Smog Calculator
Estimate your pollution exposure and get personalized health recommendations
Personalized Recommendations
How to Use the Smog Calculator
Our Smog Calculator helps you understand your personal air pollution exposure and provides tailored health recommendations. Follow these simple steps:
- Select Your Location: Choose your city from the dropdown or select “Other” to enter AQI manually
- Enter Current AQI: Input your area’s Air Quality Index (find it at airnow.gov or your local weather service)
- Set Outdoor Time: Use the slider to indicate how many hours you spend outside daily
- Choose Sensitivity Level: Select your health category for personalized recommendations
- Calculate: Click “Calculate Exposure” to get your personalized smog exposure assessment
The calculator will provide you with a color-coded exposure level, health risk assessment, and specific recommendations to protect your health based on current air quality conditions.
What Is Smog and Why It Matters
Smog is a type of air pollution that combines smoke and fog, creating a harmful mixture of pollutants that can seriously impact your health. Understanding smog and its effects is crucial for protecting yourself and your family.
Understanding Air Quality Index (AQI)
The Air Quality Index is a standardized way to measure and communicate air pollution levels. It ranges from 0 to 500, with higher numbers indicating more dangerous air quality.
Health Risks by Exposure Level
- Low Exposure (AQI 0-50): Minimal health risk for most people
- Moderate Exposure (AQI 51-100): Sensitive individuals may experience minor symptoms
- High Exposure (AQI 101-200): Health effects for sensitive groups, some effects for general population
- Very High Exposure (AQI 201+): Serious health effects for everyone, emergency conditions
Who Is Most at Risk?
Certain groups are more vulnerable to air pollution effects:
- Children under 12 years old
- Adults over 65 years old
- People with asthma or respiratory conditions
- Individuals with heart disease
- Pregnant women
- People who work or exercise outdoors
Tips to Reduce Your Smog Exposure
- Check daily AQI forecasts before planning outdoor activities
- Wear N95 or P100 masks when AQI exceeds 100
- Use air purifiers with HEPA filters indoors
- Keep windows closed during high pollution days
- Exercise indoors when air quality is poor
- Plant air-purifying plants in your home
- Avoid outdoor activities during rush hours
- Consider relocating if you live in consistently polluted areas
Long-term Health Effects
Prolonged exposure to smog and air pollution can lead to:
- Respiratory diseases and reduced lung function
- Cardiovascular problems and heart disease
- Increased risk of stroke
- Premature aging and skin damage
- Weakened immune system
- Increased cancer risk
For more information about air quality and health, visit the EPA’s Air Quality Index Guide or the World Health Organization’s Air Quality Guidelines.
Stay informed, stay protected, and breathe easier with the right knowledge and precautions.