AQI Comparison

AQI 50 vs AQI 175

A one-step change in AQI category can translate into a meaningful jump in particle dose.

AQI 50

0.55

cigarettes per 24h

Good: Most people can keep their normal routine.

AQI 175

3.64

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

68

µg/m³

Difference per day

3.09

cigarettes

Direction

AQI 175 is materially heavier exposure

Moving from AQI 50 to AQI 175 changes both dose and the protection plan.

Calculate AQI 50

Open the interactive calculator with AQI 50 loaded.

Calculate AQI 175

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.