Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI)

TURI and NASA Collaborate to Find Safer Alternatives to Hexavalent Chromium in Aerospace Coating We’re proud to share that Greg Morose, our Research Manager, is spearheading a consortium in collaboration with NASA and leading aerospace companies. This initiative focuses on evaluating safer alternatives to hexavalent chromium (Hex Chrome), a known carcinogen that gained notoriety in the film Erin Brockovich https://lnkd.in/eb8h4bje starring Julia Roberts. Hex Chrome has long been used in aerospace coatings, but its health risks are significant. To combat this, Greg and the team are testing safer alternatives at the NASA Beachside Atmospheric Corrosion Test Site at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. For the past 4 ? years, they’ve been conducting long-term corrosion tests, exposing these safer coatings to the harsh salt air environment and UV rays. The initial results are promising! They have entered a stage where they are actively marketing their findings to businesses in order to facilitate the transition. Read more: https://lnkd.in/erXMwZ3u #NASA #UMassLowell #HexChrome #Research #SaferChemicals #Science #PublicHealth

Our Training Director Pam Eliason was interviewed by Tjeerd Bokhout Director of ChemCon Conferences. The interview covered substitution and safer materials strategy and also featured Elizabeth (Beth) Uhlhorn from the Dow Chemical Company. Pam talked in depth about TURI’s important work in helping companies find safer substitutions and the successes that we have had. Check out the interview ?? https://lnkd.in/e2e5qtc2 This week, TURI collaborated with Chem Con at the America’s Conference in Boston. Our Toxic Use Reduction Planners had the chance to attend various sessions and earn continuing education credits. Furthermore, our team contributed to the conference by delivering presentations. #environmentalprofessionals #environment #sustainabilty #chemicals #greenchemistry #businesssolutions #strategy #conferences #boston

The Toxics Use Reduction Institute has been at the forefront of ensuring that consumer products are safe for both people and the environment. We conduct third-party testing to help companies achieve US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Safer Choice certification, verifying that their products contain safe chemicals. Bloomberg News recently interviewed our team members- Alicia McCarthy, Amelia Wagner and Alex Symko -about our efforts in guiding companies toward safer alternatives to achieve Safer Choice certification. https://lnkd.in/ghR_uC9V #SaferChoice #EPA #Environment #GreenChemistry #PublicHealth #UMassLowell

The Toxics Use Reduction Institute had an incredible opportunity to collaborate with ChemCon Conferences, allowing our Toxics Use Reduction Planners to attend the ChemCon The Americas conference and earn continuing education credits. This prestigious global event focuses on chemical control regulation and features experts from both agencies and industries across more than 25 countries. Our TURI staff also had the chance to present at the conference. In the accompanying images, our Training Director, Pam Eliason, showcased not only the impactful initiatives at TURI but also the essential work being done by Massachusetts businesses that are committed to reducing toxic substances and embracing safer alternatives. She referred to these companies as “Champions of Change.” The event is being held at the Park Plaza Hotel in Boston and will wrap up on March 14th. #greenchemistry #Boston #conferences #environmentalprofessionals #chemicals #sustainability

TURI Announces Recipients of Small Grants to Reduce Toxics in Massachusetts The Toxics Use Reduction Institute is pleased to announce the latest recipients of small business and community grants aimed at reducing the use of toxic substances across Massachusetts. This initiative is made possible through a unique opportunity presented to us from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). These grants are designed to support innovative solutions that promote safer alternatives and environmental sustainability. Among the recipients, New Method Plating Inc. in Worcester will receive funding to assist in their efforts to eliminate the use of trichloroethylene (TCE). The grant will enable the company to invest in new equipment and safer chemicals. These new practices will enhance workplace safety and improve the environment. Additionally, the BERKSHIRE REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION (BRPC) has been awarded financial assistance to tackle the pressing issue of microplastics in our food and water supply. This initiative will focus on addressing the concerns of the 32 municipalities within Berkshire County, fostering a collaborative approach to environmental health. Furthermore, the Brazilian Women's Group - Grupo Mulher Brasileira (BWG) will receive funding to expand their Vida Verde Women’s Cooperative which?educates Brazilian women working in the cleaning service industry about the dangers posed by certain chemicals. The program aims to inform these workers about safer alternatives, empowering them to make informed choices that protect their health and the environment. “We are thrilled to be able to help support these exciting projects," said TURI Director, Baskut Tuncak. "TURI is excited about not only the benefits these grants will provide to individual businesses and communities but also their potential to demonstrate how others can contribute to a healthier Massachusetts.” TURI will work with these partners over the next several months to help them launch their initiatives. #Grant #Business #Collaboration #GreenChemistry #Environment #EnvironmentalProfessionals #Massachusetts #PublicHealth #Environment #BusinessSolutions

