Compilation of an inventory for particulate emissions in Belgium

Using production and consumption data of different raw materials in Belgium during 1972, a particulate emission inventory was calculated. The discharges were computed by means of emission-factors cited in the literature. The relative contribution of the different sources was compared to a world-wide inventory. Whereas on a global scale combustion appears to be the major source, it only accounts for 21 % of the particulate emissions in Belgium. The iron and steel industries on the other hand account for nearly 44% of the particulate discharges. Because only a minor fraction of the emitted particulate material can remain airborne, a second inventory was calculated also taking into account the size distribution of the emissions. Of the particulate material smaller than 10 µm only 18%, originates from the steel mills while nearly 33 % appears to be combustion derived.