EPA TRI Chemical
Lead Compounds
EPA TRI Category Code: N420
- Total releases
- 1325.9M lbs
- Number of facilities
- 3,142
- Carcinogen
- No
- PBT substance
- Yes
According to the EPA Toxics Release Inventory, Lead Compounds (EPA TRI Category Code N420) is disclosed by 3,142 Form R facilities totaling 1325.9M lbs of reported releases. It is also listed as a persistent bioaccumulative toxicant (PBT) in the TRI extract. TRI pounds are self-reported disclosure totals, not a measured public-health risk score.
Lead Compounds (EPA TRI Category Code N420) is a chemical tracked by the EPA Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) program under Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. The TRI requires industrial facilities above specified threshold quantities to disclose annual manufacturing, processing, and otherwise-used volumes, along with quantities released to air, water, land, and off-site transfers.
A carcinogen flag, when present on other chemicals in this database, reflects an assessment from EPA, IARC, or the National Toxicology Program rather than a TRI-specific determination. The PBT (persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic) status above carries a lower TRI reporting threshold than most listed chemicals, reflecting elevated regulatory concern about long-term environmental buildup. The largest individual disclosure in the current dataset comes from RED DOG OPERATIONS in AK at 811.0M lbs.
TRI volumes are self-reported estimates, not measured stack emissions, and each pound counts equally regardless of chemical toxicity, so total pounds should not be equated with total risk. Inclusion of a chemical or facility in the TRI does not itself establish a health hazard; it documents the public right-to-know record. Consult EPA's IRIS (Integrated Risk Information System) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry for health-effect summaries.
LAND pathway mix
Lead Compounds: how the 1325.9M lbs splits
1325.9M lbs across all reported pathways
- Land Disposal1290.9M lbs97.4%
- Off-site Transfers34.4M lbs2.6%
- Air Releases442.8K lbs<0.1%
- Water Discharges89.1K lbs<0.1%
Lead Compounds's 1325.9M lbs Form-R total is LAND, with land disposal making up 97.4% of the bar. Next segment: off-site transfers at 2.6%.
Trend & Where It's Reported
Between 2019 and 2023, cumulative annual Lead Compounds releases across all reporting facilities decreased by 87% (511.4M lbs → 68.1M lbs). Year-to-year swings reflect facility openings/closures and reporting changes as much as underlying activity.
Reporting for Lead Compounds is highly concentrated: Alaska accounts for 64.4% of the reported total (22 facilities). Next: Utah.
- Alaska 853.5M lbs
- Utah 256.3M lbs
- Nevada 58.4M lbs
- Missouri 50.7M lbs
- Colorado 23.1M lbs
Reporting for Lead Compounds is highly concentrated by industry: Metal Mining facilities account for 94.2% of the reported total (52 facilities). Next: Primary Metals.
- Metal Mining 1249.5M lbs
- Primary Metals 41.5M lbs
- Electrical Equipment 9.8M lbs
- Hazardous Waste 9.7M lbs
- Electric Utilities 7.3M lbs
Which facilities release the most of this chemical?
Facilities with the largest reported releases of Lead Compounds. Up to 50 shown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lead Compounds in the EPA TRI? ▼
How much Lead Compounds is disclosed in U.S. TRI filings? ▼
How does EPA TRI classify Lead Compounds? ▼
Which facilities disclose the most Lead Compounds? ▼
Why is Lead Compounds listed under code N420 instead of a CAS number? ▼
Health Information
Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxicant (PBT): This chemical is classified as a PBT by the EPA. PBT chemicals are toxic, persist in the environment, and bioaccumulate in food chains. Because of these properties, even relatively small releases can pose a significant threat to human health and the environment over time.
Data comes from the EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) program. Release quantities are self-reported by facilities and may represent estimates. The total shown aggregates reports across all facilities and reporting years.
PlainEnviro presents this data without advocacy framing. The presence of a chemical in the TRI database does not by itself indicate a health risk at current exposure levels. For health-related questions about specific chemical exposures, consult your local health agency or a toxicologist.
Related
Disclaimer: This information is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Data is sourced from the EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI). Consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on this data.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.