TURI had an amazing time partnering with UML Innovation Hub for the Clean Green Challenge last year! If you have innovative ideas that could lead to award-winning solutions, click ??

??? Busy day in TURI’s lab! Our talented Research Assistants and Public Health Lab Assistant are hard at work, conducting tests on a client’s product to help them achieve EPA’s Safer Choice certification. ???? #STEM #HandsOnLearning #SaferChoice #Sustainability #EnvironmentalHealth #LabLife #Science US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

KEY TAKEAWAYS The following are some of the key findings from TURI’s 2025 Environmental Justice Report https://lnkd.in/g2dC6RC7 analyzing TURA Data: -From 2007 to 2020, the average use of Toxics per municipality was greatest in those with 75% or more of their population living in EJ Neighborhoods. -Toxics Use Reduction efforts have had a significant impact on reducing the releases of Toxics in Massachusetts, including in those municipalities with 75% or more of the population living in EJ Neighborhoods. However, the average release of Toxics per municipality was still highest in this group, especially from 2007 to 2017. -In 2020, the average use and release of Toxics, number of TURA facilities and the quantity of chemicals shipped were all highest for the group of municipalities with 75% or more of the population living in EJ Neighborhoods. This suggests that those living in EJ Neighborhoods may continue to face comparatively greater risk of negative health outcomes due to Toxics use and release. -The average use and release of TURA Higher Hazard Substances (e.g. carcinogens) per municipality, both historically since 2007 and in 2020, is greater in the municipality groups with more of the population living in an EJ Neighborhood. Several facilities that release significant amounts of these Toxics are in EJ Neighborhoods. Individuals in these communities may be at greater risk of developing associated chronic and acute health effects that can result from exposure to these Toxics. -A preliminary analysis found that communities with high densities of EJ neighborhoods were above state averages for several environmental burden indicators (e.g., lead paint risk and exposure to air pollution). This, combined with barriers that impede at-risk groups from organizing for increased protection from the use and release of Toxics, suggests that these communities are more likely to be susceptible to negative health outcomes from exposure to Toxics. -Asthma rates are comparatively higher in many municipalities with significant environmental justice populations, and among lower-income and African American populations statewide. Also, among municipalities with the highest percentage of the population living in an EJ Neighborhood, there is presently and historically a higher per municipality average use and release of Toxics linked to asthma. -PFAS testing data at the time of this report’s release do not show greater PFAS concentrations in the drinking water of municipalities with higher proportions of their population living in EJ Neighborhoods. However, two facilities that reported PFAS releases under TURA are located within or close to EJ Neighborhoods.

The graphic below shows that the release of asthmagens has steadily declined in Massachusetts since 2007, including in towns with 75% or more of the population in an EJ Neighborhood. ?? Click to read TURI’s Environmental Justice Report: https://lnkd.in/g2dC6RC7 An asthmagen is a substance that can cause or trigger asthma in exposed people. This class of hazardous substances includes chemicals used in manufacturing textiles, footwear, plastics, rubber, and cleaners, among many other products. Sixteen of the over 350 chemicals identified by the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics as asthmagens are reported under TURA. Asthma is a significant issue of concern for many communities. There are traditionally high levels of asthma found among certain vulnerable groups (e.g. children) in EJ Neighborhoods. According to data from a 2017 MA Department of Public Health report, of the top twenty municipalities with the highest percentage of the population living in an EJ Neighborhood, fifteen have childhood asthma rates that are more than twice the state average. #EnvironmentalJustice #asthma #Massachusetts #PublicHealth #data #environment

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