"Toxic Releases Rose 16 Percent in 2010, EPA Says"

"The amount of toxic chemicals released into the environment nationwide in 2010 increased 16 percent over the year before, reversing a downward trend in overall toxic releases since 2006, according to a report released Thursday by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The spike was driven largely by metal mining, but other sectors — including the chemical industry — also contributed to the rise in emissions, according to the new analysis from the annual federal Toxics Release Inventory.

Air releases of dioxin, which is linked to cancer as well as neurological and reproductive problems, rose 10 percent from 2009 to 2010, according to the report. Other releases, such as landfill disposal, increased 18 percent."

Juliet Eilperin reports for the Washington Post January 5, 2012.

SEE ALSO:

EPA's TRI 2010 National Analysis Report

State Fact Sheets

EPA Press Release