Emissions of harmful substances to air

Key results

• In 2022, mercury, lead and cadmium emissions had decreased by 91%, 88% and 95%, respectively from 1990 levels

Percentage change of mercury, lead and cadmium emissions from 1990 level, Canada

How this indicator was calculated

Note: The indicator reports emissions from human-related activities only. It does not include emissions from natural sources such as forest fires or volcanoes.
Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada (2024) Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory.

The decrease in mercury, lead and cadmium emissions are mostly attributed to a large reduction in emissions from the non-ferrous refining and smelting industry. This decline was primarily due to the implementation of pollution prevention plans, the closing of outdated smelters, compliance with federal and provincial legislation, and conformance with guidelines introduced over this period. The changes in facility processes and adoption of emission reduction technologies also contributed to the reduction of mercury emissions.

Emissions of mercury have not changed substantially since 2011. This may be due to a range of competing factors such as increases in production levels as well as the ongoing implementation of cleaner technologies, facility closures and regulations coming into force in the earlier years.

While overall lead emissions declined between 1990 and 2022, they did increase slightly from 2014 to 2017 but continued to decline afterwards. These reductions are partly due to the closure of some non-ferrous metal smelting and refining facilities, the installation of more efficient emission control equipment, changes in lead concentrations in smelter feed and changes in production levels at some facilities. 

Cadmium emissions fluctuated between 1990 and 2006 but decreased steadily starting in 2007, before declining sharply in 2010. Fluctuations in cadmium emissions prior to 2010 are mostly driven by emissions from a non-ferrous refining and smelting facility in Manitoba that is now closed.

Emissions of mercury to air

Mercury is a naturally occurring metal that can be emitted to the air by natural processes (like melting permafrost, volcanic activity, and soil and rock erosion), human activities (such as coal-fired electricity generation and waste incineration and treatment) and the improper disposal of mercury-containing products (such as batteries, thermometers, and fluorescent lamps).

Mercury emissions are both a local and a global concern. Mercury can travel long distances in the atmosphere and may settle anywhere in Canada, including in ecologically sensitive areas such as the Canadian Arctic and the Great Lakes. Mercury accumulated in the environment can be re-emitted into the atmosphere through, either, natural processes, such as temperature change and microbial activity, or human activities that disturb mercury-laden sites. Re-emission is a more significant source of atmospheric mercury pollution than anthropogenic emissions from Canadian sources because it involves mercury that has been accumulated over decades in the environment, which exceeds current direct emissions.^{Footnote 2}

Mercury can have significant negative impacts on human health and the environment as mercury persists in the environment and accumulates in food chains over time, up to several decades. In humans, exposure poses a particular risk to populations who rely heavily on the consumption of aquatic and marine species, such as northern and Indigenous communities, whose traditional diets typically include predatory fish (for example, freshwater trout and Arctic char) and marine mammals.

Mercury emissions to air by source
Mercury emissions to air by province and territory
Mercury emissions to air from facilities
Global mercury emissions to air

Mercury emissions to air by source

Key results

• In 2022, 2.96 tonnes of mercury were emitted from anthropogenic sources in Canada
  • Incineration and waste represented the highest emitting sector, emitting 28% (or 0.8 tonnes) of the annual total
  • Combined emissions from the ore and mineral industries, including the non-ferrous refining and smelting industry (3% or 0.10 tonnes), the cement and concrete industry (8% or 0.23 tonnes), the iron and steel industry (15% or 0.45 tonnes) and other ore and mineral industries (8% or 0.23 tonnes), collectively emitted 34% (or 1.0 tonnes) of the annual total
• Between 1990 and 2022, mercury emissions decreased by 91% (or 30.7 tonnes) 

Mercury emissions to air by source, Canada, 1990 to 2022

How this indicator was calculated

Note: The indicator reports emissions from human-related activities only. It does not include emissions from natural sources such as forest fires or volcanoes. The category "other sources" includes agriculture (livestock, crop production and fertilizer), building heating and energy generation, home firewood burning, manufacturing, the oil and gas industry, other ore and mineral industries (the aluminum industry, the asphalt paving industry, foundries, iron pelletizing and mining and rock quarrying), transportation (road, rail, air and marine) and other miscellaneous sources. For more details on the sources, consult the Data sources and methods. 
Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada (2024) Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory.

