Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI)

5 Things to Be Thankful for in the Fight Against PFAS There are so many challenges posed by PFAS, or "forever chemicals," but it's important for us to take a moment and?acknowledge all the good progress being made and all the reasons to be grateful and have hope for the future. So, here are five things to be thankful for as we work to protect our health and environment: Our Scientists-?scientific inquiry has helped us gain a better understanding of the myriad of ways PFAS affects our health, well-being, and environment. Our Communities- public awareness is growing in addressing PFAS contamination, including outreach strategies to inform municipalities about risks and resources. Our Innovators- researchers and businesses are evaluating potential substitutions for PFAS in industrial and consumer products to reduce reliance on these substances. Our First Responders- some fire departments are actively seeking alternatives to PFAS-treated materials and are increasingly aware of the importance of decontaminating gear after exposure to hazardous substances. Our Defenders- industry leaders, policy makers and non-profit organizations have collaborated to develop effective communication and policy development to safeguard human health and the environment. So it's true, the challenges posed by PFAS are significant, but there are many reasons for optimism. There is real progress being made and the collective efforts of many people, companies and governments are working together to address this issue. And, by staying informed, advocating for change, and supporting research and innovation, you can join us and together we?can work towards a safer healthier future for ourselves and our children. #PFAS #ForeverChemicals #Firefighters #Science #Thankful #HappyThanksgiving #GreenChemistry #Policy #Environment #PublicHealth

2024 Safer Choice Partner of the Year Award US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) This past weekend, Alicia McCarthy, TURI Laboratory Specialist, accepted the Safer Choice Partner of the Year Award from the Environmental Protection Agency on behalf of TURI during a special awards ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada. TURI is recognized as an outstanding Safer Choice Supporter. TURI developed an educational video that highlights the importance of ecolabels, such as Safer Choice and Design for the Environment (DfE), for a university’s online course. With support from an EPA Pollution Prevention (P2) grant, TURI also conducted virtual and in-person laboratory trainings for at least 15 technical assistance professionals to assist craft beverage manufacturers and businesses in identifying and promoting safer alternatives for cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. Safer Choice applauded TURI for spreading awareness about the Safer Choice and DfE programs! #EPA #SaferChoice #Award #SaferChoice2024 #GreenChemistry #EnvironmentalProfessionals #P2 #PollutionPrevention #Environment #PublicHealth ISSA Show North America

TURI’s Fall Toxics Use Reduction (TUR) Online Conference: A Resounding Success! We are thrilled to announce that TURI’s Fall Toxics Use Reduction Online Conference was a tremendous success! Participants from various sectors gathered virtually to engage in insightful discussions and share knowledge on crucial topics related to toxics use reduction. This year’s conference featured a diverse lineup of sessions that delved into a range of relevant subjects, including the latest trends in chemical policies and innovative solutions for parts cleaning. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from industry experts, policymakers, and leaders who provided valuable insights into the challenges and advancements in the field of toxics reduction. The feedback we received from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for the depth of information presented. The sessions not only highlighted current best practices but also fostered a collaborative environment where attendees could share their experiences and learn from each other. One of the standout aspects of the conference was the focus on chemical policies. With increasing regulatory scrutiny and a growing emphasis on sustainability, understanding the landscape of chemical management has never been more critical. Our expert speakers addressed the implications of recent legislation and provided practical guidance on compliance strategies. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to not only our participants but our speakers who contributed to making this conference a success. Your engagement and enthusiasm are what make these events meaningful and impactful. Thank you to: Marjorie Decker, MA State Representative, Chair, Joint Committee on Public Health Rick Engler, Director of Chemistry, Bergeson & Campbell Kastalie M. Bougas, Policy Officer & Economist, European Commission DG Environment Bethanie Carney Almroth, Professor of Ecotoxicology University of Gothenburg Jenny Gitlitz, Director of Solutions to Plastics Pollution Alexandra Caterbow, Co-Director of HEJsupport Sarah Au- EPA Toxicologist Pamela Brody-Heine, Senior Director, Clean Electronics Production Network Remco Kouwenhoven, Sustainability Specialist, Fairphone Thomas Segear, Resource Manager, Casella Sarah Reilly Healey, Zero Waste Manager, BU Kathi Mirza, Municipal Waste Reduction Branch Chief, MassDEP Jason Marshall, TURI Lab Director Karen Thomas, TURI EHS Specialist Hayley Hudson, TURI Science, EHS Specialist Alex Symko, TURI Safer Chemicals Specialist Amelia Wagner. TURI Safer Chemicals Specialist Greg Morose, TURI Research Manager Alyson Arnold, Conklin Office Furniture We look forward to continuing these important conversations and hope to see everyone at the Spring Toxics Use Reduction Conference. Stay tuned for more details!

