Privacy Policy

Last Updated: October 9, 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to Pack Year Calculator. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This privacy policy will inform you about how we look after your personal data when you visit our website and tell you about your privacy rights and how the law protects you.

Pack Year Calculator is a free online tool designed to help users calculate their pack-year smoking history and assess lung cancer screening eligibility based on USPSTF guidelines. We do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

Our calculator operates entirely in your browser. The following data is processed locally on your device and is NOT transmitted to our servers:

• Smoking History: Years smoked, packs per day
• Personal Information: Current age
• Financial Data: Cost per pack (used only for local calculations)
• Calculation Results: Pack-years, toxic exposure estimates, financial costs

Important: All calculator inputs remain on your device. We do not collect, store, or transmit any personal health information you enter into the calculator.

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing behavior:

• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, links clicked
• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, device type
• Log Data: IP address, referring URLs, date and time of access
• Location Data: Approximate geographic location (country/city level) based on IP address

2.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to track activity on our website and store certain information. Cookies are files with small amounts of data that are stored on your device.

Types of Cookies We Use:

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality (dark mode preferences, high contrast mode)
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website
• Advertising Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements (Google AdSense)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Provide Services: Deliver and maintain our calculator tool
• Improve User Experience: Analyze usage patterns to enhance website functionality
• Communication: Respond to inquiries and provide customer support
• Analytics: Monitor website performance and user engagement
• Advertising: Display relevant advertisements through Google AdSense
• Legal Compliance: Comply with legal obligations and protect our rights
• Security: Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and security incidents

4. Third-Party Services

4.1 Google AdSense

We use Google AdSense to display advertisements on our website. Google AdSense uses cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to our website or other websites on the Internet.

Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads to you based on your visit to our site and/or other sites on the Internet. You may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings .

For more information about Google's privacy practices, please visit the Google Privacy & Terms page .

4.2 Google Analytics

We may use Google Analytics to collect information about website usage. Google Analytics collects information such as how often users visit the site, what pages they visit, and what other sites they used prior to coming to our site.

Google Analytics uses cookies to collect and store this information. Google's ability to use and share information collected by Google Analytics is restricted by the Google Analytics Terms of Service and the Google Privacy Policy .

4.3 Content Delivery Networks (CDN)

We use Cloudflare and other CDN services to deliver website content efficiently. These services may collect technical information about your visit to improve performance and security.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

• Calculator Data: Stored locally on your device only; never sent to our servers
• Analytics Data: Retained for 26 months (Google Analytics default)
• Log Files: Retained for 90 days for security and troubleshooting purposes
• Cookie Data: Retained according to individual cookie expiration dates

6. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

6.1 General Rights

• Right to Access: Request copies of your personal information
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal information
• Right to Restrict Processing: Request limitation on how we use your data
• Right to Data Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service
• Right to Object: Object to our processing of your personal information

6.2 GDPR Rights (European Users)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including:

• Right to withdraw consent at any time
• Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
• Right to be informed about data collection and usage

6.3 CCPA Rights (California Users)

If you are a California resident, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) provides you with additional rights:

• Right to Know: Request disclosure of personal information collected
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of personal information
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal data)
• Right to Non-Discrimination: Not be discriminated against for exercising your rights

7. Cookie Management

You can control and manage cookies in several ways:

• Browser Settings: Most browsers allow you to refuse or accept cookies
• Third-Party Tools: Use browser extensions to manage cookies
• Opt-Out Links: Visit Google Ads Settings to opt out of personalized advertising
• Do Not Track: Enable Do Not Track (DNT) signals in your browser

Note: Disabling cookies may affect website functionality. Essential cookies required for basic site operation cannot be disabled.

8. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure.

8.1 Security Measures

• HTTPS Encryption: All data transmitted between your browser and our servers is encrypted using SSL/TLS
• Client-Side Processing: Calculator data is processed locally on your device, never transmitted to our servers
• Regular Security Audits: We conduct periodic security assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities
• Access Controls: Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
• Secure Hosting: Website hosted on secure, industry-standard platforms
• Monitoring: Continuous monitoring for suspicious activity and potential security threats

8.2 Your Responsibility

While we strive to protect your personal information, you also play a role in keeping your data secure:

• Use secure, updated browsers and operating systems
• Clear your browser cache and cookies regularly
• Avoid accessing the site from public or shared computers when entering sensitive information
• Report any suspected security breaches to us immediately

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and maintained on servers located outside of your state, province, country, or other governmental jurisdiction where data protection laws may differ from those in your jurisdiction.

If you are located outside the United States and choose to provide information to us, please note that we transfer the data, including personal information, to the United States and process it there.

By using our website, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and other countries where our service providers operate. We ensure that such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and that appropriate safeguards are in place.

9.1 EU-US Data Transfers

For users in the European Economic Area (EEA), we ensure that data transfers to the United States and other countries are conducted in accordance with GDPR requirements, including:

• Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by the European Commission
• Adequacy decisions where applicable
• Other lawful transfer mechanisms as recognized by applicable law

10. Children's Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. The Pack Year Calculator is designed for adults who have a smoking history.

If you are a parent or guardian and you are aware that your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from children without verification of parental consent, we take steps to remove that information from our servers.

Age Restriction: By using this website, you represent that you are at least 18 years old or the legal age of majority in your jurisdiction.

