> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.greenzero.eu/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Particulate Matter (PEF)

> Particulate matter formation impact category in PEF methodology

<Warning>Applicable only when calculating a **Product Environmental Footprint (PEF)**.</Warning>

## Definition

Particulate Matter accounts for the formation of fine particles that can cause respiratory disease. It is measured in **disease incidences** per year.

## Environmental Mechanism

Combustion processes and industrial activities release primary particles and precursors (NOx, SO₂) that form secondary particles affecting human health.

## Calculation in GREENZERO Journey

1. Collect emissions contributing to particulate matter formation.
2. Apply ILCD factors to derive the number of disease incidences.
3. Sum across life cycle stages.

<Info>
  **About ReCiPe 2016**

  ReCiPe 2016 is a life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) method that provides characterization factors for converting inventory data into environmental impact indicators. It is not a methodology itself, but rather a comprehensive database of impact assessment factors developed by Dutch research institutes.

  The method provides characterization factors that translate emissions and resource use into standardized impact units (e.g., kg CO₂ eq. for climate change, kg SO₂ eq. for acidification). GREENZERO Journey follows ISO 14040/44 methodological standards while using ReCiPe 2016 characterization factors for impact calculations.

  ReCiPe 2016 includes a similar indicator but is not part of our default eight categories.
</Info>

## Environmental Cost Conversion

No monetary factor from CE Delft exists yet; the result is reported as disease incidences.

## Example Calculation

A value of **0.001 disease incidences** means roughly one additional case per thousand products produced.

## Interpretation

Higher values indicate greater potential human health impacts from particulates, often linked to fuel combustion.

## Reduction Strategies

* Use cleaner fuels
* Install particulate filters and scrubbers

## Data Quality Considerations

* Regional background pollution levels influence actual impacts

## Related Impact Categories

* Human Toxicity categories