The combined emissions of six key pollutants, including those commonly attributed to chemical manufacturing, have declined significantly since 1990, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) annual air-pollution report released on May 23.
One-hour sulfur dioxide emissions dropped 90% during the 32-year period. In 2021, sulfur dioxide accounted for 9% of emissions releases in the chemical industry, the EPA reported in March. Ground-level ozone emissions, which comes from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dropped 22%. Vehicles, industrial solvents and chemical manufacturing are common sources of VOCs.
Other key pollutant declines since 1990 include carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter. Since 1970, the combined emissions of six key pollutants dropped by 78%, while the U.S. economy grew 304% over the same time.
However, the EPA notes that national average concentrations of lead and nitrogen dioxide have increased slightly since 2021. In addition, carbon monoxide emissions from industrial and other sources nearly doubled during the report period.
The report also spotlights communities with environmental and health outcome disparities stemming from pollution and the COVID-19 pandemic. President Joe Biden has identified environmental justice as a key part of his administration’s environmental policies. This includes enhanced air quality monitoring for communities in 37 states across the country.
Commenting on the data highlighted in the report, EPA Administrator Michael Regan said, “Even as the economy grows, we continue to see dramatic long-term reductions in air emissions. This progress is encouraging, and we will continue to collaborate with our partners to protect public health and ensure clean air for all.”