The largest reduction in mercury emissions from a single anthropogenic source between 1990 and 2022 was from the non-ferrous refining and smelting industry. This industry reduced its emissions by 99.6% (from 24.9 tonnes in 1990 to 0.10 tonnes in 2022), contributing to 81% of the overall emissions reduction of mercury. National emissions drastically decreased by 43% between 1992 and 1993 and have generally continued to steadily decrease since. The reductions between 1990 and 2022 were primarily due to changes in facility processes and adoption of emission reduction technologies, the closing of outdated smelters, compliance with federal and provincial legislation, and conformance with guidelines.

Between 1990 and 2022, emissions from electric utilities, and incineration and waste declined by 78% and 68% (1.8 tonnes each), respectively. The decrease from electric utilities was largely due to the closure of coal-fired power plants.^{Footnote 3}  Combined, these two sources contributed 11% to the total decrease in mercury emissions.

Mercury emissions to air by province and territory

Key results

• In 2022, Ontario (35%), Quebec (17%) and Saskatchewan (17%) accounted for 70% of national mercury emissions
• Between 1994 and 2022^{Footnote 4} , Manitoba had the largest reduction in annual emissions with a decrease of 4.3 tonnes

Mercury emissions to air by province and territory, Canada, 1994, 2012 and 2022

How this indicator was calculated

Note: Emissions from the Northwest Territories for 1994 includes emissions from Nunavut, which was officially separated from the Northwest Territories in 1999. The indicator reports emissions from human-related activities only. It does not include emissions from natural sources such as forest fires or volcanoes. Some reported emissions from Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut are too small to see in the figure. To access all available years data please refer to the indicator’s interactive figures or, for the full dataset, to the Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory.
Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada (2024) Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory.

In 2022, Ontario had the highest mercury emissions, accounting for 35% (1.0 tonne) of the national total. These emissions came mostly from the incineration and waste sector, the iron and steel industry, and the cement and concrete industry, which together accounted for 66% of the total provincial emissions.

All provinces and territories had lower emissions in 2022 compared to 1994, excluding Nunavut, which separated from the Northwest Territories in 1999 and thus lacks data for comparison to 1994.

Manitoba had the largest decline in emissions between 1994 and 2022. This decline was mostly due to changes in zinc processing technology and production levels, and the closure of an outdated copper smelter at a non-ferrous refining and smelting facility.

Mercury emissions from most of the provinces and territories have declined or remained stable since 1994, except for Saskatchewan. The province had an overall increase in emissions from 1994 to 2008, followed by a gradual decline until 2014.

Alberta had the largest decrease in emissions between 2012 and 2022 (0.3 tonnes). This decline was largely from electric utilities, likely due to the closure of coal-fired power plants.^{Footnote 3}

Mercury emissions to air from facilities

The National Pollutant Release Inventory provides detailed information on emissions from industrial, commercial and institutional facilities that meet its reporting criteria.

The Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators provide access to this information through an online interactive map. The map allows users to explore rates of mercury emissions to air from individual facilities.

In 2022, facility-reported mercury emissions represent 57% of total national mercury emissions.^{Footnote 5}   Of these facilities:

• 59 facilities reported emissions under 0.5 kilogram (kg)
• 107 facilities reported emissions between 0.5 to 100 kg
• 3 facilities reported emissions over 100 kg, located in Ontario (1) and Saskatchewan (2) 

Mercury emissions to air by facility, Canada, 2022

Navigate data using the interactive map

How this indicator was calculated

Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada (2024) National Pollutant Release Inventory.

Global mercury emissions to air

Key results

• In 2015, the latest year for which data are available, global mercury emissions^{Footnote 6}  to air from human activity were estimated to be 2 220 tonnes
• The East and Southeast Asia, South America and Sub-Saharan Africa regions accounted for 73% of the global total
• The North America region (which includes only Canada and the United States) emitted 40 tonnes, or about 2% of the global total
  • Canada emitted less than 5 tonnes or about 0.2% of the global total

Global mercury emissions to air, 2015

How this indicator was calculated

Note: CIS = Commonwealth of Independent States. The CIS includes Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. The 28 member countries of the European Union includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The North America region includes only Canada and the United States, Mexico is grouped into the Central America and the Caribbean region.
Source: United Nations Environmental Program (2019) Global Mercury Assessment 2018.

