The potential role of life cycle assessment in regulation of chemicals in the European union |
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Authors: | Email author" target="_blank">Frans?M?ChristensenEmail author Stig?I?Olsen |
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Institution: | (1) European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, European Chemicals Bureau, TP 582, Via E. Fermi 1, 1-21020 Ispra, (VA), Italy;(2) Technical University of Denmark, Department of Manufacturing Engineering and Management, Produktionstorvet, Building 424, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark |
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Abstract: | Scope and Background This paper presents the preliminary results from an ongoing feasibility study, investigating potential application of elements
from the life cycle assessment (LCA) framework in European chemicals’ policy. Many policy areas affect manufacturing, marketing
and use of chemicals. This article focuses on the general chemical legislation, especially issues related to regulatory risk
assessment and subsequent decisions on risk reduction measures.
Method Current and upcoming chemical regulation has been reviewed and empirical knowledge has been gained from an ongoing case study
and from dialogues with various stakeholders.
Results and Discussion LCAs are comparative and more holistic in view as compared to chemical risk assessments for regulatory purposes1. LCAs may therefore potentially improve the basis for decisions between alternatives in cases where a risk assessment calls
for risk reduction. In this process, LCA results might feed into a socio-economic analysis having similar objectives, but
some methodological aspects related to system boundaries need to be sorted out. Life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) of toxic
effects has traditionally been inspired by the more regulatory-orientated risk assessment approaches. However, the increasing
need for regulatory priority setting and comparative/ cumulative assessments might in the future convey LCIA principles into
the regulatory framework. The same underlying databases on inherent properties of chemicals are already applied in both types
of assessment. Similarly, data on the use and exposure of chemicals are needed within both risk assessments and LCA, and the
methodologies might therefore benefit from a joint ‘inventory’ database.
Outlook The final outcome of the feasibility study will be an implementation plan suggesting incorporation of core findings in future
chemical regulation and related policy areas. |
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Keywords: | EU chemicals regulation OMNIITOX REACH risk assessment socio-economic analysis (SEA) |
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