TOXICS USE REDUCTION ACT (TURA)
Science, engineering and policy come together in this model program
Adopted in 1989, the Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA) is designed to protect public health and the environment while enhancing the competitiveness of Massachusetts businesses. Under TURA, facilities that use large amounts of toxic chemicals are required to report on their chemical use, conduct toxics use reduction planning every two years, and pay a fee. The fees paid by TURA filers support the work of the TURA implementing agencies, and are used to provide a wide variety of services, including training, grant programs and technical assistance. Read the full text of the Act
How TURA was Created
The Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA) represents a landmark in environmental policy, aiming to reduce the use of hazardous substances in industrial operations. Enacted in response to growing concerns about the health and environmental impacts of toxic chemicals, TURA has set a precedent for proactive regulation in promoting sustainable practices.
The origins of TURA can be traced back to the late 1980s when Massachusetts faced increasing pressure to address the risks associated with toxic chemicals. During this time, there was public outcry fueled by incidents that underscored the mounting scientific evidence connecting hazardous substances to health complications, such as the Woburn, MA leukemia cluster among children caused by chemical leaks and contaminated water. The Woburn cases garnered nationwide attention, even inspiring a book and a movie called “A Civil Action,” shedding light on the perils of toxic chemicals in drinking water and the significance of community mobilization in holding polluters accountable.
As a result, state lawmakers formulated TURA as a holistic strategy to minimize toxic substance usage. The law was passed in 1989, making Massachusetts the first state to implement a program focused on toxics reduction rather than just pollution control. The groundbreaking bill received backing from both the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) and the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group (MassPIRG). It passed with unanimous approval from both branches of the Massachusetts State Legislature and was signed into law by then-Governor Michael Dukakis on July 24, 1989.
The Toxics Use Reduction Act stands as a testament to the power of proactive environmental legislation in driving positive change. By promoting transparency, innovation, and accountability, TURA has set a new standard for chemical management practices in the manufacturing sector.
Overall objectives of TURA
The Toxics Use Reduction Act was established in Massachusetts to promote safer and cleaner production that enhances the economic viability of Massachusetts firms:
- To establish toxics use reduction as the preferred means for achieving compliance with any federal or state law or regulation pertaining to toxics production and use, hazardous waste, industrial hygiene, worker safety, public exposure to toxics, or releases of toxics into the environment and for minimizing the risks associated with the use of toxic or hazardous substances and the production of toxic or hazardous substances or hazardous wastes
- To sustain, safeguard and promote the competitive advantage of Massachusetts businesses, large and small, while advancing innovation in toxics use reduction and management
- To promote reductions in the production and use of toxic and hazardous substances within the Commonwealth, both through the programs established in this Act and through existing toxics-related state programs
- To enhance and strengthen the enforcement of existing environmental laws and regulations within the Commonwealth
- To promote coordination and cooperation between all state departments and agencies administering toxics-related programs
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TURA Implementing Agencies
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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
MassDEP is the regulatory body for the program. MassDEP certifies Toxics Use Reduction (TUR) Planners, collects chemical use information and other data submitted by companies, provides compliance guidance, and takes enforcement actions.
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Office of Technical Assistance and Technology (OTA)
The OTA is a non-regulatory agency within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. OTA provides free, confidential, onsite technical assistance to Massachusetts manufacturers, businesses, and institutions.
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Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI)
TURI provides education and training for companies; sponsors research into the development of cleaner, safer materials and technologies; provides grants to companies, community organizations, and municipalities; convenes business working groups to address specific environmental challenges; conducts policy research and analysis; and provides laboratory and library services.
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Decision Making Under TURA
Bringing together Science, Engineering and Policy
The Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA) list of toxic or hazardous substances is designed to be updated over time based on new developments in scientific knowledge, as well as policy considerations.
There are two key areas of decision-making:
- Adding substances to, or removing substances from, the TURA list of toxic or hazardous substances.
- Designating higher and lower hazard substances within the larger TURA list. Elements of the process described here may also be applicable to other types of decisions under TURA, such as designation of priority user segments.
Councils & Committees
TURA provides for a multi-stage decision-making process that involves the following Councils & Committees:
- Science Advisory Board (SAB);
- Advisory Committee, composed of stakeholders;
- Administrative Council, composed of government agency heads or their representatives; and
- Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI), Office of Technical Assistance and Technology (OTA), and Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).
The Decision-Making Reference Guide for members of the councils and committees of the TURA program decision-making process reveals a robust and dynamic process for discussion, analysis and stakeholder input.