Mercury in the air can travel hundreds to thousands of kilometres via air masses before being deposited to the environment.^{Footnote 7}  Environment and Climate Change Canada^{Footnote 2}  estimates that over 95% of the human-related mercury deposited in Canada came from sources outside of the country.

Emissions of lead to air

Lead is a naturally occurring metal found in the Earth's crust and can be released during natural processes, such as rock and soil erosion. However, in Canada, most lead emissions come from industrial activities, such as metal refining and smelting, and various combustion processes. Lead is also used in the manufacture of vehicle lead-acid batteries worldwide, as well as pipes, sheeting, and within glass to prevent radiation exposure from television and computer screens.

Lead emissions to air can be deposited on land or water surfaces and accumulate in soils, sediments, humans and wildlife. Exposure to lead, even in small amounts, can be hazardous to both humans and wildlife. In humans, chronic exposure to relatively low levels may affect the central and peripheral nervous systems, blood pressure, and renal function, and may result in reproductive problems and developmental neurotoxicity.

Emissions of lead to air by source
Emissions of lead to air by province and territory
Emissions of lead to air from facilities

Emissions of lead to air by source

Key results

• In 2022, 126.5 tonnes of lead were emitted in Canada
• The largest source of lead emissions has been the non-ferrous smelting and refining industry since 1990. These emissions accounted for 76% (or 95.9 tonnes) of total emissions in 2022
• Between 1990 and 2022, national lead emissions decreased by 88% (or 896.4 tonnes)

Lead emissions to air by source, Canada, 1990 to 2022

How this indicator was calculated

Note: The indicator reports emissions from human-related activities only. It does not include emissions from natural sources such as forest fires or volcanoes. The category "other sources" includes agriculture (livestock, crop production and fertilizer), building heating and energy generation, electric utilities, home firewood burning, incineration and waste, the oil and gas industry, other ore and mineral industries (the aluminum industry, the asphalt paving industry, the cement and concrete industry, foundries, iron pelletizing and the mineral products industry), paints and solvents, and other miscellaneous sources. For more details on the sources, consult the Data sources and methods.
Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada (2024) Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory.

The largest reduction in lead emissions between 1990 and 2022 was from the non-ferrous refining and smelting industry (89% or 790 tonnes). The decline was due to the introduction of pollution prevention plans and the installation of more efficient emission control equipment in operating smelters, along with the closure of outdated smelters in 2010 and 2019. The majority of emissions prior to 2010 are attributed to a single non-ferrous refining and smelting facility located in Manitoba. 

From 2014 to 2017, national lead emissions increased slightly; however, emissions began to decrease gradually from 2018 onwards. The decrease in lead emissions is mostly attributable to the implementations of pollution prevention plans and base-level industrial emissions requirements (BLIERs). Some fluctuations in national emissions may be due to changes in lead concentrations in smelter feed, changes in production levels at some facilities and the closure of a smelter in New Brunswick in 2019.

Lead emissions to air by province and territory

Key results

• In 2022, Quebec and Ontario accounted for 79% and 9% of national lead emissions, respectively
• Between 1994 and 2022^{Footnote 4} , Manitoba had the largest decrease in annual emissions of 503.4 tonnes

Lead emissions to air by province and territory, Canada, 1994, 2012 and 2022

How this indicator was calculated

Note: Emissions from the Northwest Territories for 1994 includes emissions from Nunavut, which was officially separated from the Northwest Territories in 1999. The indicator reports emissions from human-related activities only. It does not include emissions from natural sources such as forest fires or volcanoes. Some reported emissions from Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut are too small to see in the figure. Some legacy data for 1994 that cannot be attributed to any province or territory are excluded from the figure. To access all available years data please refer to the indicator’s interactive figures or, for the full dataset, to the Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory.
Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada (2024) Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory.

