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How many 'invisible cigarettes' are you smoking? Shocking AQI-to-cigarette equivalents revealed

Produced by: Manoj Kumar

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Minimal Risk (AQI 0-50)

This level poses minimal health risks and is equivalent to breathing clean air, with a comparison of 0 cigarettes per day.

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Moderate Exposure (AQI 51-100)

Moderate air quality equates to inhaling pollution similar to smoking 1-2 cigarettes daily, which may begin to affect sensitive individuals.

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Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (AQI 101-200)

Air quality at this level is comparable to smoking about 3-5 cigarettes per day, potentially causing respiratory irritation, especially for those with pre-existing conditions.

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Very Unhealthy Air (AQI 201-300)

This level is equivalent to smoking around 6-10 cigarettes daily, leading to higher risks of respiratory inflammation, coughing, and decreased lung function.

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Hazardous Levels (AQI 301-400)

Hazardous AQI is similar to smoking 11-15 cigarettes a day, with increased risks of respiratory issues, asthma exacerbation, and cardiovascular stress.

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Severe Pollution (AQI 401-450)

Air quality in this range is equivalent to 16-20 cigarettes per day, with a high likelihood of reduced lung function, increased heart attack risk, and asthma attacks.

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Extremely Hazardous (AQI 450-500)

Comparable to smoking 25-30 cigarettes daily, this level severely impacts lung and heart health, increasing the risk of infections, cardiovascular issues, and premature death.

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Beyond Hazardous (AQI Above 500)

At this point, air pollution’s impact may exceed the equivalent of 30 cigarettes per day, posing life-threatening risks for everyone, particularly the young, elderly, and chronically ill.

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Long-Term Developmental Impacts

In children, prolonged exposure to high AQI levels can slow lung development, comparable to the damage from years of low-level smoking, and can have lasting health implications.

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Cancer and Cognitive Risks

High AQI is linked to particulate matter exposure, which increases lung cancer risk and may impact cognitive health, akin to long-term effects seen in smokers.