This impact category is specific to the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology.
Definition
Ionizing Radiation quantifies potential human health damage from radioactive emissions. The unit is kBq U‑235 eq (kilo Becquerel Uranium‑235 equivalents).Environmental Mechanism
Nuclear fuel cycles and medical isotope production release radionuclides that may expose workers and the public to harmful radiation doses.Calculation in GREENZERO Journey
- Record radioactive releases over the life cycle.
- Multiply by ILCD characterization factors (kBq U‑235 eq).
- Sum 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 cover ionizing radiation, so these results stand alone in PEF assessments.
Environmental Cost Conversion
A CE Delft cost factor has not yet been established for this category.Example Calculation
Interpretation
This category indicates potential health risk from radioactive substances. Values are typically low except for products involving nuclear energy.Reduction Strategies
- Source renewable energy rather than nuclear where feasible
- Ensure strict control of radioactive materials
Data Quality Considerations
- Local exposure pathways and shielding strongly influence impacts
Related Impact Categories
- Human toxicity categories