Canada’s Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory Report 2022: chapter 2.7

2.7 Lead (Pb)

In 2020, approximately 116 tonnes (t) of lead (Pb) were emitted in Canada (Table 2–9). Ore and Mineral Industries was the largest contributor at 83% (95 t) of emissions, with the Non-Ferrous Refining and Smelting Industry sector accounting for the largest share at 71% (82 t) of total Pb emissions. Transportation and Mobile Equipment was the second-largest contributor at 11% (13 t) of total emissions, almost all of which was from Air Transportation (Landing and Takeoff [LTO]) with 11% (12 t).

Overall, Pb emissions decreased by 89% (907 t) from 1990 to 2020 (Figure 2–7). This decreasing trend is attributable partly to the closure of outdated smelters and partly to the implementation, since 2005, of pollution prevention plans and facilities achieving BLIERs for particulate matters through environmental performance agreements (ECCC, 2017, 2018a). Although, since 2013, Pb emissions attributed to the Non-Ferrous Refining and Smelting Industry sector have fluctuated, in general the trend is decreasing. It should also be noted that even though BLIERs were written with focus on particulate matters, reduction of Pb emissions over the years has been an additional positive outcome. Between 2019 and 2020, Ore and Mineral Industries showed a decrease in Pb emissions of 6.4% (-6.6 t), and particularly in the Non-Ferrous Refining and Smelting Industry with a decrease of 5.3% (4.6 t). These reductions are in part due to the permanent closure of a non-ferrous metal smelter in December 2019.

Manufacturing has contributed to the decreasing trend, with the Metal Fabrication and Chemicals Industry sectors as the largest drivers. Reduced production of lead-containing products has partly contributed to decreases in emissions from the Metal Fabrication sector over the time series. The downward trend of Chemicals Industry sector emissions is attributable partly to the closure of a tetraethyl lead production facility and partly to reduced production of lead-based paint and coatings.

The most significant changes in Pb emissions from 1990 to 2020 include:

• Ore and Mineral Industries: decrease of 90% (849 t), with:
  • Non-Ferrous Refining and Smelting Industry: decrease of 91% (804 t)
  • Iron and Steel Industry: decrease of 91% (49 t)
• Manufacturing: decrease of 92% (45 t), with: 
  • Metal Fabrication: decrease of 94% (26 t)
  • Chemicals Industry: decrease of almost 100% (12 t)

Figure 2–7: Trends in Canadian Pb emissions (1990 to 2020)

Table 2–9: National summary of annual Pb 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.