Wednesday, July 18, 2001       

Boston -Residents in most cities and towns across Massachusetts can rest easier knowing that there are fewer toxic chemicals being used, released and transported through their neighborhoods according to a new report released by the Environmental League of Massachusetts.

The good news was announced in a report published today which examined data publicly accessible through the Toxics Use Reduction Act, or TURA. The law, in place for a decade, requires that all companies using more than 10,000 pounds, or manufacturing more than 25,000 pounds of toxic chemicals per year perform three tasks. They must report their use, pay an annual fee based on company size and the number of chemicals used, and every two years prepare a plan on how to reduce the amount of toxics they use.

The federal government does not require companies to report usage of carcinogens. In fact, only Massachusetts and New Jersey have laws requiring companies to report the types and quantities of chemicals used.

With this data, the Environmental League found that between 1994 and 1998: " use of carcinogenic chemicals in Massachusetts dropped 5.85% from 475 million pounds to about 447 million pounds per year; " carcinogen releases into the environment decreased a dramatic 76%, or by approximately 3.3 million pounds.

"What we're seeing is that TURA works," said Jessica Champness, Toxics Specialist for the Environmental League and author of the report. "The law is accomplishing its intended goals," she said, reducing the amount of toxic chemicals companies use and release. "Across the state this means fewer chemical trucks rumbling down main street."

The city of Springfield, home to the most carcinogen use within its borders, had more than 272 million pounds of carcinogens used in 1998. The majority of that was used by Nova Chemicals, producer of a chemical used to make plastic.

Municipalities which have the highest use of carcinogens are, in order:

1. Springfield
2. Oxford
3. Attleboro
4. New Bedford
5. Newburyport
6. Northampton
7. Chicopee
8. Fitchburg
9. Fall River
10. Salem
11. Leominster
12. Lowell.

-more-

REPORT SHOWS MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS SAFER THANKS TO TOXICS LAW

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The law does not require companies to implement their toxic use reduction plans, but with an increase in society's concern for the environment and personal health, many companies are becoming better neighbors and healthier employers while improving the bottom line. "Having companies examine ways to reduce their own use, and reporting to the state has been successful both in reduction of chemical use and lowering costs for companies," said Champness.

This is, of course, to say nothing of the health benefits.

The American Cancer Society estimates that 31,000 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Massachusetts this year. An estimated 13,700 people in the state will die from cancer placing Massachusetts eleventh in the country in the number of deaths caused by cancer. "When you recognize that 4 percent of cancer deaths are due to chemicals in the workplace, reductions of this magnitude have a real positive value," said Champness.

The report, "Carcinogen Use and Release to the Environment in Massachusetts, 1994-1998" will be available at www.EnvironmentalLeague.org/toxicsreport.htm Thursday, July 19, 2001 at 10:00 a.m. ###