PAH indoor-to-outdoor relationship and exposure levels in Rome

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are known to be harmful to human health. Spatial variability of the emissions, atmospheric dispersion, infiltration of the particles from outdoor to indoors, and population time-activity defines the exposures. Since the time spent inside is typically 80-90% (followed by time spent in traffic and outdoors), indoor exposures and thus particle infiltration from outdoors is a key issue. The aim of the work is to study the indoor-outdoor relationship of PAH concentrations between non-heating and heating periods in different microenvironments (homes, schools, offices and vehicles (traffic)), and to estimate the population exposure levels in different seasons.