Pollution Analyst
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State · TRI 2024

Illinois Pollution

764 TRI facilities, 1,785 public water systems, and 56 Superfund / NPL sites across 77 counties. Statewide TRI releases held roughly steady year over year (-3%). Toxic releases concentrations have fallen 48% since 2010.

FIPS 17 · population 12,812,508 · 102 counties total

Top counties Top facilitiesPathwaysEquity context
PM2.5 ANNUAL MEAN (NAAQS 9 ΜG/M³ (ANNUAL)) · 2010–2024
Bar chart of annual values from 2010 to 2024, in µg/m³. Most recent year (2024): 7 µg/m³.16 µg/m³'10'14'16'18'20'22'247 µg/m³
Anomaly engine

Notable Signals At The State Level

LONG-ARC IMPROVEMENT · LONG-ARC SHIFT

TRI land + off-site releases

TRI land + off-site releases at Illinois have more than halved since 2010 (through 2024).

Where the burden sits

County-Level TRI Choropleth

A color-shaded map of pollution data. Darker counties report more pounds of toxic chemicals released to the EPA's Toxics Release Inventory (TRI).

Shaded by total reported releases for 2024. Counties without a published page render as “no TRI data”. Red dots mark this state's top emitters.

STYLE
TRI total releases (lbs/yr)
LOW → HIGH
Statewide pollutant pathways

Illinois Pollutant Multi-Year Trends

CRITERIA AIRSINCE 2010

PM2.5 annual mean (NAAQS 9 µg/m³ (annual))Health riskFine inhalable particles 2.5 micrometers or smaller. They travel deep into the lungs and into the bloodstream — linked to asthma, heart disease, stroke, and premature death.

7.43 µg/m³ · -24% YoY · -53% since 2010

PM2.5 annual mean (NAAQS 9 µg/m³ (annual)) concentrations have more than halved since 2010.

CRITERIA AIRSINCE 2010

PM2.5 24-hour 98th percentile (NAAQS 35 µg/m³ (24-hour))Health riskFine inhalable particles 2.5 micrometers or smaller. They travel deep into the lungs and into the bloodstream — linked to asthma, heart disease, stroke, and premature death.

17.07 µg/m³ · -30% YoY · -50% since 2010

PM2.5 24-hour 98th percentile (NAAQS 35 µg/m³ (24-hour)) concentrations have fallen 50% since 2010.

CRITERIA AIRSINCE 2010

Ozone 8-hour 4th-highest daily max (NAAQS 0.070 ppm (8-hour))Health riskGround-level ozone (smog) forms when vehicle and industrial emissions react in sunlight. Inflames the airways, triggers asthma attacks, and worsens heart and lung disease.

0.065 ppm · -17% YoY · -9% since 2010

Ozone 8-hour 4th-highest daily max (NAAQS 0.070 ppm (8-hour)) concentrations are roughly unchanged from 2010.

CRITERIA AIRSINCE 2010

NO₂ annual mean (NAAQS 53 ppb (annual))Health riskA tailpipe and combustion gas. Concentrates near busy roads and industrial sites; raises risk of airway inflammation, asthma, and lower respiratory infections in children.

11.8 ppb · -2% YoY · -42% since 2010

NO₂ annual mean (NAAQS 53 ppb (annual)) concentrations have fallen 42% since 2010.

HAZARDOUS AIR2020 VINTAGE

Lifetime cancer risk all pollutants (100 in a million (EPA elevated threshold))Health riskEPA-modeled added cancer cases per million residents from a lifetime of breathing local air toxics. EPA flags 100-in-a-million as elevated.

27.9 per million · 2020 vintage

Single-vintage exposure modeling — EPA cadence is multi-year, so no trend line yet.

HAZARDOUS AIR2020 VINTAGE

Formaldehyde ambient mean (0.077 µg/m³ (1-in-a-million URE))Health riskAn air toxic emitted by refineries, wood products, and combustion. EPA classifies it as a known human carcinogen — long-term inhalation raises cancer risk.

1.29 µg/m³ · 2020 vintage

Single-vintage exposure modeling — EPA cadence is multi-year, so no trend line yet.

HAZARDOUS AIR2020 VINTAGE

Benzene ambient mean (0.13 µg/m³ (1-in-a-million URE))Health riskAn air toxic from gasoline, refineries, and tobacco smoke. A known human carcinogen — chronic exposure is linked to leukemia and other blood cancers.

0.18 µg/m³ · 2020 vintage

Single-vintage exposure modeling — EPA cadence is multi-year, so no trend line yet.

TRI AIRSINCE 2010

TRI air releases (5.1 fugitive + 5.2 stack)Health riskToxic chemicals reported by industrial facilities as released into the air — fugitive leaks plus smokestack emissions. Higher pounds means more inhaled exposure for nearby residents.