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Council and Committees
Three groups of state officials, scientists and citizens determine policy under the Toxics Use Reduction Act:
The Administrative Council
The Administrative Council is the governing body of the TURA program and is responsible for program policy oversight. The six-member council is chaired by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs and is charged with coordinating state enforcement of laws and regulations on chemical use and toxic waste generation, implementing policies that promote worker health and safety, and safeguarding public health. Responsibilities of the Council include: making determinations on petitions to list and delist chemicals; maintaining the chemical reporting list for the TURA program; designating higher and lower hazard substances; designating priority user segments; and evaluating and setting reporting fees.
The Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee is composed of stakeholder representatives. Its role is to provide advice to the Administrative Council and the program, reflecting the perspectives and expertise of a range of stakeholders. Members include representation from the environmental advocacy, public health, labor, industry and the general public. Committee members are appointed by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
The Science Advisory Board (SAB)
The Science Advisory Board (SAB) provides input on the hazards of chemicals based on scientific considerations. The SAB is managed by the Toxics Use Reduction Institute. The SAB’s primary role is to advise the Institute on the addition or deletion of chemicals from the TURA list, and on the hazard categorization of the TURA list. In addition, the Institute may consult with the SAB for scientific or technical advice concerning other TURA-related issues.
All meetings of the Administrative Council, the Advisory Committee, and the Science Advisory Board are open to the public.
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Program Assessment
The Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Program was established in 1989 by the Toxics Use Reduction Act, and its revisions. The statute promotes safer and cleaner production that enhances the economic viability of Massachusetts firms.
The Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) conducted its most recent assessment of the program in 2009, building on the findings of a prior evaluation done in 1997.
The assessment presents a review of TURA program activities; a review of prior studies of the TURA program; the results of an online survey and telephone interviews with Massachusetts companies and consultants conducted by the consulting firm Abt Associates; and results from a survey and interviews conducted with organizations served by the Institute’s Community program.
Categorization of the Toxics Use ReductionList of Toxic and Hazardous Substances
Toxics Use Reduction Science Advisory Board has performed this project to categorize the 258 chemicals which have ever been reported under the Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA). The resulting lists of more hazardous’, less hazardous and uncategorized chemicals will be used by the Toxics Use Reduction Program to aid in setting priorities and will serve as guidance for companies making chemical substitution decisions. The lists of more hazardous (Category 1) and less hazardous (Category 2) substances follow. The specific chemicals in the categories may change based on new data becoming available or new chemicals being used above TUR reportable threshold quantities in the Commonwealth.
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs)
The TURA Science Advisory Board (SAB) has recommended that certain Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride (DDAC) and Alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride (ADBAC) chemicals be added to the TURA list of Toxic or Hazardous Substances. In reviewing the science about DDAC and ADBAC, the SAB had concerns related to these substances, including respiratory system irritation and inflammation including outcomes consistent with occupational asthma and work-exacerbated asthma; corrosive effects; hazard for aquatic life; and environmental fate and persistence. The SAB had additional concerns for reproductive effects and neural tube development. This policy analysis summarizes key scientific information on DDAC and ADBAC; estimates the number of facilities that are likely to enter the program as a result of the proposed listing; analyzes opportunities and challenges new filers are likely to face; and discusses the implications of this policy measure for the TURA program. Based on this analysis, the Toxics Use Reduction Institute supports the SAB’s recommendation that DDAC and ADBAC be added to the TURA list of Toxic or Hazardous Substances.
Environmental Justice through Toxics Use Reduction
Toxics Use Reduction is a best practice for advancing the pursuit of environmental justice for all. Our 2025 Environmental Justice report draws upon TURA Data, aiming to help government agencies, businesses, and communities identify opportunities to advance environmental justice by reducing the use of Toxics in Massachusetts.
Competitiveness Impacts for Massachusetts Businesses
Summarizes the successes of 12 companies, documenting costs and savings as a direct result of toxics use reduction or resource conservation efforts. In addition to financial benefits, some companies improved employee health and morale and increased recognition for their products and services.
EMS Planning Guidance
The Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA, MGL c.21I) and its regulations at 310 CMR 50.00 establish toxics use reduction as a central component in the Commonwealth’s efforts to protect public health and the environment and to promote the competitive advantage of Massachusetts businesses through efficient materials use and management.
Resource Conservation Planning Guidance
The Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA, MGL c. 21I) and its regulations at 310 CMR 50.00, establish toxics use reduction as a central component of the Commonwealth’s efforts to protect public health and the environment and to promote the competitive advantage of Massachusetts businesses through efficient materials use and management.
