Emissions to air of hazardous substances and particulate matter, 1990-2000

The emission reductions are mainly due to lower emissions from the manufacturing industries because of more strict emission demands and closing down of a couple of plants with high emissions. Less combustion of straw and combustion of waste in minor plants, in addition to phasing out of additives in petrol, also contribute to reduced emissions.

The emission level for all years does, however, appear to be considerably higher than previously calculated, approximately 40 grams in 1999, compared to earlier given figures at approximately 20 grams. This is due to the fact that the statistics now include figures from several diffuse sources of dioxin emissions, not only large manufacturing plants and combustion plants.

The Norwegian national target is to reduce the emissions considerably before 2010, compared to 1995. Dioxins are also regulated by the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution. The commitment here is that emissions in 2010 not shall exceed the level in 1990.

Manufacturing industries, fuelwood use and shipping contribute most

In spite of considerable reductions in the emissions, metal production was the largest source of dioxin emissions in Norway in 2000. Emissions from fuelwood use, shipping, manufacture of pulp and paper and unchecked combustion are also important. In 1990, production of ore in Syd-Varanger was the most important source; the annual emissions here were of the same size as the total Norwegian emissions today.

Large uncertainties

The emission data are based on measurements from large industrial plants and combustion plants, together with calculations for other diffuse sources. Large uncertainty is attached to the statistics for dioxin emissions.

Figures and tables are at http://www.ssb.no/emner/01/04/10/luft/ together with updated figures for emissions of PAH, lead, cadmium and mercury.