes both estimated PM2.5 concentration and the protection plan.
Calculate AQI 50
Open the interactive calculator with AQI 50 loaded.
Calculate AQI 150
Use the interactive calculator to test a different duration.
See how the numbers are derived
Review the AQI-to-PM2.5 and PM2.5-to-cigarettes methodology.