We’re Breathing Less Toxic Chemicals Here

The release of toxic chemicals in the United States has decreased by 21 per cent in recent years.

“Communities have a right to know how facilities in their backyards might be exposing them to toxic chemicals. We are committed to sharing the information we collect from facilities openly and clearly, allowing people to find new ways to use this data to the benefit of us all,” says Michal Freedoff, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency released its 2022 Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) National Analysis, which revealed a 21 per cent decrease in the release of toxic chemicals compared to 2013. It further revealed that 88.5 per cent of TRI chemical waste was managed sustainably through recycling, energy recovery, and treatment. This data is readily available to the public thanks to a useful “Where You Live” mapping tool. Analyzing pollution levels at the community level is essential for locals and policymakers to understand better which areas may face a disproportionate pollution burden so that further action can be taken.