Canada’s Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory Report 2022: chapter 2.10

2.10 Dioxins and furans

In 2020, emissions of dioxins and furans (D/F) in Canada totalled approximately 63 grams of toxicity equivalent (gTEQ) (Table 2–12). The Incineration and Waste source accounted for the largest share of these emissions at 61% (39 gTEQ), with Waste Incineration accounting for 55% (35 gTEQ) of the national total. Transportation and Mobile Equipment contributed 13% (8.2 gTEQ) of 2020 dioxins and furans emissions, 11% (6.9 gTEQ) of which are attributed to Domestic Marine Navigation, Fishing and Military. Ore and Mineral Industries accounted for 14% (8.7 gTEQ) of 2020 dioxins and furans emissions with Iron and Steel Industry being the largest contributor to this source with 6.6% (4.2 gTEQ) of total dioxins and furans emissions. The Commercial/Residential/Institutional source category was also a significant contributor at 5.8% (3.7 gTEQ) of 2020 dioxins and furans emissions of which the majority of it is attributed to the Home Firewood Burning sector with 5.2% (3.3 gTEQ) of the national total.

Between 1990 and 2020, dioxins and furans emissions decreased by 70% (147 gTEQ) (Figure 2–10). This decrease is due to large reductions in emissions from Waste Incineration. This reduction is due to improvements in incineration technologies and closure of smaller batch incinerators.

The most significant changes in dioxins and furans emissions from 1990 to 2020 include:

• Incineration and Waste: decrease of 67% (78 gTEQ), with:
  • Waste Incineration: decrease of 70% (81 gTEQ)

Figure 2–10: Trends in Canadian dioxins and furans emissions (1990 to 2020)

Table 2–12: National summary of annual dioxins/furans emissions

Notes:
Totals may not add up due to rounding.
0.00 Indicates emissions were truncated due to rounding.
- Indicates no emissions

Note:
Refer to Annex 4.4 for more information on international marine navigation and air transportation reporting emissions.