Emission to air of particulate matter, 1990-2001
Emissions of particulate matter down since 1990
Published:
Emissions of particulate matter in Norway decreased by 8 per cent from 1990 to 2001. Residential wood burning causes more than 60 per cent of the emissions. Process emissions from manufacturing, road traffic and road dust are other large contributors. The new figures are higher than previous estimates because several emission sources have been included for the first time.
These are the results from a project undertaken by Statistics Norway on commission from the Norwegian Pollution Control Authority.
Emission levels higher than estimated
The new emission figures are more than 25 per cent higher than previous estimates. This is due to new, important emission sources being included for the first time. The main reason behind the increased levels is the inclusion of process emissions from manufacturing industries. Other important emission sources are burning of straw, house fires, brake and tyre wear and emissions from building and construction activities and sandpits.
|
The difference between emissions to air and local air quality Particulate matter in the air affects not only the quality of local air but can also be transported to other regions. The emissions have an effect on the climate and contribute to the transport of heavy metals and POPs. However, there is a major difference between emissions to air and local air quality (concentration). The figures in this article present the amount of particulate matter from chimney smoke, exhaust from engines etc., which do not equal local air quality or concentration. When we talk about air quality, we tend to think of what we breathe. From this perspective road traffic is more important than residential wood burning in terms of generated concentrations of particulate matter. Emissions from residential wood burning are less important as smoke from chimneys is emitted at a level where humans do not breathe and because it may be transported and diluted by the wind. The concentration of particulate matter from residential wood burning in a region depends on the weather. Exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter, especially from residential wood burning, may have a negative impact on public health. |
Residential wood burning still main source
In 2001, residential wood burning contributed to more than 60 per cent of the emissions of air borne particles (PM 1 0 ) in Norway, while 7 per cent came from road traffic and road dust. It is, however, important to note that local air quality in the big towns and most densely populated areas is affected by road traffic as much as residential wood burning. See box : The difference between emissions to air and local air quality .
Process emissions affect the figures
Process emissions from manufacturing only contributed to 17 per cent of the total emissions of particles (PM 1 0 ) in 2001. However, for some municipalities the inclusion of process emissions has had a considerable impact on the figures. Metal manufacturing account for the highest emissions. Detailed emission figures for all municipalities can be downloaded (only in Norwegian).
Measures work
Emissions of particulate matter to air were estimated at 64 400 tonnes in 2001 - down 8 per cent since 1990. The decrease is a result of less burning of straw and cleaning systems at incineration plants and in manufacturing industries. Less use of studded tyres and restrictions on exhaust emissions from vehicles have also resulted in lower emissions to air. Emissions from residential wood burning have increased by 6 per cent since 1990 due to the increased use of firewood. Many households have, however, replaced their old, polluting wood stoves with cleaner technology. This has had a positive effect on the figures. Outdoor temperature, stove type and the price of electricity all have a major impact on emission levels in the big towns.
|
Calculations
Statistics Norway has, on commission from the Norwegian Pollution Control Authority, for the first time made a complete calculation of the emissions of particulate matter in Norway, divided into the particle fractions PM 2 , 5 , PM 1 0 and TSP (Total Suspended Particles). The components are reported to the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP). This article focuses on PM10. Previous calculations of particulate matter only included PM10 (emissions from combustion sources and road dust). In this work the emission factors have been revised based on new knowledge. Process emissions from manufacturing have been included and emissions from other sources have been considered (e.g. burning of straw, house fires, brake and tyre wear). The emission figures are based on reports from large industrial plants and combustion plants together with calculations based on activity data and emission factors. Considerable uncertainty is attached to the statistics on particulate matter due to variations in reported emission data and emission factors that are not necessarily ideal for Norwegian conditions. |
In the big towns a substantial proportion of the population is exposed to concentrations of air pollutants that increase the risk of premature death and health problems, such as respiratory infections, lung diseases and cancer.
Figures and tables available in Norwegian only :
Table 1: Emissions to air by source.1990
Table 2: Emissions to air by source. 2000
Table 3: Emissions to air by source. 2001
For more figures about emissions to air, visit StatBank .
Read the entire report (in Norwegian only)
More articles on air pollution and greenhouse gases :
Emissions of NOX , NMVOC and ammonia. 1990-2002
Emission to air of persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals. 1990-2001
Emissions to air of greenhouse gases, 1991, 1995 and 2000. Other gases, 2000. Municipalities
Contact
-
Statistics Norway's Information Centre