Assessment of emissions from solvent use in Germany

In this contribution, emissions from solvent use in Germany were assessed f or the years 1994, 1996 and 1998. The share of emissions from solvent use f or all anthropogenic NMVOC (Non-Methane Volatile Organic Compounds) emissio ns has increased during recent years in comparison to that of traffic, the other main emission source for NMVOC's. In 1998 approx. 55 % of all NMVOC e missions originated from the use and application of solvents. Approx. 980 0 00 t NMVOC were emitted in 1998; about 40 % originated from paint applicati on (399 000 t), 15 % (151 000 t) from domestic solvent use, 70 000 t from t he printing industry, 66 000 t from the processing of synthetic materials a nd 43 000 t from degreasing, dry cleaning and electronics production. The r emaining share of emissions originates from many different sectors. The inc rease in emissions from solvent use observed from 1994 to 1998 currently pr evails.