17.3M lb · -8% YoY · -42% since 2010

TRI air releases (5.1 fugitive + 5.2 stack) concentrations have fallen 42% since 2010.

TRI WATERSINCE 2010

TRI water releases (5.3)Health riskToxic chemicals reported by industrial facilities as discharged to surface waters (rivers, lakes, the ocean). Affects fishing, recreation, and downstream drinking-water intakes.

6.3M lb · -11% YoY · -29% since 2010

TRI water releases (5.3) concentrations have fallen 29% since 2010.

TRI LANDSINCE 2010

TRI land + off-site releasesHealth riskToxic chemicals released to land on-site or transferred off-site for disposal — landfills, deep-well injection, and similar. Risks groundwater contamination over time.

30.3M lb · +1% YoY · -54% since 2010

TRI land + off-site releases concentrations have more than halved since 2010.

GHGSINCE 2010

Greenhouse gases (GHGRP large emitters, through 2023)Health riskGreenhouse gases reported by large industrial emitters under EPA's GHGRP, in metric tons of CO₂ equivalent. Drives climate warming and the heat-related health effects that follow.

310M metric tons CO₂e · -2% YoY · +15% since 2010

Greenhouse gases (GHGRP large emitters, through 2023) concentrations are up 15% since 2010.

Top counties · TRI 2024

Illinois Counties With Most Chemical Releases

Methodology →

CountyPopulationFacilitiesTotal releasesYoYTop chemical
Cook CountyFIPS 170315,225,36724515.7M lb+7%CopperHealth riskInhaled copper fumes cause metal-fume fever; chronic ingestion above EPA's 1.3 mg/L action level damages the liver. (EPA)
Washington CountyFIPS 1718913,78126.7M lb-4%Zinc compoundsHealth riskGenerally low acute toxicity. Chronic high-dose exposure disrupts copper absorption and immune function. (ATSDR)
Macon CountyFIPS 17115103,54293.9M lb+6%n-HexaneHealth riskPeripheral neurotoxin. Chronic exposure causes numbness and paralysis in the extremities. (ATSDR)
Madison CountyFIPS 17119265,512213.8M lb-20%Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)Health riskDrinking-water nitrate causes methemoglobinemia ('blue-baby syndrome') in infants; EPA MCL is 10 mg/L as N. (EPA)
Vermilion CountyFIPS 1718374,11382.7M lb-9%Carbon disulfide
Will CountyFIPS 17197696,774432.5M lb-7%Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)Health riskDrinking-water nitrate causes methemoglobinemia ('blue-baby syndrome') in infants; EPA MCL is 10 mg/L as N. (EPA)
Rock Island CountyFIPS 17161143,819141.9M lb-25%Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)Health riskDrinking-water nitrate causes methemoglobinemia ('blue-baby syndrome') in infants; EPA MCL is 10 mg/L as N. (EPA)
Jo Daviess CountyFIPS 1708521,94231.7M lb+6%AmmoniaHealth riskSevere respiratory and eye irritant; high concentrations cause chemical burns to lung tissue. (EPA)
Cass CountyFIPS 1701712,95511.4M lb-29%Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)Health riskDrinking-water nitrate causes methemoglobinemia ('blue-baby syndrome') in infants; EPA MCL is 10 mg/L as N. (EPA)
LaSalle CountyFIPS 17099109,495181.1M lb-10%Manganese compoundsHealth riskExcess inhalation can cause manganism, a Parkinson-like neurological disorder. (ATSDR)
Top facilities · TRI 2024

