Improving Life Cycle Human Toxicity Assessment in Pre-Training Electrolytic Aluminum Industry for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Abstract

So far, there are major weaknesses in applying existing life cycle impact assessment characterization models to metals and more specifically to Aluminum-based products, which can lead to biased estimates of damage. To estimate the damage of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in aluminum production sites, this study applies a life cycle assessment for pre-training electrolytic aluminum production in China. Results showed approximately 46% impact of the "average PAHs" was overestimated than existing life cycle impact assessment model (Impact2002+). Results also demonstrated the feasibility and the potential significance of including worker exposure to PAHs. Recommendations are presented to consider and compare both indoor (worker exposure) and outdoor emission of PAHs, differentiating the impact between various PAHs. These improvements are crucial for the future development of impact assessment methods that lead to comparable results between organic and inorganic substances.