Australian characterisation factors and normalisation figures for human toxicity and ecotoxicity

The fate, exposure and effects model USES-LCA 2.0 has been adapted to calculate characterisation factors for toxic chemicals emitted under Australian conditions. Normalisation data for Australian ecotoxicity and human toxicity have been calculated using the emission data from the National Pollutant Inventory (2002/2003) and pesticide use information. National freshwater ecotoxicity and terrestrial ecotoxicity impacts are dominated by pesticide use. Total marine ecotoxicity is dominated by fluoride, originating from air emissions from the electricity supply and non-ferrous metals' (and products) manufacturing industry sectors and water emissions from the sewerage treatment plants. The human toxicity is primarily attributed to the inhalation of toxic metal dust. There is a large diffuse component (primarily from road dust) and the remaining human toxicity contributions can be attributed to air emissions from the mining (non-ferrous metal ores), electricity supply and non-ferrous metals' (and products) manufacturing industry sectors. Future research should investigate the feasibility of combining NPI emissions with regional (climate) specific characterisation factors.