The Largest Individual Emitters In Illinois

Methodology →

FacilityCityTop chemicalTotal releasesYoY
Wieland Metals INCWieland Holdings INCWheelingCopperHealth riskInhaled copper fumes cause metal-fume fever; chronic ingestion above EPA's 1.3 mg/L action level damages the liver. (EPA)8.5M lb+23%
Prairie State Generating COMarissaZinc compoundsHealth riskGenerally low acute toxicity. Chronic high-dose exposure disrupts copper absorption and immune function. (ATSDR)6.7M lb-4%
Wood River RefineryWrb Refining LPRoxanaNitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)Health riskDrinking-water nitrate causes methemoglobinemia ('blue-baby syndrome') in infants; EPA MCL is 10 mg/L as N. (EPA)2.8M lb+6%
Adm Decatur ComplexArcher Daniels Midland CoDecaturn-HexaneHealth riskPeripheral neurotoxin. Chronic exposure causes numbness and paralysis in the extremities. (ATSDR)2.7M lb-15%
Viscofan USA INCViscofan USADanvilleCarbon disulfide2.5M lb-8%
Tyson Fresh Meats INC - Joslin IlTyson Foods INCHillsdaleNitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)Health riskDrinking-water nitrate causes methemoglobinemia ('blue-baby syndrome') in infants; EPA MCL is 10 mg/L as N. (EPA)1.7M lb-22%
East Dubuque Nitrogen Fertilizers LLCCvr Energy INCEast DubuqueAmmoniaHealth riskSevere respiratory and eye irritant; high concentrations cause chemical burns to lung tissue. (EPA)1.6M lb+7%
Jbs/Swift Pork COJbs USA Food CoBeardstownNitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)Health riskDrinking-water nitrate causes methemoglobinemia ('blue-baby syndrome') in infants; EPA MCL is 10 mg/L as N. (EPA)1.4M lb-29%
Envirite Of Illinois INCRepublic Services INCHarveyManganese compoundsHealth riskExcess inhalation can cause manganism, a Parkinson-like neurological disorder. (ATSDR)1.3M lb+2%
Exxonmobil Oil Corp Joliet RefineryExxon Mobil CORPChannahonNitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)Health riskDrinking-water nitrate causes methemoglobinemia ('blue-baby syndrome') in infants; EPA MCL is 10 mg/L as N. (EPA)1.0M lb-29%
Water utilities to watch

Largest Water Systems With Unresolved Health-Based Violations

Sorted to surface utilities serving the most people that still have an active health-based SDWIS violation on the record. Systems in compliance with no unresolved issues fall to the bottom of the ranking.

Methodology →

Water systemPWSIDPopulation servedHealth-based · 5yrStatus
Joliet MunicipalIL1970450160,0001UNRESOLVED
Cicero MunicipalIL031051083,0001UNRESOLVED
Aqua Illinois-Kankakee PrivateIL091503080,0004UNRESOLVED
Calumet City MunicipalIL031039037,0001UNRESOLVED
Huntley MunicipalIL111035028,4952UNRESOLVED
Woodstock MunicipalIL111095025,6301UNRESOLVED
Maywood MunicipalIL031183024,0901UNRESOLVED
Frankfort MunicipalIL197040024,0002UNRESOLVED
South Elgin MunicipalIL089080023,6481UNRESOLVED
Carbondale MunicipalIL077015022,1079UNRESOLVED
Superfund / NPL sites

Federal Cleanup Sites In Illinois

Sites on EPA's Superfund National Priorities List, plus deleted sites whose cleanup objectives EPA has finalized. Federal-facility sites (defense, DOE, etc.) are flagged separately. Each link routes to a per-site page.

Methodology →

SiteCityStatusFederal facilityPrimary contaminant
Acme Solvent Reclaiming, Inc. (Morristown Plant)MorristownNPL FINALNo1,1,1-TrichloroethaneHealth riskMethyl chloroform. CNS depressant; ozone-depleting substance phased out under Montreal Protocol. EPA MCL 200 µg/L. (EPA, ATSDR)
Acme Steel Coke PlantChicagoNPL FINALNo—
Adams County Quincy Landfills 2&3QuincyNPL FINALNo1,1,1-TrichloroethaneHealth riskMethyl chloroform. CNS depressant; ozone-depleting substance phased out under Montreal Protocol. EPA MCL 200 µg/L. (EPA, ATSDR)
Amoco Chemicals (Joliet Landfill)JolietNPL FINALNo(2Z)-2-Butenedioic Acid
Asarco Taylor SpringsTaylor SpringsNPL FINALNoArsenicHealth riskIARC Group 1 carcinogen via inhalation and ingestion. EPA MCL 10 µg/L; chronic exposure causes skin, lung, bladder cancer and cardiovascular disease. (IARC, EPA, ATSDR)
Bautsch-Gray MineGalenaNPL FINALNoAluminumHealth riskInhaled aluminum fumes can cause lung scarring (aluminosis); high cumulative exposure has been linked to neurological effects. (NIOSH)
Beloit Corp.RocktonNPL FINALNo1,1,1-TrichloroethaneHealth riskMethyl chloroform. CNS depressant; ozone-depleting substance phased out under Montreal Protocol. EPA MCL 200 µg/L. (EPA, ATSDR)
Byron Salvage YardByronNPL FINALNoLeadHealth riskNeurotoxin. Even low childhood exposure impairs cognitive development; chronic adult exposure damages kidneys and the cardiovascular system. (EPA, ATSDR)
Central Illinois Public Service Co.TaylorvilleNPL FINALNo1,2-Dihydroacenaphthylene
ChemetcoHartfordNPL FINALNo—

Showing the top 10 sites by status priority. 46 additional NPL-relevant sites in Illinois have entity pages — browse them via the host-county or host-city page rollups.

