Massachusetts Chemical Fact Sheets
Massachusetts Chemical Fact Sheets describe the hazards, exposure routes, uses and alternatives, and regulatory context for selected chemicals, including those on the Toxics Use Reduction Science Advisory Board's list of 'more hazardous chemicals.'
Lead Fact Sheet |
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| Manufacturers use lead in many different products such as batteries, metal products, cables, ceramic glazes, pigments, and ammunition. Lead is a well-established human and environmental hazard. In 2004, Massachusetts manufacturers used more than 8.5 million pounds of lead and lead compounds, with electricity generation and the wire and cable insulation and jacketing industry sectors using the most. Read more... | |
Methylene Diphenyl Isocyanate (MDI) Fact Sheet |
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| Methylene Diphenyl Isocyanate (MDI) is a poison when inhaled. At room temperature MDI is a solid, but it is sold and used in molten form. Workplaces are the primary source of exposure to MDI, which is an intermediary chemical in the manufacture of polyurethanes. In Massachusetts MDI use is on the rise due to a single facility, which used over 10 million pounds in 1997 to manufacture roofing insulation. It is regulated by both the EPA and OSHA in the USA. Read more... | |
n-Propyl Bromide Fact Sheet |
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| N-propyl bromide (nPB) or 1-bromopropane, is a relatively new solvent that is used in vapor degreasing, metal cleaning, and dry cleaning; as a solvent carrier in adhesives; and as a chemical intermediate. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies nPB as a volatile organic compound (VOC). This fact sheet is part of a series of chemical fact sheets developed by TURI to help Massachusetts companies, community organizations and residents understand n-propyl bromide's (nPB, CAS # 106-94-5) use and health and environmental effects, as well as the availability of safer alternatives. Read more... | |
Perchloroethylene (PCE) Fact Sheet |
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| Able to dissolve most organic materials, perchloroethylene (PCE) is the most widely used dry cleaning solvent in Massachusetts and nationally. Its other major uses are as a metal degreaser, a chemical intermediate and an ingredient in consumer products, such as automotive aerosol parts cleaners and degreasers. PCE is reported to be the chemical most widely found in groundwater contamination at Superfund sites. Read more... | |
Sulfuric Acid and Fuming Sulfuric Acid Fact Sheet |
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| Sulfuric acid is a corrosive toxic chemical that causes direct effects ranging from irritation to burns on the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. In 1996, Massachusetts businesses consumed almost 45 million pounds of sulfuric acid, the world's most widely used chemical, in the production of chemicals, electricity, food products, paper products, electronics, textiles, leather goods, and electroplated parts. Read more... | |
Toluene Diisocyanates Fact Sheet |
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| Toluene-2,6-diisocyanate (2,6-TDI), toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (2,4-TDI), and toluene diisocyanate mixed isomers are the three forms of TDI commonly used in commerce. Acute exposure to TDIs can result in severe skin, eye, lung, and throat irritation. Massachusetts businesses used 7.4 million pounds of TDIs in 1998, with the main end-use being polyurethane foam. Read more... | |
Trichloroethylene (TCE) Fact Sheet |
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| Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a common solvent, widely used in vapor degreasing, as a chemical intermediate, as part of cleaning solvent mixtures and as a solvent in adhesives. Due to its serious adverse effects on human health and the environment, TCE is subject to multiple regulations at the state, federal and international levels. TCE was designated as a higher hazard substance in 2008 under TURA in Massachusetts, where most of its uses are associated with solvent use in adhesives and paints Read more... | |
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