Tracking NPI substances

The NPI contains data on 93 substances that are emitted to the environment - our air, water or land.

The substances included in the NPI have been identified as important because of their possible health and environmental effects.

In 2006-07, 86 substances were reported to the NPI from 3951 facilities.

47 of the 86 NPI substances reported by facilities showed a decrease compared to 2005-06.
Air pollutants, such as lead and compounds showed a 13% decrease and reported sulfur dioxide emissions across the nation showed a 4% decrease. Carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen emissions rose slightly, and this year reported emissions of Particulate Matter ≤10.0 µm (PM10) rose by 18%.
Air toxic pollutants, such as benzene, toluene and xylenes, showed a decrease in reported emissions in 2006-07. There was a 13% increase in emissions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and this year reported emissions of formaldehyde rose 9%.
Substances that had a significant decrease in reported emissions and a similar number of reporting facilities as last year include a 38% decrease in benzene from most industrial sources, particularly oil and gas extraction; boron and compounds mainly from solar salt production; and cyclohexane, n-Hexane and toluene (methylbenzene) mainly from oil and gas extraction.
Substances that had a significant increase in reported emissions and a similar number of reporters as last year include antimony and compounds from basic non-ferrous metal manufacturing, chlorine mainly from landfill and 1,2-Dichloroethane from basic chemical product manufacturing.

The following examples show the type of substance information you can find on the NPI web site.

Lead and compounds emissions

Lead exposure is harmful to human health as it bioaccumulates in soft tissues and bone.
Lead is usually found in ore with zinc, silver and copper and is extracted together with these metals. Lead is a heavy metal, finding widespread use in a wide range of applications. Lead is used in the production of batteries, ammunition, metal products (solder and pipes) and devices to shield X-rays. Lead was present in petroleum, paints and ceramic products, caulking and pipe solder, however due to health concerns, it is now prohibited to include lead in these products.
The largest industry source of lead and compounds is basic non-ferrous metal manufacturing, but it is also emitted from a range of other industrial processes such as coal mining, oil and gas extraction and solid and liquid fuel combustion.
1126 facilities emitted 600 000 kilograms of lead and compounds during the 2006-07 reporting year.
Emissions decreased by 13% compared to the previous year.
Emissions were mainly to air, with smaller amounts to water and land.

This graph shows the emissions of lead and compounds for each reporting year and the number of facilities reporting the substance to the NPI.

Benzene is used in the manufacture of a large number of chemicals that contribute to the production of plastics (such as polystyrene), synthetic fibres, detergents, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides.
Most people are exposed outdoors to low levels of benzene from wood fires, tobacco smoke and car exhaust fumes. If you live near industries that produce or use benzene or live near a freeway you may also be exposed to higher benzene levels in the surrounding air.
Australian Environment Ministers have formally listed benzene as an air toxic pollutant within the National Environment Protection Measure for Air Toxics.
Air toxic pollutants have been shown to be responsible for a range of health problems, including asthma, respiratory illness and cancer. Benzene has been classified as a potential carcinogen.
The largest source of emissions of benzene is from a non-industry source - motor vehicles.
The largest industry source of benzene is oil and gas extraction.
797 facilities emitted 930 000 kilograms of benzene during the 2006-07 reporting year. Emissions decreased by 38% compared to the previous year.
Benzene is emitted mainly to air, with a small amount to water and land.
The Australian Government is undertaking a number of initiatives designed to reduce emissions from motor vehicles and wood heaters in urban areas.

This graph shows the emissions of benzene for each reporting year and the number of facilities reporting the substance to the NPI.

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for all forms of life. It is most commonly used as phosphate in inorganic fertiliser.
While having some phosphorus in our rivers, lakes and oceans is necessary, high total phosphorus levels together with high total nitrogen levels can lead to algal growth and deterioration in water quality. This can impact on its use for drinking water and other purposes.
The biggest industry source of Total Phosphorus emissions this reporting year is water supply, sewerage and drainage services.
215 facilities emitted 8.8 million kilograms of Total Phosphorus during the 2006-07 reporting year.
Emissions decreased by 9% compared to the previous year.
Emissions were mainly to air, with smaller amounts to land.

This graph shows the emissions of Total Phosphorus for each reporting year and the number of facilities reporting the substance to the NPI.

When using NPI data it is important that the emissions of different substances are not added together as this provides misleading information.
The NPI comprises estimated emissions. The techniques used to estimate emissions have been approved by Australian, and state and territory environment agencies but it should be noted that the accuracy of these estimates is likely to vary according to the technique used.
The 93 NPI substances span a wide range of toxicities. A small amount of a highly toxic substance may be of more concern than a larger emission of a less toxic substance.