Toxic chemical releases in 2021 remained below pre-pandemic levels according to new toxics release inventory data.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2021 Toxics Release Inventory National Analysis shows environmental releases of TRI chemicals from facilities remained below pre-pandemic levels, with releases in 2021 10% lower than in 2012 despite an 8% increase from 2020 to 2021, according to a March 16 news release.
“It’s absolutely essential that people have access to information about the chemicals being used in their communities,” EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff said. “By making this information publicly available, EPA is advancing its commitment to reduce pollution and give communities tools to help them make better informed decisions to protect people and the planet.”
The report also notes facilities managed 89% of their TRI chemical waste through preferred practices, such as recycling, energy recovery and treatment, according to the release. However, they reported releasing 11% of their TRI chemical waste into the environment.
The 2021 TRI National Analysis features updated visualizations and analytical tools to make data more useful and accessible to communities, including the option to view data by region and watershed. EPA has also updated demographic information in the Where You Live mapping tool and in the Chemical Profiles section to help identify potential exposure to TRI chemical releases in disadvantaged communities, the release reported.
The report shows a 24% increase in the number of new pollution reduction activities facilities initiated from 2020 to 2021, including the implementation of strategies like replacing TRI chemicals with less hazardous alternatives or reducing the amount of scrap produced, according to the release. The National Analysis also includes reporting on perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), with facilities reporting managing 1.3 million pounds of these chemicals as waste.
EPA has proposed a rule that would improve reporting on PFAS to TRI by eliminating an exemption that allows facilities to avoid reporting information on PFAS when those chemicals are used in small concentrations, the release reported.
