EPA TRI Chemical
Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds
EPA TRI Category Code: N590
- Total releases
- 4.9M lbs
- Number of facilities
- 2,041
- Carcinogen
- Yes
- PBT substance
- Yes
According to the EPA Toxics Release Inventory, Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds (EPA TRI Category Code N590) is disclosed by 2,041 Form R facilities totaling 4.9M lbs of reported releases. The TRI extract marks this chemical with a carcinogen classification flag. 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.
Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds (EPA TRI Category Code N590) 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.
The carcinogen flag above reflects an assessment from EPA, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, or the National Toxicology Program, not 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 CHEMICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT OF THE NORTHWEST INC. in OR at 530.5K 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.
MIXED pathway mix
Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds: how the 4.9M lbs splits
4.9M lbs across all reported pathways
- Off-site Transfers2.0M lbs39.9%
- Land Disposal1.7M lbs33.9%
- Air Releases1.3M lbs25.4%
- Water Discharges35.6K lbs0.7%
Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds's 4.9M lbs Form-R total is MIXED, with off-site transfers making up 39.9% of the bar. Next segment: land disposal at 33.9%.
Trend & Where It's Reported
Between 2019 and 2023, cumulative annual Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds releases across all reporting facilities decreased by 40% (1.2M lbs → 748.6K lbs). Year-to-year swings reflect facility openings/closures and reporting changes as much as underlying activity.
Reporting for Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds is dispersed: Alabama accounts for 13.9% of the reported total (50 facilities). Next: California.
- Alabama 687.3K lbs
- California 537.6K lbs
- Oregon 533.1K lbs
- Texas 531.6K lbs
- Kentucky 364.8K lbs
Reporting for Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds is concentrated by industry: Hazardous Waste facilities account for 30.6% of the reported total (138 facilities). Next: Petroleum.
- Hazardous Waste 1.5M lbs
- Petroleum 1.4M lbs
- Primary Metals 892.1K lbs
- Electrical Equipment 351.8K lbs
- Chemicals 258.4K lbs
Which facilities release the most of this chemical?
Facilities with the largest reported releases of Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds. Up to 50 shown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds in the EPA TRI? ▼
How much Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds is disclosed in U.S. TRI filings? ▼
How does EPA TRI classify Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds? ▼
Which facilities disclose the most Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds? ▼
Why is Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds listed under code N590 instead of a CAS number? ▼
Health Information
Carcinogen Classification: This chemical is classified as a known or suspected carcinogen by the EPA under the Toxic Release Inventory program. This classification is based on evaluations by agencies including the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the National Toxicology Program (NTP), and the EPA itself.
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.