Publication

Taking Stock 1998

North American Pollutant Releases and Transfers

Description

North Americans are concerned about the effect of chemicals on their health and the environment. Pollutant release and transfer registers (PRTRs) are designed to track the quantities of chemicals that are released into the air, water or land, or that are transferred off-site for further management or disposal; they are a cornerstone in the effort to provide information to the public on the sources and handling of pollutants. Data on releases and transfers of chemicals are submitted by individual facilities. These data are then fed into a national, publicly available database. Many companies, as well as governments and communities, have used PRTR information as a basis for action to prevent and reduce chemical releases and transfers.

Additional Information