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Paradigm for Substance Flow Analyses
4 Sources of Information
4.1 Technical Reference Books
4.2 Statistical Informationv
4.3 Manufacturers, Importers etc.
4.4 Other Sources of Information
Many sources of information are available for the preparation of SFAs. Providing a full overview of these is a comprehensive task, which falls outside the scope of this paradigm. This section points out a number of the most important sources of information.
4.1 Technical Reference Books
Two technical encyclopaedia of particular importance are 'Ullmann' /Ullmanns'/ and 'Kirk-Othmer' /Kirk-Othmer/. These encyclopaedia may be used to achieve an initial overview of the fields of industrial application of chemical substances. The encyclopaedia also provide a great deal of information about processes and thereby a solid background on which to foresee what losses to the environment are likely to be caused by industrial processes in Denmark. In addition Kirk-Othmer for many of the substances provide information about global consumption by application area.
When the main fields of application have been identified, additional information can be found in specialised technical literature on the individual materials in which the chemical substances is used. Such literature is not listed here, but reference is made to the Technical Library of Denmark and other technical libraries.
4.2 Statistical Information
Statistics Denmark
Information about Danish production, imports and exports of goods is available from Statistics Denmark, who prepare annual and quarterly statistics of the production of goods in Denmark as well as foreign trade.
The methods used by Statistics Denmark, reliability of data, etc. is in detail described in the publications and in a 'Declaration of Contents' for each publication. The Declarations of Contents can be found at the Internet /DS 1999/ and is only briefly summarised here.
Production of goods in Denmark
Statistics on the production of goods in Denmark are published quarterly in the publication 'Manufacturers Sales of Commodities. Series A-D'. This statistical report follows the European Unions statistical system and covers, in principle, about 10,000 tariff items. The report is published about 3.5 months after the expiry of the quarter concerned. The statistics covering the fourth quarter of the year also contain figures for the entire year. The information given includes the production of goods in terms of Danish currency and in terms of tonnes/litres/item or any other relevant unit of measure. The statistics are based on information received from enterprises in Denmark with more than 9 employees. In principle, the information is provisional. Final data for the year is available 6-7 months after the expiry of the year and may be obtained upon request from Statistics Denmark. For more detail see /DS 1999/.
Foreign trade
Statistics on foreign trade are registered similarly to statistics on production of goods in Denmark and published quarterly in the journal entitled 'External Trade by Commodities and Countries'. The statistical report covering the fourth quarter of the year also contains figures for the entire year. The figures are given for the import/export of goods in terms of Danish currency and tonnes and may also be stated in number of items, m² or any other relevant unit of measurement.
The statistics are published approx. 5 months after the expiry of the quarter concerned. In principle, the information given is provisional. Final data for the year is available 6-7 months after the expiry of the year and may be obtained upon request from Statistics Denmark.
For external trade different methods are used for EU- trade and trade with non-EU countries.
EU-trade
The EU-trade is the trade between Denmark and the other EU Member States. The statistics are based on information declared monthly to Statistics Denmark from importers and exporters. This so-called INTRASTAT system was introduced in 1993 when the internal market of the EEC entered into force. Up until 1993, the statistics for all external trade were based on data submitted by the custom authorities.
Only companies with an annual EU-import of more than 1.5 million DKK or an annual EU-export of more than 2.5 million DKK have to declare to Statistics Denmark. In terms of value, however, still 98% of the EU-trade is covered by the statistics /DS 1999/. The threshold values change frequently and the indicated values cover 1999.
Trade with non-EU countries
Trade with non-EU countries is based on the declarations submitted by the custom authorities. The statistics in principle cover all import and export, but for transactions below a threshold value of 6,500 DKK and a weight of less than 1,000 kg a simplified declaration may be used. Transactions below the threshold values, covering 2-4 % of the total non-EU trade, are registered under 'miscellaneous' tariff items number.
Sources of error
Sources of error is described in detail in the 'Declaration of Contents' from Statistics Denmark.
