AQI Comparison
AQI 50 vs AQI 156
A one-step change in AQI category can translate into a meaningful jump in particle dose.
AQI 50
0.41
cigarettes per 24h
Good: Most people can keep their normal routine.
AQI 156
2.85
cigarettes per 24h
Unhealthy: Everyone should start taking protective steps, not just sensitive groups.
What changes between these two AQI values
Difference in PM2.5
53.6
µg/m³
Difference per day
2.44
cigarettes
Direction
AQI 156 is materially heavier exposure
Moving from AQI 50 to AQI 156 changes both dose and the protection plan.
Calculate AQI 50
Open the interactive calculator with AQI 50 loaded.
Calculate AQI 156
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.