In 2022, Quebec had the highest lead emissions in Canada, accounting for 79% (99.7 tonnes) of national emissions. These emissions came mostly from the non-ferrous refining and smelting industry and accounted for 91% of the total provincial emissions.

Between 1994 and 2022, all provinces and territories had a decrease in lead emissions, with Manitoba and Quebec experiencing the largest declines of 503.4 tonnes (99.7%) and 283.2 tonnes (74%), respectively. These declines were mostly due to the reduced emissions from the non-ferrous refining and smelting industry.

New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador had slight increases in lead emissions between 1994 and 2012, although emissions in New Brunswick declined between 2012 and 2022. In most provinces, emissions continued to decrease or remained stable from 2012 to 2022, except for Quebec. Ontario had the largest decrease in emissions (24.4 tonnes, 69%) between 2012 and 2022, largely from the non-ferrous refining and smelting industry. This decrease was mostly due to changes in production levels and the introduction of pollution prevention activities.

Lead emissions to air from facilities

The National Pollutant Release Inventory provides detailed information on emissions from industrial, commercial and institutional facilities that meet its reporting criteria.

The Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators provide access to this information through an online interactive map. The map allows you to explore lead emissions to air from individual facilities.

In 2022, facility-reported lead emissions represent 87% of total national lead emissions.^{Footnote 5}  Of these facilities:

• 118 facilities reported emissions under 0.5 kilogram (kg)
• 212 facilities reported emissions between 0.5 to 200 kg
• 17 facilities reported emissions over 200 kg, located in British Columbia (1), Newfoundland and Labrador (1), Alberta (1), Ontario (6) and Quebec (8)
• One (1) non-ferrous smelting and refining facility in Quebec accounted for 81% (or 89 444 kg) of the total facility-reported emissions of lead in 2022

Lead emissions to air by facility, Canada, 2022

Navigate data using the interactive map

How this indicator was calculated

Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada (2024) National Pollutant Release Inventory.

Emissions of cadmium to air

Cadmium is a naturally occurring metal in the Earth's crust. This metal can be released during natural processes, such as weathering and erosion of cadmium-bearing rocks, forest fires, and volcanic activity. Human activity can also contribute to cadmium emissions, such as through the manufacture of batteries, electroplating, power generation and heating, transportation, solid waste disposal, and sewage sludge application.

Exposure to cadmium can be hazardous to both humans and wildlife since cadmium accumulates in the food chain over time. The Government of Canada has concluded that cadmium compounds may be harmful to the environment and may constitute a danger based on their carcinogenic potential. Human exposure to cadmium has been associated with gastrointestinal irritation and harmful effects on the kidneys and bones

Emissions of cadmium to air by source
Emissions of cadmium to air by province and territory
Emissions of cadmium to air from facilities

Emissions of cadmium to air by source

Key results

• In 2022, 4.1 tonnes of cadmium were emitted in Canada
• Since 1990, the largest source of cadmium emissions has been the non-ferrous refining and smelting industry. It accounted for 41% (or 1.7 tonnes) of the national total in 2022
• Between 1990 and 2022, cadmium emissions decreased by 95% (or 77.0 tonnes)

Cadmium emissions to air by source, Canada, 1990 to 2022

How this indicator was calculated

Note: The indicator reports emissions from human-related activities only. It does not include emissions from natural sources such as forest fires or volcanoes. The category "other sources" includes agriculture (livestock, crop production and fertilizer), electric utilities, home firewood burning, manufacturing, the oil and gas industry, other ore and mineral industries (the aluminum industry, the asphalt paving industry, the cement and concrete industry, foundries, the iron and steel industry and iron pelletizing), paints and solvents, transportation (road, rail, air and marine) and other miscellaneous sources. For more details on the sources, consult the Data sources and methods.
Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada (2024) Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory.

Between 1990 and 2022, cadmium emissions from the non-ferrous refining and smelting industry declined by 98% (76.6 tonnes). This decline was responsible for nearly 100% of the total reduction in national cadmium emissions between 1990 and 2022. The decline was due to the closure of outdated smelters in 2010 and 2019 and the introduction of pollution prevention plans, in addition to the collateral benefits from environmental performance agreements.

