Particulate matter and VOC, emissions in the Netherlands, 1990-2002*
There has been a stagnation in the reductions in emissions of particulate matter. Emissions of volatile organic compounds are falling, but more measures are needed if the policy objectives for 2010 are to be met.
| Substance/target sector | 1990 | 1995 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002* |
| million kg | ||||||
| Particulate matter | 81 | 61 | 1) | 51 | 48 | 46 |
| of which Consumers | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.7 | 3.8 | 3.7 | 3.8 |
| - Industry | 35 | 22 | 1) | 12 | 11 | 10 |
| - Traffic and transport | 26 | 22 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 19 |
| - Agriculture and horticulture 2) | 8.8 | 9.5 | 10 | 9.8 | 9.4 | 9.3 |
| - Other | 6.2 | 4.2 | 1) | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.2 |
| VOC3) | 490 | 362 | 287 | 267 | 251 | 244 |
| of which Trade, services and government | 51 | 33 | 23 | 21 | 20 | 20 |
| - Waste | 2.0 | 2.7 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.1 | 2.1 |
| - Construction | 22 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 12 |
| - Consumers | 37 | 33 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| - Energy sector | 26 | 26 | 22 | 21 | 20 | 18 |
| - Industry | 151 | 101 | 74 | 64 | 59 | 57 |
| - Agriculture and horticulture | 2.0 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 2.0 |
| - Traffic and transport | 199 | 147 | 122 | 116 | 110 | 107 |
| Source: CCDM (2003). | CBS/EDC/Aug03/0180 | |||||
| 1) Incomplete observation in 1999, especially for Industry (incl. refineries) and the energy sector. 2) Including emissions of particulate matter from farm buildings and other agricultural activities. 3) Volatile organic compounds, excluding methane. | ||||||
Developments
The fall in emissions of particulate matter has stagnated somewhat in recent years. The health risks of the inhalation of particulate matter have recently been updated (Buringh and Opperhuizen, 2002). This may result in new impulses for the reduction of PM10 levels. The emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC, excluding methane) are still falling slowly, mainly in the Energy sector and the Traffic and Transport target sector.
Policy
The national objective for 2010 is 163 million kg for VOC (VROM, 2001). Objectives have been set for 2010 for VOC emissions by the target sectors. The emission target for particulate matter still has to be determined. The calculated emission figure for 2010 is 27 million kg.
Relevance
Sunlight releases ozone from VOC. This can result, for example, in the formation of photochemical smog. Direct exposure to VOC, particulate matter and ozone can also result in damage to human health and to damage to materials and ecosystems.
