To address the increasing need for methods to assess impacts of
toxic chemical emissions on human health and ecosystems, this
course aims at providing a practical overview of multimedia
chemical fate modeling, multi-pathway human exposure modeling,
ecosystem and human health effects modeling, and comparative
indicators for human-toxicological and ecotoxicological impacts. We
begin by explaining basic concepts of environmental mass balance
modeling - including partitioning coefficients, first order rate
coefficients, cross-media transport, and persistence. We next
present the fundamentals of multi-pathway models for human intake
via inhalation, drinking water and food. We will review
hazard-based and risk-based effects modeling approaches that are
used to assess effect factors and illustrate how fate, exposure,
effect and damage factors can be combined to construct factors to
characterize chemical emissions. We then guide the participants
through a series of examples in which they will develop
characterization factors for human-toxicological and
ecotoxicological impacts using the latest release version of the
USEtox scientific consensus model. Participants will explore USEtox
as a tool for comparative assessment of chemical fate, exposure,
and effects. We will conclude with several hands-on exercises of
how the model can be used in various applications, including the
prioritization and ranking of chemicals for institutions like the
European Commission or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Teachers will be Peter Fantke (USEtox Managing Director) and
members of the USEtox team.
Læringsmål:
En studerende, der fuldt ud har opfyldt kursets mål, vil kunne:
Explain and apply exposure science methods used in life-cycle
and comparative risk assessments
Use and evaluate basic tools for mass-balance, fate modeling,
intake fraction, and effect factor estimation
Review underlying model assumptions
Evaluate data needs along with data and knowledge gaps in
toxicity assessments
Explain the scientific fundamentals of chemical impact
assessment for a broad range of environmental emissions
Perform your own assessment using the USEtox scientific
consensus model and interpret results
Find data sources, implement new substances into USEtox, and
modify existing modules
Discuss applicability and limitations of USEtox model, data and
results in different application fields including life cycle
assessment, product environmental footprinting and comparative risk
assessment
Kursusindhold:
Participants/students will have hands-on access to all model, data,
documentation and reading files during the course and will be able
to take all files back home. New substances will be characterized
and participants/students may bring their own list of substances of
interest for the exercises.
The course is structured as follows:
- Week 1: preparatory reading (reading material will be sent 1
months in advance)
- Week 2: on-site lectures and hands-on exercises at DTU Lyngby
Campus
- Week 3: preparation of report around own exercise project
