The impact and valuation model in XLCA estimates social costs

Ground level ozone, airborne particulates (TSP), carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides and lead are all regulated and monitored closely by the EPA and are termed "criteria air pollutants." They are considered to be some of the most damaging pollutants because they are so prevalent. Their impacts have been studied extensively, and much benefit cost analysis has been performed with regard to their regulation. Consequently, damage functions can be developed with somewhat more detail for criteria pollutants than for other pollutants. This is fortunate because the criteria pollutants are released in greater quantity than other pollutants during the automotive life-cycle (other than greenhouse gases).