Risk and Impact Modeling: IMPACT 2002+

Introduction

This page provides introductory information on the Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) method IMPACT 2002+. Here you will find characterization factors, a user's guide and a paper published in the International Journal of LCA introducing the method.

The new IMPACT 2002+ life cycle impact assessment methodology proposes a feasible implementation of a combined midpoint/damage approach, linking all types of life cycle inventory results (elementary flows and other interventions) via 14 midpoint categories to four damage categories (cf. figure below). For IMPACT 2002+, new concepts and methods have been developed, especially for the comparative assessment of human toxicity and ecotoxicity (cf. model IMPACT 2002). Human Damage Factors are calculated for carcinogens and non-carcinogens, employing intake fractions, best estimates of dose-response slope factors, as well as severities. The transfer of contaminants into the human food is no more based on consumption surveys, but accounts for agricultural and livestock production levels. Indoor and outdoor air emissions can be compared and the intermittent character of rainfall is considered. Both human toxicity and ecotoxicity effect factors are based on mean responses rather than on conservative assumptions. Other midpoint categories are adapted from existing characterizing methods (Eco-indicator 99 and CML 2002). All midpoint scores are expressed in units of a reference substance and related to the four damage categories human health, ecosystem quality, climate change, and resources. Normalization can be performed either at midpoint or at damage level. The IMPACT 2002+ method presently provides characterization factors for almost 1500 different LCI-results.

Downloads

*In order to access the IMPACT 2002+ model we ask that you provide us with your name, affiliation and email address at the bottom of this page. You do not have to be affiliated with the Center for Risk Science and Communication or the University of Michigan to access the IMPACT 2002+ model. Your information will only be used to notify you of any updates concerning the model. Your data will be kept strictly confidential.

Related Publications

  • Jolliet O, Margni M, Charles R, Humbert S, Payet J, Rebitzer G, Rosenbaum R (2003): IMPACT 2002+: A New Life Cycle Impact Assessment Methodology. Int J LCA 8 (6) 324 – 330.
  • Pennington DW, Margni M, Payet J, Charles R, Jolliet O (2003): Estimating cumulative toxicological risks and potential impacts for human health and ecosystems in LCA. Submitted to Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry.
  • Pennington, D. W., M. Margni, J. Payet and O. Jolliet (2006). "Risk and Regulatory Hazard
    Based Toxicological Effect Indicators in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)." Human and
    Ecotoxicological Risk Assessment Journal, In Press.
  • Pennington DW, Ammann W, Margni M, Pelichet T, Jolliet O (2003): Spatial multimedia chemical fate and human exposure model for Western Europe. Submitted to Environmental Science & Technology.
  • Margni M (2003): Source to Intake Modeling in Life Cycle Impact Assessment. PhD. Thesis: Section Science et Ingénierie de l'Environnement, EPFL. 111 p.
  • Crettaz P, Pennington DW, Rhomberg L, Brand K, Jolliet O (2002): Assessing Human Health Response in Life Cycle Assessment using ED10s and DALYs - Part 1: Cancer Effects. Risk Analysis, vol. 22 (5), 931-946.
  • Pennington DW, Crettaz P, Tauxe A, Rhomberg L, Brand K, Jolliet O (2002): Assessing Human Health Response in Life Cycle Assessment using ED10s and DALYs - Part 2: Non-Cancer Effects. Risk Analysis, vol. 22 (5), 947-963.
  • Payet J & Jolliet O (2003): Comparative Assessment of the Toxic Impact of metals on aquatic ecosystems: the AMI method. In Life Cycle Assessment of Metals: Issues and research directions, A. Dubreuil Ed., SETAC Book.
  • Charles R & Jolliet O (2003): Processes governing fate of pesticides in plant, un-published manuscript.
  • Ammann C (2002): Development of a spatial multimedia model of chemical fate and human exposure for Europe. Diploma Thesis: Section Science et Ingénierie de l'Environnement, EPFL.
  • Pelichet T (2003): Development of a spatial multimedia chemical fate and human exposure model for Europe, with a focus on air advection. Diploma Thesis: Section Science et Ingénierie de l'Environnement, EPFL. 81 p.

Access the IMPACT 2002+ Model

In order to access the IMPACT 2002+ model we ask that you provide us with your name, affiliation and email address at the bottom of this page. You do not have to be affiliated with the Center for Risk Science and Commnication or the University of Michigan to access the IMPACT 2002 model. Your information will only be used to notify you of any updates concerning the model. Your data will be kept strictly confidential.

Please fill out the following form:

First Name:

Last Name:

Affiliation:

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Contact: Olivier Jolliet

**The overall project is carried out by the University of Michigan under the supervision of Dr. Olivier Jolliet. Method development is carried out in collaboration with Sébastien Humbert, Quantis, Lausanne and Manuele Margni, CIRAIG, Montreal.