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Pollution prevention and the work environment: the Massachusetts experience
C R Roelofs1, R Moure-Eraso, M J Ellenbecker
1Department of Work Environment, University of Massachusetts-Lowell, USA.
Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
|November 4, 2000
Summary
Massachusetts companies reduced toxic chemical use by 24% and by-product by 41% through toxics use reduction. While worker health improved in nearly 50% of cases, these benefits were often incidental, highlighting missed integration opportunities.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Occupational Health
- Industrial Policy
Background:
- Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA) enacted in 1989.
- TURA defines toxics use reduction (TUR) as in-plant changes to reduce hazardous substance use or by-product generation.
- Investigated integration of worker health and safety into TUR activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- Assess the extent worker health and safety concerns are integrated into TUR.
- Evaluate the impact of TUR activities on the work environment.
- Identify opportunities for coordinating environmental and worker safety improvements.
Main Methods:
- Review of 35 published case studies of TUR in Massachusetts companies.
- Interviews with key personnel, including staff from the Massachusetts Office of Technical Assistance for Toxics Use Reduction.
- Analysis of data from 1990-1997.
Main Results:
- Companies decreased toxic chemical use by 24% and toxic by-product by 41% (1990-1997).
- Improved worker health and safety cited as a benefit in nearly 50% of TUR cases.
- Solvents reduced/eliminated in 63% of cases; water-based chemicals replaced volatile ones in 46%; acids/caustics reduced/eliminated in 20%.
Conclusions:
- TUR activities improved the work environment, but worker safety was rarely a primary driver.
- Potential for new negative health and safety impacts and missed opportunities exist.
- Recommends better integration of worker health and safety with pollution prevention efforts by agencies and companies.