1 research outputs found
Conceptual Framework To Extend Life Cycle Assessment Using Near-Field Human Exposure Modeling and High-Throughput Tools for Chemicals
Life
Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a decision-making tool that accounts
for multiple impacts across the life cycle of a product or service.
This paper presents a conceptual framework to integrate human health
impact assessment with risk screening approaches to extend LCA to
include near-field chemical sources (e.g., those originating from
consumer products and building materials) that have traditionally
been excluded from LCA. A new generation of rapid human exposure modeling
and high-throughput toxicity testing is transforming chemical risk
prioritization and provides an opportunity for integration of screening-level
risk assessment (RA) with LCA. The combined LCA and RA approach considers
environmental impacts of products alongside risks to human health,
which is consistent with regulatory frameworks addressing RA within
a sustainability mindset. A case study is presented to juxtapose LCA
and risk screening approaches for a chemical used in a consumer product.
The case study demonstrates how these new risk screening tools can
be used to inform toxicity impact estimates in LCA and highlights
needs for future research. The framework provides a basis for developing
tools and methods to support decision making on the use of chemicals
in products