11. Do Not Track Signals

Some web browsers incorporate a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals to websites you visit that you do not want to have your online activity tracked. We currently do not respond to DNT signals because there is no industry standard for how to interpret and respond to these signals.

However, you can still control tracking through:

• Browser cookie settings
• Privacy browser extensions
• Opting out of Google personalized advertising
• Using private/incognito browsing modes

12. Links to Other Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not owned or controlled by Pack Year Calculator. We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites or services.

Third-Party Resources: We may link to educational resources, medical guidelines, or smoking cessation programs. These external sites have their own privacy policies, and we encourage you to review them.

Disclaimer: We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of linked websites. Accessing third-party links is at your own risk.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy.

Notification of Changes:

• Material changes will be prominently posted on our homepage
• We may send email notifications for significant policy updates (if we have your email)
• Continued use of the website after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Your continued use of our website after we post any modifications indicates your acknowledgment of the modifications and your consent to abide by the modified Privacy Policy.

14. Medical Disclaimer

Important Medical Information: Pack Year Calculator is an educational tool and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The calculator provides estimates based on general medical research and USPSTF guidelines.

• Not Medical Advice: Information provided is for educational purposes only
• Consult Healthcare Professionals: Always seek advice from your physician or qualified healthcare provider
• No Doctor-Patient Relationship: Use of this website does not create a doctor-patient relationship
• Emergency Situations: If you have a medical emergency, call emergency services immediately
• Individual Variation: Health risks vary by individual; calculations are estimates only

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of information you have read on this website.

15. California Privacy Rights

California Civil Code Section 1798.83 permits California residents to request certain information regarding our disclosure of personal information to third parties for direct marketing purposes.

15.1 "Shine the Light" Law

To make such a request, please contact us using the information provided in the "Contact Us" section below.

15.2 CCPA Consumer Rights

Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), California residents have specific rights:

• Categories of Information: Request categories of personal information collected
• Specific Pieces: Request specific pieces of personal information we hold
• Sources: Request sources from which information was collected
• Business Purpose: Request the business purpose for collecting information
• Third Parties: Request categories of third parties with whom we share information
• Sale of Data: We do not sell personal information (no opt-out necessary)

16. Nevada Privacy Rights

Nevada law (SB 220) provides Nevada residents with the right to opt-out of the sale of certain personal information. We do not sell personal information as defined by Nevada law. However, if you are a Nevada resident, you may submit an opt-out request by contacting us.

17. Data Processing Legal Basis (GDPR)

If you are from the European Economic Area (EEA), our legal basis for collecting and using personal information described in this Privacy Policy depends on the information we collect and the context in which we collect it:

• Consent: You have given us permission to process your information (e.g., cookie consent)
• Contract: Processing is necessary to provide services you requested
• Legitimate Interests: Processing is in our legitimate interests (analytics, improvements) and not overridden by your rights
• Legal Obligation: We need to comply with applicable laws and regulations

You have the right to withdraw consent at any time. Withdrawing consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before withdrawal.

18. How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of your privacy rights described in this policy, please contact us using the methods provided in the "Contact Us" section. When you make a request, we may ask you to verify your identity to protect your privacy.

18.1 Request Process

• Submit Request: Contact us via email or contact form
• Identity Verification: We may request additional information to verify your identity
• Processing Time: We will respond within 30 days (GDPR) or 45 days (CCPA)
• No Discrimination: You will not be discriminated against for exercising your rights
• Free of Charge: First request is free; excessive requests may incur administrative fees

18.2 Authorized Agents

California residents may designate an authorized agent to make requests on their behalf. We may require proof that the agent is authorized to act on your behalf.

19. Data Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach that affects your personal information, we will notify you and relevant authorities as required by applicable law. Notification will include:

• Nature of the breach and data affected
• Steps we are taking to address the breach
• Recommended actions you should take
• Contact information for questions

We maintain an incident response plan and will act swiftly to minimize any harm from security incidents.

20. Anonymous Usage

Our Pack Year Calculator is designed to work without requiring personal identification. You can use the calculator anonymously without creating an account or providing identifying information.

Local Storage: All calculator inputs are stored locally in your browser using localStorage. This data never leaves your device and can be cleared at any time by:

• Clearing your browser cache and cookies
• Using private/incognito browsing mode
• Using browser developer tools to clear localStorage

21. Consent

By using our website, you hereby consent to our Privacy Policy and agree to its terms. This consent covers:

• Collection and use of information as described
• Use of cookies and tracking technologies
• Processing of data by third-party services (Google AdSense, Analytics)
• International data transfers where applicable

If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use our website. You may withdraw consent at any time by discontinuing use of the website and contacting us to request data deletion.

22. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, your personal data, or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:

When contacting us about privacy matters, please include:

• Your full name and contact information
• Nature of your request or concern
• Any relevant details to help us locate your information
• Preferred method of response

23. Supervisory Authority

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have the right to lodge a complaint with a data protection supervisory authority if you believe we have not complied with applicable data protection laws.

A list of supervisory authorities is available at: European Data Protection Board

24. Effective Date and Updates

This Privacy Policy is effective as of the date listed at the top of this document. We reserve the right to update or modify this policy at any time without prior notice.

Version History:

• Version 1.0 - October 9, 2025 - Initial publication