Abstract
This study proposes the matrix of problem areas and safeguard subjects as a framework for comprehensively assessing overall environmental impacts. Such frame-work is intended for the use in valuation process in Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) and in priority setting of environmental policy. Through a series of workshops following "comparative risk" process developed by U. S. EPA, environmental impacts were sorted into the consistent and comprehensive matrix of 15 problem areas, and 4 safeguard subjects in Japanese standpoint. As a result from scoring process using the framework, the hazardous chemicals (especially in human health effect) was scored to be the most important by experts' judgement. In the last workshop, experts and citizens examined scoring process of 6 problem areas provided with scientific information by oral presentations and fact sheets. Through discussions among participants and iteration of scoring to share concern, scores between experts and citizens were not so different than generally expected.
