WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) annual Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) report shows that total releases of toxic chemicals decreased 12 percent from 2011-2012, according to a press release.
“People deserve to know what toxic chemicals are being used and released in their backyards, and what companies are doing to prevent pollution,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “By making that information easily accessible through online tools, maps and reports, TRI is helping protect our health and the environment.”
The 2012 data shows that 3.63 billion pounds of toxic chemicals were either disposed or otherwise released in to the environment through air, water and land, noted the release.
Between 2011 and 2012, toxic releases into surface water decreased three percent and toxic releases to land decreased 16 percent, the release reported.
According to the release, this year's TRI national analysis report includes new analyses and interactive maps for each U.S. metropolitan and micropolitan area, new information about industry efforts to reduce pollution through green chemistry and other pollution prevention practices and a new feature about chemical use in consumer products.
Read the full release here.