Equity context · ACS 2018-2022 · USEPA-clone EJ disparity

Statewide Population Characteristics

All Illinois block groups: 12,812,508 residents. Statewide disparity score for pm2.5 (fine particulate) sits near the reference (93). Why we surface this →

State-level percentiles are aggregated from block-group EJScreen data. The EJ pattern within the state will be sharper at the county level — drill down for the meaningful spatial detail.

POPULATION SHARE
11.8%

Low-income

POPULATION SHARE
40.4%

People of color

POPULATION SHARE
6.0%

Under age 5

POPULATION SHARE
16.2%

Over age 64

NATIONAL PERCENTILE · vs all US block groups (population-weighted; ranked against the national EJScreen indicator distribution)

Methodology →

  • PM2.5 (fine particulate)Health riskFine inhalable particles 2.5 micrometers or smaller. They travel deep into the lungs and into the bloodstream — linked to asthma, heart disease, stroke, and premature death.73above the national median
  • OzoneHealth riskGround-level ozone (smog) inflames the airways. Even short exposures trigger asthma attacks and worsen chronic lung and heart disease.84in the highest 20% nationally
  • Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)Health riskA tailpipe and combustion gas. Concentrates near busy roads and industrial sites; raises risk of airway inflammation, asthma, and lower respiratory infections in children.80above the national median
  • Diesel particulateHealth riskSoot from diesel engines (trucks, trains, ports, construction). EPA classifies it as a likely human carcinogen and a major driver of childhood asthma near freight corridors.77above the national median
  • Toxic releases (RSEI)Health riskEPA's Risk-Screening Environmental Indicators score — weights TRI chemical releases by toxicity, where they go, and how many people are nearby. Higher means greater modeled cancer and chronic-health risk.89in the highest 20% nationally
  • Traffic proximityHealth riskPopulation-weighted distance to high-volume roads. Living close to heavy traffic raises exposure to PM2.5, NO₂, and diesel exhaust — and the cardiovascular and asthma risks that follow.74above the national median
  • Lead-paint risk (pre-1960 housing)Health riskShare of housing built before 1960, when lead-based paint was common. Dust from deteriorating paint is the leading cause of childhood lead poisoning, which permanently impairs cognitive development.72above the national median
  • Superfund site proximityHealth riskPopulation-weighted distance to NPL Superfund sites — the most contaminated waste sites in the country. Nearby groundwater, soil, and air can carry industrial solvents, metals, and other long-lived contaminants.82in the highest 20% nationally
  • RMP-facility proximityHealth riskDistance to facilities holding chemicals at quantities large enough to require an EPA Risk Management Plan (refineries, fertilizer plants, etc.). These pose acute exposure risk during accidental releases.84in the highest 20% nationally
  • Hazardous-waste site proximityHealth riskDistance to RCRA hazardous-waste handlers (treatment, storage, disposal facilities). Indicates potential exposure to industrial chemicals in air, soil, and groundwater.72above the national median
  • Underground storage tanksHealth riskDensity of underground tanks (gasoline, heating oil, industrial fluids). Leaking tanks are a leading source of benzene and other volatile organic compounds in groundwater drinking-water supplies.88in the highest 20% nationally
  • NPDES wastewater proximityHealth riskDistance to permitted industrial wastewater dischargers. Closer proximity raises exposure to pollutants released into surface waters used for fishing, recreation, and downstream drinking-water intakes.94in the highest 10% nationally
  • Drinking-water non-complianceHealth riskEPA score for public water systems with health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violations. Higher means more residents on systems that recently exceeded safe limits for contaminants like lead, arsenic, or nitrate.78above the national median
EJ disparity scores · population-weighted, all state block groups (100 = national reference; higher = greater disparate burden) · Methodology →
IndicatorDisparity scoreReading
PM2.5 (fine particulate)93near the reference
Ozone99near the reference
Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)97near the reference
Diesel particulate90near the reference
Toxic releases (RSEI)98near the reference
Traffic proximity82below the reference
Lead-paint risk (pre-1960 housing)81below the reference
Superfund site proximity62below the reference
RMP-facility proximity92near the reference
Hazardous-waste site proximity82below the reference
Underground storage tanks88below the reference
NPDES wastewater proximity104near the reference
Drinking-water non-compliance13well below the reference

Source: Census ACS 2018-2022 (5-year) + USEPA-clone EJ blockgroup stats (raw indicators + EJ disparity mirror). EJ disparity scores via the USEPA-clone GitHub mirror after EPA deprecated the public EJScreen tool in 2025; demographics from Census ACS.

Browse

All 77 Illinois Counties With TRI Data

Pollution trends and TRI 2024 pages for every tracked county. Alphabetical.

Sources.