The fluctuations in cadmium emissions prior to 2010 were mostly driven by changes in emissions from a single non-ferrous refining and smelting facility in Manitoba that is now closed. 

Cadmium emissions to air by province and territory

Key results

• In 2022, Ontario and Quebec accounted for 70% (2.9 tonnes) of national cadmium emissions
• Between 1994 and 2022^{Footnote 4} , Manitoba had the largest decline in emissions (59.7 tonnes)

Cadmium emissions to air by province and territory, Canada, 1994, 2012 and 2022

How this indicator was calculated

Note: Emissions from the Northwest Territories for 1994 includes emissions from Nunavut, which was officially separated from the Northwest Territories in 1999. The indicator reports emissions from human-related activities only. It does not include emissions from natural sources such as forest fires or volcanoes. Some reported emissions from Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut are too small to see in the figure. Legacy data for 1994 that cannot be attributed to any province or territory are excluded from the figure. To access all available years data please refer to the indicator’s interactive figures or, for the full dataset, to the Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory.
Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada (2024) Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory.

In 2022, Ontario and Quebec reported the highest cadmium emissions of all the provinces and territories, accounting for 31% (1.3 tonnes) and 39% (1.6 tonnes) of national emissions, respectively. These emissions came mostly from the non-ferrous refining and smelting industry, manufacturing industries, and building heating and energy generation.

Between 1994 and 2022, emissions declined or remained stable for all provinces and territories, except Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador. During this period, Manitoba experienced the largest decline in cadmium emissions (99.8% or 59.7 tonnes).

While Ontario, Alberta, and Newfoundland and Labrador had higher cadmium emissions in 2012 compared to 1994, emissions from all provinces and territories continued to decrease or remained stable from 2012 to 2022. Ontario experienced the largest decline between 2012 and 2022 (2.3 tonnes), largely from the non-ferrous refining and smelting industry. This decrease was mostly due to changes in production levels and the introduction of pollution prevention activities. 

Cadmium emissions to air from facilities

The National Pollutant Release Inventory provides detailed information on emissions from industrial, commercial and institutional facilities that meet its reporting criteria.

The Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators provide access to this information through an online interactive map. The map allows you to explore cadmium emissions to air from individual facilities.

In 2022, facility-reported cadmium emissions represent 71% of total national cadmium emissions.^{Footnote 5}  Of these facilities:

• 125 facilities reported emissions under 0.5 kilogram (kg)
• 112 facilities reported emissions between 0.5 to 20 kg
• 23 facilities reported emissions over 20 kg, located in Alberta (7), Quebec (7), Ontario (5), British Columbia (2), Manitoba (1) and Newfoundland and Labrador (1)

Cadmium emissions to air by facility, Canada, 2022

Navigate data using the interactive map

How this indicator was calculated

Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada (2024) National Pollutant Release Inventory.

About the indicators

What the indicators measure

These indicators track human-related emissions to air of 3 substances that are defined as toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999: mercury, lead and cadmium and their compounds. For each substance, data are provided at the national, regional (provincial and territorial) and facility level and by source. Global emissions data are also provided for mercury.

Why these indicators are important

Mercury and its compounds, lead and inorganic cadmium compounds are on the Toxic substances list under Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. This means that these substances are "entering or may enter the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that (a) have or may have an immediate or long-term harmful effect on the environment or its biological diversity; (b) constitute or may constitute a danger to the environment on which life depends; or (c) constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health."

The indicators inform Canadians about emissions to air of these 3 substances from human activity in Canada. These indicators also help the government to identify priorities and develop or revise strategies to inform further risk management and to track progress on policies put in place to reduce or control these 3 substances and air pollution in general.

Related initiatives

These indicators support the measurement of progress towards the following 2022 to 2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Goal 11: Improve access to affordable housing, clean air, transportation, parks, and green spaces, as well as cultural heritage in Canada. 

In addition, the indicators contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They are linked to the 2030 Agenda's Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and Target 11.6: "By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management."

Related indicators

The Releases of harmful substances to water indicators track human-related releases to water of 3 toxic substances, namely mercury, lead and cadmium, and their compounds. For each substance, data are provided at the national, provincial/territorial and facility level and by source.