Statistics Denmark estimate that the total import/export figures for EU trade in general are slightly underestimated in spite of the absent declarations from companies with external trade below the limit values. It must, however, be expected that products manufactured in craftsman-like processes may be underestimated due to the statistical threshold values.
Beside the statistical errors as incorrect or missing registration, and the uncertainty introduced by the threshold values, there are some possible errors that can be introduced by the use of the statistical data.
Products are in general registered according to their main constituent. For instance, the heavy metal fraction from shredders is registered under the tariff item number "Zinc scrap", but a significant part of the fraction is alloys of copper, lead and other heavy metals.
The registered volumes may include aqueous solutions which, in fact, mainly consist of water (see the vitamin B-12 example in box 2).
The same constituents are imported and re-exported under different tariff item numbers (see the mercury example in box 2).
The only profound method to reveal errors, distortion, etc. in statistical data and the use of statistical data is to build up profound knowledge of the products and groups of products concerned by establishing a network of contacts to experts, importers, manufacturers, etc.
The Input/Output Statistics
These statistics contain information about the consumption of approx. 1,600 groups of products in Denmark distributed on approx. 117 lines of business including industries as well as service trades and public activities. The information about the consumption of products within each line of business is specified in Danish currency and on the basis of raw materials counts carried out every five years. As regards raw materials for the energy sector, including oil, coal etc., the actual volumes are also registered. Moreover, the 1,600 groups of products covers the whole range from raw materials, such as crude oil, gravel, etc. through semi-manufactured goods such as crude plastic iron sections, etc. to manufactured products such as tractors, cosmetics, etc. The statistics are prepared as economic instruments and have, so far, been used primarily to predict the effects of economic intervention. Until now there is no examples of using the Input/Output statistics for SFAs in Denmark. The statistics are not published in total, but data can be obtained from Statistics Denmark. The statistics constitute a valuable tool in order to analyse the patterns of consumption as regards different groups of product in Denmark.
Box 2
Examples of sources of errors in statistics
| Example 1: Import of vitamin B-12 to Denmark In connection with the SFA carried out for cobalt /Andersen et al. 1984/, it was necessary to know the volume of vitamin B-12 imported into Denmark. According to the statistics on foreign trade, this import amounted to approx. 70 tonnes (1982 data). A Danish pharmaceutical company was contacted in order to verify the correctness of this figure. The medical manufacturer informed that the product imported was in fact a solution of vitamin B-12 in water. The actual content of B-12 was in the order of 1%. The stated import of 70 tonnes thus equalled an import of vitamin B-12 of approx. 700 kg, whereas the rest was water. Example 2: Import of CFC and similar compounds to Denmark For the purpose of monitoring the consumption of ozone depleting compounds in Denmark, specific customs tariff item numbers were established in 1989 for the main CFC, HCFC and similar compounds. In 1992, an SFA was conducted concerning the consumption of these compounds in 1990 /Hansen & Petersen 1992/. For this analysis, information was obtained from importers and Danish consumers (manufacturing companies) as well as Statistics Denmark. On certain points, the information from Statistics Denmark deviates significantly from that of the other sources. These deviations have been explained by presuming that incorrect tariff item numbers had been used for part of the imports (incorrect registration). This is considered to be a likely explanation in view of the fact that the tariff item numbers at this time were new combined with the general lack of specialised knowledge about chemicals among forwarding agents and customs officers. Example 3: Import of organic mercury compounds to Denmark In connection with the SFA carried out for mercury /Hansen 1985/, an import into Denmark equalling approx. 300 kg of mercury contained in organic mercury compounds was registered (foreign trade statistics). This observation created some confusion, as there was no known use for these substances in Denmark. The paint, varnish and lacquer industry no longer used mercury compounds as a preservative in emulsion paint and preservatives for seed corn were imported as finished products from other countries. After further investigation, it was discovered that the imports were intended for the production of emulsion paint in tropical countries. A Danish paint manufacturer with subsidiaries in tropical countries imported these organic mercury compounds to Denmark. The compounds where then packed together with other additives and re-exported to the subsidiaries. These exports were registered as paint additives. |
Foreign statistics
Among foreign tabular surveys 'Mineral Commodity Summaries' and 'Minerals Yearbook' published by the US Geological Survey are of particular interest /USGS 1998 A and B/. Both publications are available for free at the Internet. 'Mineral Commodity Summaries' contains information on the US Consumption and World mine production, reserves and resources of most mineral raw materials including metals. 'Minerals Yearbook' holds information on the production and use of the minerals and metals. The emphasis is on the US situation, but the publication also includes trends in international production and trade.
