Life-cycle assessment framework for indoor emissions of synthetic nanoparticles

Walser, Tobias; Meyer, David E.; Fransman, Wouter; Buist, Harrie; Kuijpers, Eelco; Brouwer, D.H.

doi:10.1007/s11051-015-3053-y

Cited by 19 publications

(39 citation statements)

References 43 publications

(45 reference statements)

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“…The methodological framework has been described in detail by Walser et al ., and consists of seven methodological steps involving the calculation of the following quantities for a nanoparticle (NP) emission: NP emission factor (EmF) in the workplace. NP indoor concentration based on modeled indoor fate. NP intake via inhalation. NP uptake of inhaled NPs. NP‐specific EF for human toxicity. NP CF for indoor exposure. Uncertainty/sensitivity of NP CF and/or its impact. …”

Section: Application Of the Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The second step derives the indoor concentration as a result of the indoor fate of NPs. In theory, the concentration should be attainable using a one‐box exposure model based on generalized time‐activity patterns and modified with consideration of nano‐specific transport phenomena . Unfortunately, detailed information about time‐activity patterns for the case studies was limited.…”

Section: Application Of the Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although rRA typically adopts the former perspective, HHIA in LCA assumes the latter based on its generic nature. For this purpose, it is necessary to define an average worker population using data for both the average number of workers associated with a process or activity and the typical duration and frequency of the process or activity . However, due to a lack of worker population data for the scenarios, we assumed that the same number of workers was needed per FU, regardless of the process or activity (e.g., the same number of workers are required to roll or brush nanoTiO 2 as are needed to spray it on).…”

Section: Application Of the Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As indicated in Step 2, we circumvented the EmF‐based approach because of insufficient data availability and instead calculated NP intake directly using Equation :

NP intake false(mg / FU false) = C_{bz} \times V_{inh} \times t,

where C bz is the NP concentration in the breathing zone (mg/m 3 ), V inh is the inhaled volume of air per minute (m 3 /min), and t is the process or activity duration (minutes). Conversion, as needed, of reported breathing zone concentrations to a mass concentration were performed using calculations described by Walser et al …”

Section: Application Of the Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is applicable for all life cycle stages and processes involving indoor ENM emissions and can thus be used to help assess the entire life cycle of a nano‐enabled product. This study investigates the feasibility of the stepwise approach outlined in the methodological framework by using a case study from the li fe c ycle a pproach and human r isk a ssessment (LICARA) project to develop a modified case‐specific version of the framework. The main goal of the LICARA project was to develop a structured life cycle approach for nanomaterials that (1) enables to balance health/environmental risks of nanomaterials in view of paucity of data against their benefits and (2) that further allows a comparison with the risks and the benefits of the conventional (non‐nano) products.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Comparative Human Health Impact Assessment of Engineered Nanomaterials in the Framework of Life Cycle Assessment

Fransman¹,

Buist²,

Kuijpers³

et al. 2016

Risk Analysis

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For safe innovation, knowledge on potential human health impacts is essential. Ideally, these impacts are considered within a larger life-cycle-based context to support sustainable development of new applications and products. A methodological framework that accounts for human health impacts caused by inhalation of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) in an indoor air environment has been previously developed. The objectives of this study are as follows: (i) evaluate the feasibility of applying the CF framework for NP exposure in the workplace based on currently available data; and (ii) supplement any resulting knowledge gaps with methods and data from the life cycle approach and human risk assessment (LICARA) project to develop a modified case-specific version of the framework that will enable near-term inclusion of NP human health impacts in life cycle assessment (LCA) using a case study involving nanoscale titanium dioxide (nanoTiO ). The intent is to enhance typical LCA with elements of regulatory risk assessment, including its more detailed measure of uncertainty. The proof-of-principle demonstration of the framework highlighted the lack of available data for both the workplace emissions and human health effects of ENMs that is needed to calculate generalizable characterization factors using common human health impact assessment practices in LCA. The alternative approach of using intake fractions derived from workplace air concentration measurements and effect factors based on best-available toxicity data supported the current case-by-case approach for assessing the human health life cycle impacts of ENMs. Ultimately, the proposed framework and calculations demonstrate the potential utility of integrating elements of risk assessment with LCA for ENMs once the data are available.

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Section: Application Of the Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Application Of the Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Application Of the Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As indicated in Step 2, we circumvented the EmF‐based approach because of insufficient data availability and instead calculated NP intake directly using Equation :