?? Business & Community Grants Available! https://lnkd.in/e7d2apWi

What happens in Massachusetts should be shared! Baskut Tuncak sketches Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) ongoing toxics use reduction journey. More on the substitution to safer alternatives on Sustainable Wednesday at ChemCon The Americas 2025 in March in Boston. Register before the end of November and benefit from the early bird discount. https://lnkd.in/eYMxtm6x Partners of ChemCon The Americas 2025: MilliporeSigma, EPPA, 3E, EBRC Consulting GmbH, Keller and Heckman LLP #chemicalindustry #saferchemicals #sustainability #sustainablefinance #regulatoryaffairs #circulareconomy

Thank you to Tjeerd Bokhout of ChemCon Conferences for taking the time to visit TURI. It was a pleasure to share our advancements in toxics use reduction and our commitment to offering businesses safer alternatives. #greenchemistry #pollutionprevention #environmentalprofessionals #environment #science #business #publichealth https://lnkd.in/e85Nw-Te

This is the first study to systematically document PFAS exposure among construction workers. University of Massachusetts Lowell researchers Dhimiter Bello, Anila Bello and Kushal Biswas will measure PFAS in the blood, urine and stool of hundreds of workers. By pairing this information with the identification of PFAS in common construction products, the team will identify the most likely PFAS sources, as well as the workers most at risk. PFAS persist in the body and the environment, putting humans at risk for kidney and testicular cancers, thyroid function, higher blood lipids, Type 2 diabetes, immune system suppression and kidney and liver damage. #constructionworkers #healthandsafety #safetyfirst #onthejob https://lnkd.in/e4_aS2f7

Time is running out to register for the virtual Toxics Use Reduction Conference! The Fall Toxics Use Reduction Conference, taking place virtually next week on November 13, 14, and 19, 2024. This year’s event will focus on critical topics surrounding chemical policies, the future of chemicals in plastics, strategies for reducing materials that contribute to solid waste and more. Participants will have the opportunity to earn up to 19 continuing education credits throughout the conference. As the global conversation around toxic chemicals and environmental health intensifies, this conference aims to bring together industry professionals, policymakers, and environmental professionals to discuss and teach innovative approaches and solutions for reducing toxic substances in various sectors. https://lnkd.in/ezGEPhnz #environment #environmentalprofessionals #toxics #greenchemistry #plastics #policy #saferalternatives #businesssolutions

More than a dozen participants took part in our Toxics Use Reduction Planner certification course (TUR Planner course). The course is offered each year in late summer through the end of October. It begins with a 6-week self-paced online?course, which thoroughly covers the theory and regulations associated with TUR planning. After successful completion of the online portion, participants gathered in person for four day-long classes to put the theory to practice. Participants heard directly from veteran TUR planners about best practices and work together on a practicum based on a real manufacturing operation. Now that the course is complete, eligible professionals can take the TUR Planner certification exam and/or apply directly to MassDEP for certification as a limited practice TUR planner. Click Here ?https://lnkd.in/erdX-wKi to see the eligibility criteria associated with becoming a certified TUR planner in Massachusetts. For more information, please contact our Training Director Pam Eliason at [email protected] #Education #Training #EnvironmentalProfessionals #Environment #SaferChemicals #BusinessSolutions #ReducingToxics #Planning #Certification #Course #Sustainability

FLASH FUNDING!! Don’t miss this limited-time opportunity to receive financial assistance for projects that aim to reduce the use of toxics in Massachusetts. Thanks to a generous contribution, we have additional funding for grants to support Toxics Use Reduction activities by for-profit and not-for-profit entities. Preliminary application due November 20 and projects should conclude in the summer of 2025. Learn more ?? https://lnkd.in/gte2P-zn #grant #opportunity #businesssolutions #saferchemicals #greenchemistry #environment #publichealth #grants