STEP-1 AQI to Cigarette Calculator and Converter - Based on this research, we calculate PM2.5 from AQI (Air Quality Index). PM2.5 is the particulate matter that has dimension of 2.5 microns or less.
We use this formula do so :
PM2.5 = ((AQI - AQI_min) / (AQI_max - AQI_min)) * (PM_max - PM_min) + PM_min
STEP-2 Based on this research, PM2.5 particulate matter concentration of 22 μg/m3 is like smoking 1 cigarette. So,
No. of cigarettes (equivalent) = (PM2.5 * No. of hours exposed) / (22 * 24)
Please note that this is never going to be exact. But you get the rough estimation of health impact of poor air quality, when measured in terms of cigarettes.
Be Safe !