Information on the use of a number of mineral resources in a historic perspective can be found in the report "World Resources (years)" from World Resources Institute /WRI 1999/. The report is updated every second year and is available at the Internet.
The 'Metallstatistik' from the German Wirtschafts Vereinigung Metalle e.V is another survey, which contains information relating to Europe / WVM 1999/. The statistics is available at the Internet.
As regards organic substances, similar statistical surveys do not exist. Information about production data can sometimes be found in international databases (e.g. ECDIN, EUCLID), in the literature, via the Internet and upon request from the manufacturers DuPont, Ciba-Geigy, Bayer, etc.).
Market reports
For some substances market surveys have been carried out by consulting companies specialised in business communication. Information on whether such market surveys are available can be obtained from the relevant industrial associations or from the Internet. However, statistical information cannot be expected to be available for all organic chemicals.
Examples of companies carrying out market reports are Frost & Sullivan (USA), IAL Consultants (UK) and Business Communications Company Inc. (USA). The market reports are often quite expensive (10,000-50,000 DKK) and the use of market reports has to be specified in the budget of the project. There may be some restrictions on the use of the information from market reports.
An example of using market report can be found in SFA for brominated flame retardants /Lassen et al. 1999 B/.
Eurostat
A CD-ROM is available from the Eurostat (the statistical office of the EEC) which contains complete official foreign trade statistics covering the 15 Member States and all partner counties in the period 1976-1992. The statistics is named COMEXT. The statistics are updated monthly on CD-ROM /European Union 1999/.
4.3 Manufacturers, Importers etc.
The most important sources of information to explain the pattern of consumption of substances in Denmark, are the manufacturers, importers etc. involved in trade with the substance or products in which the substance occurs.
A good tool for identifying the relevant enterprises is the 'Kompass Inventory of Trade'. Beside a printed version, Kompass is accessible as a database via the Internet. Some parts of the database can be accessed for free, other require subscription.
The 'Purchase guide for Engineers' and similar procurement reference books are recommended, along with contacts to trade associations etc.
Information from private enterprises can, in principle, be obtained through interviews or questionnaire surveys. In reality, it is a matter of experience to determine which survey method is most appropriate in each case. Generally, interviews are well suited when:
 | There is a need for detailed information about manufacturing processes, patterns of application, etc. |
| It is difficult to phrase simple and precise questions |
| The information requested can be obtained through contact to a limited number of key persons or enterprises |
On the other hand, questionnaire surveys are appropriate when:
| It is necessary to contact a great number of enterprises (more than 10) to obtain the same kind of information. |
| It is possible to phrase simple and precise questions. |
It should be emphasised that information obtained from private business is often confidential and are to be treated accordingly (cf. Section 5.1).
Internet
Basic company-specific technical information can often be obtained from the Web-sites of the companies. Especially regarding technical information from foreign companies, the Internet is a strong tool in obtaining information of the newest developments.
Covering letter
Private business cannot be expected to afford to take the time to respond to random inquiries. Irrespective of whether the SFA is carried out on behalf of a private client, the Danish EPA or another public institution, any inquiry in writing should be accompanied by a covering letter explaining the purpose of the analysis and the manner in which the results will be published and used. Such a covering letter also serves the purpose of documenting the credibility of the investigator and must be signed by the client.
The relevant associations of trade and industry should also be informed, before the initiation of the analysis.
