Massachusetts

States Leading The Way

The Massachusetts Clean Water Action and Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow have led efforts to protect public health from toxic chemicals and promote environmental justice. The state’s toxics use reduction program, implemented to minimize exposure to dangerous chemicals in production and usage, has led to an estimated 80% decline in reported releases of toxics during the first ten years. Massachusetts is now at the forefront of efforts to regulate PFAS and promote strategies to address cumulative exposures to toxic chemicals. These efforts demonstrate Massachusetts’ commitment to protecting public health and the environment from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals.

Massachusetts Highlights

2022 – Attorney General Maura Healey sued PFAS manufacturers for contaminating the state’s drinking water. Additionally, as of January 1, 2022, companies operating in Massachusetts must submit annual Toxic Use Reduction Act reports if they are making or using PFAS and every three years evaluate whether they can adopt safer solutions.
2021 – Restricted certain toxic flame retardants from being used in children’s products, mattresses, upholstered furniture, carpets, rugs, bedding, and window treatments. The state also set up a process for restricting additional flame retardants.
2016 – Boston changed its Fire Code to allow flame-retardant-free furniture in institutional buildings.

Addressing Toxic Flame Retardants

Elizabeth Saunders, State Director of Clean Water Action Massachusetts, advocating for a bill aimed at addressing toxic flame retardants during a firefighter press conference in 2020.

Taking Action Against BPA

Clean Water Action’s New England Director, Cindy Luppi (center) with young activists in Medfield, MA, advocating for BPA-free products.

Massachusetts Legislative Champion: Senator Michael Moore

Massachusetts Senator Michael Moore teamed up with Polluted Polly at an event to raise awareness that PFAS has no place in our food packaging.

PFAS in Fashion Report Spurs Policy Advocacy

In 2022, Professional Firefighters of MA, Clean Water Action, MASSPIRG, Fashion Forward, Conservation Law Foundation, Environment MA, and Seaside Sustainability jointly raised awareness about a new report on PFAS in fashion and emphasized the urgency of adopting policies to protect people from these toxic chemicals.