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Indicator of the potential acidification of soils and waters (increase in pH).
Mainly due to acid rain caused by nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide and ammonia.
It is related to plant death, low crop yields, soil infertility, contamination of aquatic ecosystems, etc.
Method and unit:
EF v3.1 | acidification | accumulated exceedance (AE) (mol H+ eq.).
Indicator of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that contribute to climate change in the atmosphere.
Mainly due to carbon dioxide, methane and nitrogen oxides generated mainly by combustion.
There are many more contributing gases.
It is related to rising temperatures and changes in weather patterns due to the greenhouse effect.
Method and unit:
IPCC 2021 | climate change | global warming potential (GWP100)
Indicator measuring the toxic effects of chemical compounds on the ecosystem.Mainly due to the use of pesticides and the presence of metals such as chromium, vanadium, nickel, zinc, etc.It is related to the bioaccumulation of toxic compounds, the death of living organisms and the alteration or disruption of ecosystems.
Method and unit:
USEtox | ecotoxicity | total (CTU).
Indicator of the depletion of non-renewable fossil resources.
Mainly due to the use of these resources for power generation in boilers or generators.
It relates to the concern that these limited energy resources will not be available in the future to maintain current consumption patterns.
Method and unit:
CML v4.8 2016 | energy resources: non-renewable | abiotic depletion potential (ADP): fossil fuels (MJ).
Indicator of over-enrichment of the freshwater ecosystem with nutrients.
Due to the emission of phosphorus and nitrogen compounds. Usually caused by the use of fertilisers in agriculture, but also by combustion processes.
Related to excessive growth of algae in aqueous bodies, lack of oxygen and death of aquatic species.
Method and unit:
CML v4.8 2016 | eutrophication (kg PO4 eq.).
Indicator measuring the carcinogenic effects of chemical compounds on human health.
Mainly due to compounds such as chromium VI and 1,4-Butanediol. Other metals such as mercury, cadmium, lead and arsenic also have carcinogenic potential.
It is related to the absorption of carcinogenic substances, not directly, but through a medium (water, air or soil).
Method and unit:
USEtox | human toxicity | carcinogenic (CTU).
Indicator that measures the negative non-carcinogenic effects of chemical compounds on human health.
Mainly due to metals such as zinc, arsenic ion, lead, barium, among others.
It is related to the absorption of carcinogenic substances, not directly, but through a medium (water, air or soil).
Method and unit:
USEtox | human toxicity | non-carcinogenic (CTU).
Indicator of exposure to radioactivity.
Due to radiation from radioactive materials such as Radon-222, Carbon-14, Uranium-235, Cobalt-60, among others.
Method and unit:
ReCiPe 2016 v1.03, midpoint (H) | ionising radiation potential (IRP) (kg Co-60 eq.).
Indicator of the use and transformation of land with agricultural potential for other purposes.
Due to occupation by forests, roads, industrial zones, mineral extraction, among others.
Method and unit:
ReCiPe 2016 v1.03, midpoint (H) | land use | agricultural land occupation (LOP) (m2 crop eq.).
Indicator of the depletion of metal and mineral resources.
Mainly due to the use of these types of materials for the manufacture of equipment and materials.
It relates to the future concern of not having these non-renewable and very scarce resources available in nature.
Method and unit:
CML v4.8 2016 | material resources: metals/minerals | abiotic depletion potential (ADP): elements (ultimate reserves) (kg Sb eq.).
Indicator of emissions of ozone-depleting gases that deplete and degrade the ozone layer.
Mainly due to methane, dinitrogen monoxide and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
It is linked to increased ultraviolet radiation input, skin cancer and plant deterioration.
Method and unit:
ReCiPe 2016 v1.03, midpoint (H) | ozone depletion potential (ODPinfinite) (kg CFC-11 eq.).
Indicator of particulate matter emissions that may cause adverse effects on human health.
Due to particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) and other precursor compounds (NOx, SOx) emitted mainly during fossil fuel combustion.
It is related to respiratory problems and lung damage.
Method and unit:
ReCiPe 2016 v1.03, midpoint (H) | particulate matter formation potential (PMFP) (kg PM2.5 eq.).
Indicator of the potential toxic effect of highly active gases on human health.
Mainly due to emissions of nitrogen oxides, hexane, ethylene and volatile organic compounds, which react with sunlight to generate ozone and other oxidising compounds.
It is related to the generation of a toxic cloud of smoke and smog which, in addition to obstructing vision, increases the incidence of respiratory problems such as asthma.
Method and unit:
ReCiPe 2016 v1.03, midpoint (H) | photochemical oxidant formation potential: humans (HOFP) (kg NOx eq.).
Indicator of the potential harmful effect of highly active gases on ecosystems.
Mainly due to emissions of nitrogen oxides, hexane, ethylene and volatile organic compounds; which react with sunlight to generate ozone and other oxidising compounds.
It is associated with death or low crop yields.
Method and unit:
ReCiPe 2016 v1.03, midpoint (H) | photochemical oxidant formation potential: ecosystems (EOFP) (kg NOx eq.).
A function of water use throughout the transformation processes.
Water use can be due to a myriad of sources, from direct use in production processes to indirect use due to the use of hydropower.
Method and unit:
ReCiPe 2016 v1.03, midpoint (H) | water consumption potential (WCP) (m3 H2O).
