Carcinogenic Content of PM10-Bound PAHs in University Classrooms and Outdoors at an Urban Location in Rome, Italy, during Winter Working and Not-Working Days

To assess the contribution of carcinogenic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in ambient air, EU Directive 2004/107/EC indicates to monitor relevant PAHs PM10 fraction other than benzo(a)pyrene at a limited number measurement sites. This indication refers outdoor environments, and environmental air quality being taken as reference also for indoors, it can be extended indoor environments. In this work, bound has been evaluated winter two classrooms University campus Rome with aim studying relationship outdoors working activity. PM10-boundPAHs were monitored over five different periods selected distinguish Weekend from daytime nighttime Weekdays, separated into parts week. Data aggregated Weekdays allowed calculating concentration PAHs, mass PM10, Infiltration Factor, Ratio, Total Carcinogenic Potency by Toxicity Equivalent Factors, “not-working” “working” days. addition, some indications on contributions source have obtained chemical profile normalized maximum value concentration, which provides fingerprint compound. Indoor PAH concentrations lower outdoor, both accumulated week progressed. Although environments same floor had similar volume, they presented infiltration capacity, higher during Weekdays. The analysis profiles indicated an external infiltrating indoors environment. During compound changed compared that observed Weekend, probably due additional local “fresh-traffic” source. calculation gave values always confirming dynamics PAHs. Moreover, was twice meaning toxicological impact when urban is added. present study shows PM10-related within adjacent building not-working evidence suggests possibility potential occupant exposure account planning monitoring programs pollution.