The latest data on emissions of pollutants from industry facilities across Australia were released by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.

 

The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) is a publicly accessible Australian Government database compiled in partnership with state and territory governments.

 

The NPI data reveal the top five pollutants emitted in 2010-11 were sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, particulates less than 10 micrometers and total volatile organic compounds, which include benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene.

 

The Inventory helps raise public awareness about pollution issues and also provides the community with information about emissions in their local area. It is also an important tool to inform state and territory government decisions on regulating pollution.

 

The latest data provide estimates for the emissions of 93 substances that are released into the environment from over 4,200 sources. The substances included in the NPI have been identified as important because of their possible health and environmental effects.