4.4 Other Sources of Information
Research institutions and literature constitute other sources of information. Generally, great amounts of information can be obtained from these sources which are relevant in connection with SFAs, including information about special fields of application of chemical substances, typical production technologies, losses through industrial processes, treatment methods for residual products etc. The possible sources of information are numerous and, in order to fully exploit these, a good grasp of the situation is required which, in practice, can only be obtained through experience. In the following, some of the most important sources of information are listed.
Research institutions
In Denmark, a number of institutions exist within different fields of expertise, among others:
| The Technical University of Denmark and other universities |
| The Danish Technological Institute |
| The Danish Academy of Technical Sciences including the FORCE institutes etc. |
| Ministerial agencies and research institutions including the Danish Environmental Protection Agency, the National Environmental Research Institute, the RISØ National Laboratory, etc. |
| Rendan |
| DEFU, dk-TEKNIK, consulting engineering companies etc. |
In addition, a number of trade associations exist including associations covering the paint, varnish and lacquer industry, the plastics industry, the mechanical engineering industry, etc. Furthermore, the electricity companies can be approached for information regarding the use of coal for power generation and the resulting residual products.
ConAccount
A list of institutions and consulting companies in Europe working within the field out SFA has been drawn up in 1998 as a part of a EU Concerted Action Programme, ConAccount /ConAccount 1999/. The list includes references to relevant projects carried out by the institutions.
The Product Register
The Danish Product Register contains information about the composition of a large number of chemical products marketed in Denmark. The register only contains information on chemical products containing one or more substances classified dangerous. The information in the register is confidential, but public authorities including the Danish EPA can make data retrievals on the consumption in Denmark of selected chemical substances by application fields. The data from the register should be interpreted with caution, especially for substances with a marked decreasing trend in consumption, as the data often represent the situation some years ago. If data from the register are to be used as a substantial part of the analysis, a quality check of the data to ensure that all declarations are up to date should be discussed with the responsible authorities.
Literature
The relevant literature for SFAs at national level in Denmark include statements and reports published by the Danish EPA and other institutions within the Danish Ministry of Environment and Energy. Of particular interest are the working reports and the environment project series of the Danish EPA.
As regards information about consumption, waste, wastewater, emissions from energy conversion etc., it is recommended in addition to make a search on SFAs and other reports published by environmental authorities and research institutions among others:
| Nordic Council of Ministers |
| OECD (e.g. Risk Reduction Monograph series) |
| WHO (e.g. Environmental Health Criteria series) |
| European Commission (e.g. Use Category Documents, other Technical Documents or Risk Assessments) |
| 'KemikalieInspektionen', 'Naturvårdsverket' and 'Institut för Vatten- och Luftvårdsforskning' (IVL), Sweden |
| 'Statens Forurensningstilsyn' and SINTEF, Norway |
| 'Umweltbundesamt', Germany and Austria |
| Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning, and the Environment, The Netherlands |
| US Environmental Protection Agency |
| UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) |
In addition, valuable information can be found in the general technical literature including technical magazines - Danish as well as foreign.
The Internet
The Internet has an increasing significance as a tool for information retrieval. Many reports and statistical data are published at the Internet and the Internet can be used for literature searches (see e.g. the literature list of this report). More detailed description of the use of 'web portals' and 'search engines' for searches at the Internet can be found elsewhere.
Waste treatment facilities
Data on the presence of the substance in waste and residues from waste treatment has often to be obtained directly from the waste treatment facilities, among others municipal wastewater treatment plants, solid waste incinerator enterprises and Kommunekemi (the Danish central treatment facility for chemical waste).
Optional extensions
Some of the optional extensions require specific literature retrieval from other sources. The information sources are mentioned for each extension in appendix 1. Literature sources for the extension regarding exposure is, however, mentioned below.
Exposure
If exposure of man by use and disposal of the products is included as an optional extension, it will be necessary also to search the scientific literature. The search should cover evidence of emission of the substance to the indoor and outdoor environment as well as evidence of exposure of man by using and disposal of the products.
A data source is the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) which is part of the World Health Organization /IARC 1999/. The agency publish monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans and the monographs include exposure assessments. In addition relevant databases for the search will be HSDB and RTECS.
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