Smog Calculator
Calculate your exposure to harmful air pollutants and cigarette equivalence
Air Pollution Exposure Calculator
Calculation Period
Location & Air Quality
Exposure Parameters
Smog Exposure Results
B[a]P Inhaled
Cigarette Equivalent
⚠️ Health Risk Level: Moderate
Above WHO guidelines, within EU limits
Current concentration: 1.00 ng/m³
📊 Exposure Breakdown
Effective daily air exposure: 18.3 m³
Time outdoors: 4 hours
Time indoors: 20 hours (reduced exposure)
🌍 Reference Standards
WHO safe level: ≤0.12 ng/m³
EU target value: ≤1.0 ng/m³
Your exposure is 8.3x WHO guideline
Understanding Smog and Air Pollution
What is Smog?
Smog is a harmful mixture of air pollutants that forms when smoke and fog combine with other atmospheric contaminants. The term was first coined in 1905 to describe London's winter fog mixed with coal smoke. Today, smog contains dangerous chemicals including benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), particulate matter, and toxic gases.
Types of Smog
London-Type Smog
- • Occurs in winter months
- • Coal and fuel burning
- • High sulfur content
- • Cool, humid conditions
Los Angeles-Type Smog
- • Photochemical smog
- • Vehicle emissions + sunlight
- • Ozone formation
- • Warm, sunny conditions
Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P)
B[a]P is a highly carcinogenic compound found in smog, formed by incomplete combustion of coal, wood, gasoline, and other organic materials. It's one of the most dangerous components of air pollution and is used as an indicator of overall cancer risk from air pollution exposure.
Health Effects of Smog Exposure
🫀 Immediate Effects
- • Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- • Coughing and breathing difficulties
- • Chest pain and wheezing
- • Headaches and dizziness
- • Fatigue and reduced lung function
⚕️ Long-term Effects
- • Lung cancer risk increase
- • Cardiovascular disease
- • Chronic respiratory conditions
- • Reduced life expectancy
- • Developmental issues in children
💀 Mortality Impact
According to WHO, air pollution causes approximately 4.2 million premature deaths globally each year. The 1952 London smog killed about 4,000 people in just a few days, highlighting the deadly potential of severe air pollution episodes.
Global B[a]P Levels
Air Quality Standards
Main Pollution Sources
Reducing Your Smog Exposure
🏠 At Home
- • Use air purifiers with HEPA filters
- • Keep windows closed on high pollution days
- • Switch to cleaner heating systems
- • Avoid burning wood or waste
- • Install proper ventilation
- • Use low-emission appliances
🚶 Personal Protection
- • Wear N95 masks on polluted days
- • Exercise indoors during smog alerts
- • Plan outdoor activities when air is cleaner
- • Use air quality monitoring apps
- • Limit time in high-traffic areas
- • Stay hydrated and eat antioxidant-rich foods
🌍 Community Action
- • Use public transportation or bike
- • Support clean energy initiatives
- • Plant trees and support green spaces
- • Advocate for stricter emission standards
- • Choose electric or hybrid vehicles
- • Report illegal waste burning
How This Calculator Works
Calculation Method
This calculator estimates your exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) based on air quality data and converts it to cigarette equivalence for easy understanding. The calculation follows these steps:
- Calculate effective air exposure considering indoor/outdoor time split
- Apply the B[a]P concentration to determine total intake
- Account for reduced indoor exposure (90% of outdoor levels)
- Convert to cigarette equivalence using 14.86 ng B[a]P per cigarette
- Scale to daily or annual exposure as selected
Data Sources
Air quality data comes from official monitoring stations, WHO reports, and peer-reviewed research. B[a]P concentrations are based on annual averages from environmental protection agencies.
Limitations
Results are estimates based on average conditions. Actual exposure varies with weather, specific location, time of year, and individual factors. This tool is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on available air quality data and scientific research. Results may not reflect real-time conditions or individual health risks. Consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice about air pollution exposure and health concerns.