TRI Lead Rule

The U.S. EPA announced on April 17, 2001 that it will proceed with its Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) rule to significantly expand the information available to the public about lead emissions in their communities. The final TRI lead rule was issued January 17, 2001 (the proposed rule was issued August 3, 1999). The first reports under the new rule were submitted by July 1, 2002 for the 2001 reporting year.

.... Increasing the Community's Right-to-Know about Lead Releases - TRI Program

Quick Links

TRI Lead Final Rule
TRI Lead Fact Sheet (PDF)
(2 pp, 42K, About PDF)
Press Release
(1 pp, 8K, About PDF)
Lead in paint, dust and soil
Lead in Air
Lead in water

What is the TRI lead rule?

The TRI lead rule lowers the reporting thresholds for lead and lead compounds to 100 pounds because lead and lead compounds are persistent bioaccumulative toxic (PBT) chemicals. Facilities that manufacture, process, or otherwise use more than 100 pounds of lead or lead compounds must submit a TRI Form R. The first reports under the new rule must be submitted by July 1, 2002 for the 2001 reporting year.

PBT chemicals, such as lead and lead compounds are of concern not only because they are toxic, but also because they remain in the environment for long periods of time, are not readily destroyed, and build up or accumulate in body tissue. Lead, which cannot be destroyed may remain in the environment indefinitely. In addition to bioaccumulating in aquatic organisms such as mussels, oysters, and snails, lead and lead compounds are known to bioaccumulate in humans. There are extensive data in children, women, and men.

Where can I get information on the TRI lead rule?

TRI Guidance Document for Reporting Releases of Lead and Lead Compound - Final Rule (PDF) (101 pp, 523K, About PDF)
TRI Lead Final Rule (PDF) (101 pp, 311K, About PDF)
TRI Lead Fact Sheet (PDF) (PDF Format 42KB) (2 pp, 42K, About PDF)
Press Release (PDF) (1 pp, 8K, About PDF)
Lead Rule Questions & Answers (PDF) (6 pp, 19K, About PDF)
TRI Lead Proposed Rule (PDF) (23 pp, 211K, About PDF)

Are lead and lead compounds toxic?

Lead and lead compounds are also of particular concern because of their toxicity in children. Children and developing fetuses are known to absorb lead more readily than adults, and, once in the body, lead is distributed to the blood, soft tissue, and bone. Children exposed to lead can suffer from damage to the brain and central nervous system, slow growth, hyperactivity, and behavior and learning problems. Adults exposed to lead can suffer difficulties during pregnancy, high blood pressure, nervous disorders, and memory and concentration problems.

Federal Register Notices Related to the Lead and Lead Compounds Rule

Public Meeting transcripts
- Washington, DC, December 14, 1999 (PDF) (98 pp, 215K, About PDF)
- Chicago, December 2, 1999 (PDF) (71 pp, 165K, About PDF)
- Los Angeles, November 30, 1999 (PDF) (57 pp, 119K, About PDF)
Agency announces public meetings (64 FR 61807; November 15, 1999).
Lead and Lead Compounds Proposed Rule -- Comment Period Extended to December 16, 1999 (64 FR 58370; October 29, 1999).
Lead and Lead Compounds; Lowering of Reporting Thresholds; Community Right-to-Know Toxic Chemical Release Reporting; Proposed Rule (64 FR 42221; August 3, 1999 ). EPA is proposing to lower the manufacture, process and otherwise use thresholds for lead and lead compounds to 10 pounds.
Economic Analysis of the Proposed Rule to Modify Reporting of Lead and Lead Compounds Under EPCRA Section 313
Other TRI PBT-related actions

Where can I get more information on the toxicity of lead?

Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS), Assessment of Lead -- The Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) contains summaries of hazard assessments and EPA regulatory information on over 500 specific chemicals. It is a key source for descriptive and quantitative hazard/risk information, such as oral reference dose and inhalation reference concentrations for chronic, non-carcinogenic health effects; oral slope factors and unit risk for chronic exposure to carcinogens; EPA drinking water health advisories; and summaries of EPA regulatory actions. The system is useful in the risk assessment process.
ATSDR ToxFAQs(TM) for Lead -- ToxFAQs(TM), produced by the The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is a series of summaries about hazardous substances being developed by the ATSDR Division of Toxicology. Information for this series is excerpted from the ATSDR Toxicological Profiles and Public Health Statements. Each fact sheet serves as a quick and easy to understand guide. Answers are provided to the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about exposure to hazardous substances found around hazardous waste sites and the effects of exposure on human health.
CDC National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals -- The Centers for Disease Conctrol's National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals (including lead) is a new publication that will provide an ongoing assessment of the U.S. population's exposure to environmental chemicals using biomonitoring. For this Report, an environmental chemical means a chemical compound or chemical element present in air, water, soil, dust, food, or other environmental media. Biomonitoring is the assessment of human exposure to chemicals by measuring thechemicals or their metabolites in human specimens, such as blood or urine.

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