Last month, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) announced proposed revisions to the Toxic or Hazardous Substance List (TURA List). The changes are the addition of seven per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The same PFAS were added by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Section 313 Toxic Chemical List earlier in the year. The addition of these substances to the TURA List is mandated by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 21I Section 9.
The Toxics Use Reduction Act establishes reporting thresholds for facilities that manufacture, process, or otherwise use TURA-listed chemicals. TURA promotes toxics use reduction, and requires users of large quantities of toxic materials, including those in several SIC codes not covered under the federal EPCRA regulation, to submit an annual Toxics Use Report, develop a Toxic Use Reduction Plan for using toxic chemicals and reducing waste, and pay fees for listed chemicals manufactured or used above the specified threshold.
It should be noted that companies covered by TURA have been required to track their use of PFAS since January 1, 2022. At that time, 172 PFAS had been added to the TURA list. PFAS are reportable under TURA at a 100 pound threshold. The proposed changes are to add the following additional PFAS:
|
Chemical Name |
CAS Number |
|
Perfluorohexanoic acid |
307-24-4 |
|
Perfluoropropanoic acid |
422-64-0 |
|
Sodium perfluorohexanoate |
2923-26-4 |
|
Ammonium perfluorohexanoate |
21615-47-4 |
|
1,1,1-Trifluoro-N-[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl] methanesulfonamide |
82113-65-3 |
|
Lithium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl] azanide |
90076-65-6 |
|
Betaines, dimethyl(.gamma.-.omega.-perfluoro-.gamma.-hydro-C8-18- alkyl) |
2816091-53-7 |
PFAS are widely used in a variety of consumer, commercial, and industrial products. They are persistent in the environment and do not break down easily. Because of this, PFAS are often found in soil, water, air, and food. Exposure can occur from the use of products that contain PFAS, or eating or drinking PFAS-contaminated food or water. When ingested, PFAS can accumulate in the body and, over time, may increase to a level where health effects could occur.
According to the EPA and Centers for Disease Control (CDC), research suggests that exposure to elevated levels of certain PFAS is linked to adverse health outcomes in both animals and humans. These include reproductive and developmental effects and interference with hormones and the immune system. In addition, some studies also show an elevated cancer risk in people exposed to higher levels of PFAS.
Written comments on the proposed additions to the TURA list can be made until 5 p.m. on August 9, 2024 and may be submitted via email to [email protected]. In addition, a public hearing will be held virtually at 1 p.m. on August 9, 2024. This link can be used to access the Zoom public hearing (Webinar ID: 948 1659 3840).
For more information on the proposed changes to the TURA List, or for assistance with your TURA reporting and planning, please contact us.
This blog was written by Beth Graham, Safety Partners’ Director of Quality, Research, and Training
