Danish emission inventory for solvents used in industries and households

This paper presents the Danish emission inventory for non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC) from the use of solvents in industries and households. Solvent use constitutes approximately one third of the total NMVOC emissions in Denmark, i.e. 33,000 tonnes in 2006 and represents 103,000 tonnes CO2-equivalents, which constitutes 0.2% of the total Danish CO2 emissions. NMVOC emissions may be of small concern in relation to CO2 emissions but they are fundamental in relation to many human and environmental health issues and to long range transport of chemical active species. Use and emission pattern of NMVOCs is diverse and complex, as many chemicals are categorised as NMVOCs and are present in many different industrial activities and products. This new approach utilises detailed information on chemical use, available from the Nordic database substances in preparations in the Nordic countries (SPIN). The database information and methodology can be adopted by other countries in order to reach more precise CO2 conversion factors and emission inventories.