In 2021, the disposal and release of persistent bioaccumulative toxic (PBT) chemicals in the United States was reported by the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) program. The total amount of PBT chemicals disposed of or released by facilities in the U.S. on-site and off-site was over 465.88 million pounds. Lead compounds accounted for the largest amount of PBT chemicals disposed of or released by facilities on-site and off-site in 2021, with approximately 443.85 million pounds, followed by lead and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
The disposal and release of PBT chemicals potentially poses a significant danger to the environment and human health due to their long-lasting effects, high toxicity, and potential for bioaccumulation in the food chain.
Quantity of persistent bioaccumulative toxic (PBT) chemicals disposed of or released in the United States in 2021, by location
(in pounds)
Total on-site disposal or other releases: This category represents the total quantity of toxic chemicals that are disposed of or released on the facility's premises. It includes any intentional or unintentional releases, emissions, or discharges of toxic chemicals that occur within the boundaries of the reporting facility. Examples of on-site disposal or other releases may include direct emissions to the air, discharges to on-site wastewater treatment systems, or disposal in on-site landfills or other waste management units.
Total off-site disposal or other releases This category represents the total quantity of toxic chemicals that are disposed of or released off the facility's premises. It includes any intentional or unintentional transfers, shipments, or disposals of toxic chemicals to off-site locations for further management or treatment. Examples of off-site disposal or other releases may include shipments to third-party waste treatment facilities, off-site recycling, or off-site landfill disposal.
Total on- and off-site disposal or other releases: This category represents the combined total of on-site and off-site disposal or other releases. It provides an overall measure of the total quantity of toxic chemicals that are either disposed of or released, regardless of whether they occur on the facility's premises or off-site.
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Environmental Protection Agency. (May 24, 2023). Quantity of persistent bioaccumulative toxic (PBT) chemicals disposed of or released in the United States in 2021, by location (in pounds) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved July 22, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1387613/volume-of-pbt-chemicals-released-in-the-united-states/
Environmental Protection Agency. "Quantity of persistent bioaccumulative toxic (PBT) chemicals disposed of or released in the United States in 2021, by location (in pounds)." Chart. May 24, 2023. Statista. Accessed July 22, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1387613/volume-of-pbt-chemicals-released-in-the-united-states/
Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Quantity of persistent bioaccumulative toxic (PBT) chemicals disposed of or released in the United States in 2021, by location (in pounds). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: July 22, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1387613/volume-of-pbt-chemicals-released-in-the-united-states/
Environmental Protection Agency. "Quantity of Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxic (Pbt) Chemicals Disposed of or Released in The United States in 2021, by Location (in Pounds)." Statista, Statista Inc., 24 May 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1387613/volume-of-pbt-chemicals-released-in-the-united-states/
Environmental Protection Agency, Quantity of persistent bioaccumulative toxic (PBT) chemicals disposed of or released in the United States in 2021, by location (in pounds) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1387613/volume-of-pbt-chemicals-released-in-the-united-states/ (last visited July 22, 2024)
Quantity of persistent bioaccumulative toxic (PBT) chemicals disposed of or released in the United States in 2021, by location (in pounds) [Graph], Environmental Protection Agency, May 24, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1387613/volume-of-pbt-chemicals-released-in-the-united-states/