Measurement of Ultrafine Particles and Other Air Pollutants Emitted by Cooking Activities

Cooking emissions show a strong dependence on cooking styles and parameters. Measurements of the average ultrafine particle (UFP) concentration, PM2.5 and black carbon concentrations emitted by cooking activities ranged from 1.34 x 10(4) to 6.04 x 10(5) particles/cm(3), 10.0 to 230.9 mu g/m(3) and 0.1 to 0.8 mu g/m(3), respectively. Lower UFP concentrations were observed during boiling, while higher levels were emitted during frying. The highest UFP concentrations were observed when using a gas stove at high temperature with the kitchen exhaust fan turned off. The observed UFP profiles were similar in the kitchen and in another room, with a lag of approximately 10 min.