Publications
Department of the Environment and Heritage
2003
The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) is an internet database that gives information on the types, amounts and effects of pollutants being emitted to the environment.
It’s comprehensive, free, easy to use, and can help you keep an eye on pollution.
The NPI reports on 90 substances identified as important because of their health and environmental effects. From your suburban dry cleaner to your local hospital, from beer manufacturers to aluminium smelters – any facility that uses specified amounts of the 90 substances must report to the NPI.
As well as industrial and commercial sources, other sources (or diffuse sources) such as motor vehicles and cigarette smoke in airsheds and agriculture in water catchments are provided. Facilities estimate their own emissions every year and report to states and territories. Diffuse sources are estimated less frequently by state and territory governments.
The NPI is your opportunity to find out about the nature and location of emissions to our environment.
It allows you to identify major sources of pollution, recognise facilities actively reducing their environmental impact and those not doing the best they can.
Not only is the NPI a great information resource for the community but it’s also an environment management tool for state and territory government agencies who regulate emissions of pollutants into the environment.
The NPI gives Australians a clearer picture of what pollutants are being emitted in their neighbourhoods.
Knowing where the sources of emissions are and whether they are emitted to air, water or land is the first step in assessing the nature of pollution in Australia.
The NPI helps everyone to keep an eye on pollution.
A quick search of the NPI will reveal that motor vehicles are the biggest source of a number of pollutants in urban areas.
Motor vehicles emit 34 out of the 90 substances listed by the NPI. Benzene, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds are just a few.
People living near freeways are likely to be exposed to higher levels of these pollutants than people living in other areas.
Other common sources of pollutants in your neighbourhood might include burning wood for heating, lawnmowers and architectural surface coatings, such as paints and varnishes.
It’s something to think about next time you have the choice between driving your car or taking the opportunity for some healthy exercise and walking to your local shops.
For further information about reducing your reliance on motor vehicles and making smart choices about other forms of transport visit www.travelsmart.gov.au
Your state environment agency will be able to provide you with further information on pollution as will the Australian Government Department of Environment and Heritage’s website at www.deh.gov.au. Here you can access national programs to improve air and water quality.
For information specifically about the NPI visit www.npi.gov.au or contact an NPI officer from the details below. The NPI is a result of cooperation between the Australian Government and the states and territories.
The Brochure is available as a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to view the PDF file.
If you are unable to access this document, please contact the NPI to organise a suitable alternative format.
A hard copy of this brochure is available. Contact the Department of Environment and Heritage Community Information Unit to obtain your copy.