Canada’s Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory Report 2022: chapter 2.8

2.8 Cadmium (Cd)

Approximately 4.1 t of cadmium (Cd) were emitted in Canada in 2020 (Table 2–10). Ore and Mineral Industries accounted for 51% (2.1 t) of national emissions, with the Non-Ferrous Refining and Smelting Industry sector contributing 44% (1.8 t) of the national total. Commercial/Residential/Institutional fuel combustion sources contributed 24% (1.0 t) and Manufacturing to 12% (0.51 t) of total Cd emissions.

From 1990 to 2020, national Cd emissions decreased by 95% (77 t) (Figure 2–8). This trend is almost entirely driven by the Non-Ferrous Refining and Smelting Industry sector. Emissions from this industry fluctuated greatly between 1990 and 2006, but decreased steadily from 2007 onward. As with Pb emissions, reductions in Cd emissions coincide with the closure of outdated smelters, the implementation of pollution prevention plans and facilities achieving BLIERs for particulate matter through Environmental Performance Agreements (ECCC, 2017, 2018a). Even though BLIERs were written with focus on particulate matters, reduction of Cd emissions over the years has been an additional positive outcome. Fluctuations in emissions prior to 2010 are almost entirely driven by emissions from a single smelter in Manitoba that is now closed. Between 2019 and 2020, similar to Pb emissions, Ore and Mineral Industries showed a decrease in Cd emissions of 51% (-2.2 t), and almost all attributed to the Non-Ferrous Refining and Smelting Industry with a decrease of 54% (2.2 t). These reductions are in part due to the permanent closure of a non-ferrous metal smelter in December 2019.

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

• Ore and Mineral Industries: decrease of 97% (76 t), with:
  • Non-Ferrous Refining and Smelting Industry: decrease of 98% (76 t) 

Figure 2–8: Trends in Canadian Cd emissions (1990 to 2020)

Table 2–10: National summary of annual Cd 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.