This impact category is only evaluated when using the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF)
methodology.
Definition
Human Toxicity, Cancer quantifies the potential for emitted substances to cause cancer in humans. Results are expressed in CTUh (comparative toxic units for humans).Environmental Mechanism
Carcinogenic pollutants released to air, water, and soil can increase lifetime cancer risk for exposed populations through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.Calculation in GREENZERO Journey
- Identify all emissions of carcinogenic substances across the life cycle.
- Multiply by ILCD characterization factors to obtain CTUh values.
- Sum across processes for the total impact.
About ReCiPe 2016ReCiPe 2016 is a life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) method that provides characterization factors for converting inventory data into environmental impact indicators. It is not a methodology itself, but rather a comprehensive database of impact assessment factors developed by Dutch research institutes.The method provides characterization factors that translate emissions and resource use into standardized impact units (e.g., kg CO₂ eq. for climate change, kg SO₂ eq. for acidification). GREENZERO Journey follows ISO 14040/44 methodological standards while using ReCiPe 2016 characterization factors for impact calculations.ReCiPe 2016 does not include this impact category, so no direct unit conversion is available.
Environmental Cost Conversion
At present there is no CE Delft cost factor for this category, so the impact is reported only in CTUh.Example Calculation
If a product emits substances amounting to 1e-6 CTUh:Interpretation
High values indicate greater potential for cancer effects among exposed populations. Key drivers include heavy metals and certain organic chemicals.Reduction Strategies
- Substitute carcinogenic materials
- Implement emission controls
Data Quality Considerations
- Toxicity factors may vary by region and exposure scenario
Related Impact Categories
- Human Toxicity, Non-Cancer (PEF)