The Human exposure to harmful substances indicators track the concentrations of 4 substances (mercury, lead, cadmium and bisphenol A) in Canadians.

The Air pollutant emissions indicators track emissions from human activities of 6 key air pollutants: sulphur oxides (SO_X), nitrogen oxides (NO_X), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ammonia (NH₃), carbon monoxide (CO) and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5). Black carbon, which is a component of PM_2.5, is also reported. Mercury, lead and cadmium can also be components of particulate matter. For each air pollutant, data are provided at the national, provincial/territorial and facility level and by major source.

The Air quality indicators track ambient concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), ozone (O₃), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at the national and regional levels and at local monitoring stations.

Data sources and methods

Data sources

Data for the indicators are based on emission estimates reported in the Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory. The inventory data are available online on the Open Data website. Facility data for the interactive maps come from the National Pollutant Release Inventory, which are also available on Open Data.

Global mercury emissions data were taken from the United Nations Environment Programme's Global Mercury Assessment 2018 report.

Methods

The indicators are produced by grouping the calculated emissions data from Canada's national inventories to report on the key sources that contribute to the majority of mercury, lead and cadmium emissions.

Recent changes

The emission estimates reported in the Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory used in the indicators have undergone a number of significant recalculations. Specifically, the sector emissions for agriculture, dust sources and incineration and waste, following the implementation of improved quantification methods and activity data. As a result, emissions reported in this indicator may be different from previous years. For more information about these recent changes, consult Annex 3 of the Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory Report.

Caveats and limitations

Total emissions of mercury, lead and cadmium to air reported in these indicators exclude natural sources such as forest fires or volcanoes.

To provide a consistent global picture, Canadian mercury emissions data used for the international comparison came from the United Nations Environment Programme's Global Mercury Assessment 2018 report. However, it is important to note that the emissions data found in this report were estimated using different estimation techniques and different source classifications than the data used for the national indicators. In addition, some sources were not quantified in the international comparison due to a lack of data.

The methods used to estimate air pollutant emissions continue to evolve. In general, improvements are made every year to methodologies for estimating emissions. As a result of these improvements, emissions for a given year may differ from those previously published by the department. Caution is advised when comparing different reports and different sources.

Prior to the launch of the National Pollutant Release Inventory, emissions data were collected and compiled by provincial, territorial and regional environmental authorities. As such, in the provincial/territorial comparisons in the indicators, the base year used differs from that used in the national indicators. Furthermore, some legacy data for 1994 could not be attributed to any province or territory. The legacy data were captured under unspecified region in the data tables.

The years 2020 and 2021 were marked by the COVID-19 pandemic which had an impact on a wide range of economic sectors, especially the energy and transport sectors. The emissions change must be interpreted with caution as the impact of the pandemic on the emissions is not discussed in detail.

Resources

References

Environment and Climate Change Canada (2016). Canadian Mercury Science Assessment Report. Retrieved on June 17, 2024. 

United Nations Environment Programme (2019) Global Mercury Assessment 2018. Retrieved on June 17, 2024.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (2023) Using and interpreting data from the National Pollutant Release Inventory. Retrieved on June 17, 2024.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (2024) Canada's Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory: overview. Retrieved on June 17, 2024.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (2024) National Pollutant Release Inventory bulk data. Retrieved on June 17, 2024.

Updated August 2024

These interactive figures support the Emissions of harmful substances to air indicator. Use them to explore the latest emissions of cadmium, lead and mercury in a dynamic and customizable format.

Select data by using the drop-down menu above each figure and clear your selections by clicking the "Reset figures" button on the right-hand side of the dashboard. All values in the figures will automatically update based on your selections.

You can also choose to use your keyboard to navigate the figures.

Note: The charts are defaulted to show the national total and trends. When filtering for multiple provinces and territories, the cumulative total and trends will be reflected on the chart. Analysis of long-term regional trends should be interpreted with caution. Legacy data prior to 2005 could not be attributed to any province or territory and are classified as emissions from an unspecified region. The fluctuations in lead and cadmium emissions prior to 2010 are mostly driven by emissions from a single non-ferrous refining and smelting facility in Manitoba.
Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada (2024) Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory.

Download data file (Excel/CSV; 11 MB)