Abstract:The current status and distribution characteristics of the atmospheric emissions of six heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cd, As, Cr, Ni) from iron and steel industry in 2011 in China were investigated using a unit-based “bottom-up” method. The national total atmospheric emissions of Hg, Pb, Cd, As, Cr, Ni from iron and steel industry in 2011 were estimated at about 18.8, 3745.8, 39.4, 132.2, 241.2, and 105.3t, respectively. Bohai economic circle is identified as the top emission region where iron and steel smelting plants are densely concentrated. Within the iron and steel enterprises, the steel-making process shows higher emissions of the six heavy metals to air than other production processes: the basic oxygen furnace contributes most of As and Pb emissions, while the electric furnace accounts for most of Cd and Ni emissions.