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Volatile organic compounds

We use volatile organic compounds (VOCs) mainly as solvents in our primary manufacturing operations. In 2005, we released 5 million kilograms of VOCs to the atmosphere.

VOCs react with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight, creating ozone in the lower atmosphere. This results in smog, which is a factor in human respiratory illness. Workplace exposure to certain VOCs can also pose a health risk.

Performance

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Total VOCs emitted to air decreased by 5% in 2005 (24% since 2001). VOCs emitted to air per unit sales decreased by 10% since 2004 (28% since 2001). That means we have missed our 2005 target of a 30% reduction per unit sales since 2001, but we achieved a substantial reduction and only narrowly missed the target.

We achieved reductions since 2001 due to rationalising manufacturing operations following the merger in 2000, as expected when we set the target. The decrease between 2004 and 2005 was due to our site at Ulverston outsourcing some manufacturing. Improved data collection also contributed.

Photochemical ozone creation potential decreased by 7% since 2004 (23% since 2001).

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Note to VOC charts
Emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including fugitive sources such as evaporation and leaks, are measured at GSK manufacturing operations and research and development facilities.

VOCs react with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight, creating ozone in the lower atmosphere. This results in smog, which is a factor in human respiratory illness. We report photochemical ozone creation potential (POCP) in ethylene equivalents. Conversion to ethylene equivalents is based on the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC) “Responsible Care HSE Reporting Guidelines” for VOCs (1998).

 
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