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Environmental information systems
Key message: Atmospheric emissions of heavy metals continue to fall, with declines in lead emissions by 44%, mercury emissions by 53% and cadmium emissions by 39% across the EU-27 Member States between 2005 and 2022.
Heavy metal emissions to air from extractive activities from 1990-2022, indexed to 1990 levels
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Heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) are toxic to humans, animals and plants, and can be emitted from various sources.
Although ambient air concentrations of heavy metals exceed established limits in only a few areas of Europe, atmospheric deposition exposes ecosystems and organisms. This leads to bioaccumulation in the food chain, with adverse effects on human health. Reducing emissions of heavy metals is therefore a focus for both EU and international action.
Between 2005 and 2022, emissions of Cd, Hg and Pb in the EU-27 Member States declined by 39%, 53% and 44%, respectively. The industrial processes and product use sector — that is, all industrial emissions other than those from fuel combustion — is still responsible for the majority of Cd, Hg and Pb emissions (52%, 42% and 58%, respectively), despite emissions reductions since 2005, with both Hg and Pb emissions dropping by 40% and 42% respectively.
Declines in emissions from the energy supply sector are also notable: 28% for Cd and 8% for Hg. A sharp decline in heavy metal emissions between 2008 and 2009 coincides with the economic downturn.
Please consult the relevant indicators and signals below for a more comprehensive overview on the topic.
Zero Pollution Action Plan 2030 target or policy objectives
- Reduce emissions and impacts of priority heavy metals (Cd, Hg and Pb) in line with obligations under the ‘Aarhus Protocol’ on Heavy Metals in the Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution.
- Achieve levels of air quality that do not lead to significant negative impacts on and risks to human health and the environment (EU, 2016).
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References and footnotes
- EU, 2016, Directive 2016/2284 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2016 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants, amending Directive 2003/35/EC and repealing Directive 2001/81/EC (OJ L 344, 17.12.2016, p. 1-31).↵