What does the TRI data show for 2008?

• Persistent bioaccumulative toxic (PBT) chemicals accounted for 498 million pounds or 13% of reported on- and off-site disposal or other releases in 2008.
• Of that total, lead and lead compounds accounted for 98% or 486 million pounds of PBT’s.
• Total disposal or other releases for mercury and mercury compounds were 6.2 million pounds and, for dioxin and dioxin-like compounds, there were 33,702 grams, or 74 pounds.

For 2008, 21,695 facilities, including federal facilities, reported to the TRI Program. They reported 3.9 billion pounds of on-site and off-site disposal or other releases of the almost 650 toxic chemicals, as shown in Table 1. Over 87% of the total was disposed of or otherwise released on-site; 13% was sent off-site for disposal. Metal mining facilities reported 30% and electric utilities reported 23% of the total in 2008.

There were 179 known or suspected carcinogens on the TRI list in 2008. They accounted for 776 million pounds or 20% of reported on- and off-site disposal or other releases in 2008. Of that total for carcinogens, lead and lead compounds accounted for 63% and arsenic and arsenic compounds for 10%. Over three-quarters (598 million pounds or 77%) were disposed of or otherwise released to land on-site. Styrene air emissions were 39% of the total 76 million pounds of air emissions of carcinogens.

All federal facilities are required to report to the TRI Program. For 2008, a total of 389 federal facilities submitted 1,240 forms and reported 101 million pounds of total on- and off-site disposal or other releases.

For more information on the 2008 TRI National Analysis, see http://www.epa.gov/tri/tridata/tri08/national_analysis/index.htm.