Evaluation of contribution of human activities indoors to total concentration of UFP indoors

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) present in the indoor air has been associated with serious health risks. Respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are proven short and long-term health risks as a result of exposure to PM (Andersen et al. 2011; Brook et al. 2010; Bräuner et al. 2008). Health risks associated with exposure to ultrafine particles, i.e. particles with aerodynamic diameter smaller than 0.1 μm have been shown in a number of studies (Bräuner et al. 2007; Li et al. 2003; Aalto et al. 2005). Ultrafine particles (UFP) are characterized by a high number concentration and small contribution to the mass concentration. Their size enables them to deposit in the alveoli sacs where they can cause oxidative stress and DNA damage (Franck et al. 2011; Risom et al. 2005).