Developing an index to assess human toxicity potential of sugarcane industry

摘要: Abstract Despite the importance and characteristics sugar-energy industry, specialized literature does not present studies to analyze specifically human toxicity of residues by-products generated by this industry. Therefore, objective article is proposal an unprecedented Human Toxicity Potential Index (Htpi) applied industry in order evaluate its environmental performance based on potential. The Htpi indicator developed work takes into account, for each residue by-product generated: i) relative weighting potential impact health; (ii) quantity produced over a given period time; (iii) geographical coverage or spatial dispersion that residue/by-product can achieve; iv) evaluation suitability final destination practiced company, since company use adequate inadequate means disposal. Regarding health, results pointed out residues/by-products with highest weight are vinasse (35.57%), filter cake (29.15%) bagasse-burning ashes (27.38%). proposed index was tested large Brazilian enterprise which, despite amount generated, result achieved environmentally friendly. resulted 93.97%, which 93.97% have allocation when considering