Sources of Pollutants

Abstract

Sources of pollutants to the atmosphere are manifold. A rough division into the following source categories can be made:

• a) combustion processes,

• b) industrial production processes,

• c) storage and distribution of goods, including fossil fuels,

• d) application of volatile organic solvents and solvent containing products,

• e) biological and natural processes.

Combustion processes comprise, for example, internal combustion vehicles and combustion plants and furnaces. Industrial processes with relatively high emissions of pollutants are production of coke, cement, glass, pig iron, steel, castings, mineral oil products, wood pulp and sugar. The distribution of oil and gas causes VOC emissions, handling of loose materials leads to dust emissions. Solvent containing products include paints and varnishes, printing inks, consumer goods for private use (e.g. products for cleaning and personal hygiene, washing agents), metal degreasing agents, refrigerants or adhesives.