18.3.202618.3.2026The LCA4NORM project aims to fully integrate Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) hazards into Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Closely tied to a holistic NORM management strategy, it seeks to embed NORM considerations into the LCA methodology, which evaluates environmental impacts across a product’s entire life cycle. For the first time, the project will include radioactivity assessment at all stages, acknowledging its interaction with other environmental factors rather than treating it as an isolated issue.
To reach its objectives, LCA4NORM will build a solid knowledge base defining input data for NORM and associated contaminants. Existing Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) and process databases will be reviewed to identify gaps, assess current methods against updated radiation protection standards, and integrate insights from past projects like RadoNorm.
The project will also evaluate current LCA methods for radioactivity impact quantification, verifying assumptions and models currently used. Based on NORM characterization, enhancements will be proposed, or new specifications developed. Key exposure parameters for assessing public and worker radiological impacts will be identified, along with appropriate models for human health impact. Not appreciated sufficiently in LCA to date impact on ecosystems will also be considered as well as economic and technical side effects of radioactivity occurrence.
Improved models will be tested in case studies, and LCA guidelines for NORM applications will be developed. Policymakers and regulators will be able to compare the environmental impact of products involving NORM to non-NORM alternatives, enabling informed decisions. Industry will benefit from improved NORM risk management and possible value creation from NORM materials. Public awareness of natural radioactivity and its implications could also improve NORM acceptance.
In short, LCA4NORM aims to establish a robust framework for including NORM hazard evaluation in LCA, supporting stakeholder decisions, and contributing to key EU strategies like the Circular Economy Action Plan, the Green Deal, and Sustainable Products.
| D9.277 | LCA4NORM – Data Management Plan | DMP - Data management plan |
