ABSTRACT
Objective To examine the relationship of exposure and potential dose of human exposed to indoor and outdoor air pollutants. Methods The definition and calculation methods of exposure and potential dose were analyzed and compared. Personal exposure and potential dose of formaldehyde and carbon monoxide in indoor and outdoor air were calculated by scenario evaluation approach respectively, and the relationships between exposure and potential dose were analyzed also. Results Potential dose could much better accurately reflect the amount of air pollutants entering human body through respiratory tract than exposure did. Exposures and potential doses of human exposed to formaldehyde and carbon monoxide in indoor and outdoor air were significantly correlated in some cases, but not correlated well in other cases. Conclusion Potential dose might be more accurately linked to health effects of air pollutants than exposure did.