CADR Calculator for Cigarette & Cigar Smoke
Find the minimum Clean Air Delivery Rate for your room.
Cigarette smoke is one of the most challenging indoor pollutants. It contains over 7,000 chemicals, including 70+ known carcinogens. The particles are ultrafine (0.1–1 μm) and the gases (formaldehyde, acrolein, benzene) require substantial activated carbon to capture.
For smoking environments, we recommend 6–8 ACH — significantly higher than the standard 4.8. The tar particles are sticky and coat surfaces, continuously off-gassing even after the cigarette is extinguished.
HEPA alone is completely insufficient for cigarette smoke. You need a thick activated carbon bed (3–5 lbs minimum) to handle the gas-phase pollutants. Thin carbon sheets saturate within days in smoking environments.
📐 How CADR Is Calculated
Formula: CADR = (Sq Ft × Ceiling × ACH) ÷ 60
AHAM recommends ≥ 4.8 ACH. Allergies: 6 ACH. Smoke/Asthma: 8 ACH.
Based on 240 CFM minimum Smoke CADR:
💡 Tips for Smoke Cigarettes
- ✓ HEPA + thick activated carbon (3+ lbs) is the minimum for cigarette smoke.
- ✓ Carbon filters saturate fast in smoking environments — replace every 3–4 months.
- ✓ Run the purifier 24/7 in the smoking room. Intermittent use won't keep up.
- ✓ Smoke particles coat surfaces and off-gas continuously. The purifier helps but doesn't eliminate residue.