TURI Laboratory Overview Focus on Objectives and Targets Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) University of Massachusetts Lowell 01854-2866

Presentation Overview Introduction to the Principles of Toxics Use Reduction (TUR) Explanation of the TUR Testing Program for Solvent Substitution New Role of Alternatives Assessment in Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) Some Technical Tools

Mission Defined by Law The Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA) of 1989 defined Toxics Use Reduction as the “in-plant changes in production, processes or raw materials that reduce, avoid or eliminate the use of toxic or hazardous substances or generation of hazardous byproducts... so as to reduce overall risks to the health of workers, consumers or the environment without shifting risks between workers, consumers or parts of the environment.”

Overall TURA Goals To establish a statewide goal of reducing toxic waste generated by 50% by 1997 To establish toxics use reduction as the preferred means for achieving regulatory compliance To sustain, safeguard and promote the competitive advantage of Massachusetts businesses To promote reductions in the production and use of toxic and hazardous substances in the Commonwealth To enhance and strengthen the enforcement of existing environmental laws To promote coordination and cooperation between agencies

TUR Techniques Input substitution Product reformulation Production unit redesign / modification Production unit modernization Improved operations and maintenance Recycling integral to the process

TURI’s Goals To provide technical support to promote reduction in the use of toxic chemicals or the generation of toxic byproducts in the state's industry and commerce To organize education and training programs To sponsor and conduct research

TURI Research Lab’s Mission Formerly known as the Surface Cleaning Lab, the Surface Solutions Lab (SSL) seeks to identify, test, develop and promote safer and greener alternatives to hazardous materials and processes used in industry such as surface cleaning, coating, treatment and analysis.

What are “Safer” Alternatives? Non-Ozone Depleting Substances (non-ODSs) Non-Volatile Organic Compounds (non-VOCs) Zero Global Warming Potential (GWP = 0) Low or No Toxicity Non-Flammable ??? These Are Environmental Indicators!

Why SSL in Massachusetts? Many of EPA's Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) chemicals are used, not manufactured, in this state Transportation issues are therefore very important Some of these toxics are known for their solvency, that is, their ability to dissolve dirt (i.e. clean surfaces)

Top Five TRI Chemicals (1994) Toluene Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) Trichloroethylene (TCE) Dichloromethane Methanol Approximately six million pounds for total air/water/land releases in Massachusetts

SSL’s Goals To test and evaluate aqueous (i.e., water-based) cleaners and related equipment To aid companies in selecting process-specific aqueous cleaning systems To facilitate technology transfer of effective and innovative cleaning methods

Important Terms Technical Diffusion* Innovation spreads to other firms for same purpose/industry (example: cleaning alternatives) Technology Transfer* Innovation spreads to other firms for different purpose/industry (example: internet) ‘Disruptive Technology’ Innovation completely and irrevocably changes industry (example: digital photography) *For more information, contact the National Pollution Roundtable (NPPR, Washington, DC)

SSL’s Work Outlines possible cleaning options Performs tests on actual dirty parts or on substrate surfaces matched to products Provides clients with comparative data on chemical cleaners' efficiencies (i.e., vendor and lab-test databases) Helps define cleaning specifications

Organo/chlorinated Solvents* *SSL Replacement Studies, 1994-1999

Studies by Industry (1994-1999) J. Marshall

Alternative Cleaning Processes Jason Marshall For the Same Years, 1994-1999

Progress Thus Far Annual consumption of organo/chlorinated solvents used for degreasing in Massachusetts decreased 100,000 lbs.* Professional survey conducted (2001) of companies using SSL technical services:* 1/3 clients fully implement lab recommendations 1/3 clients partially implement lab recommendations 1/3 clients have not implement lab recommendations *Upcoming TURI publication

What These Results Reveal Implementation rate (30-60%) by industry following SSL testing much higher than national average of 10% for similar technical assistance programs1 Successful technical diffusion requires hands-on approach Recent increase in SSL tests suggests: Presence, not just use, of hazardous chemicals perceived by industries as risk following 9/112 1William Nelson, Waste Management Resource Center (WMRC), Champaign, IL, http://www.wmrc.uiuc.edu 2See also, National Institute of Justice Publication NIJ 195171

Who Is Ready for Change? NOT the current leaders of a technology Polaroid: Instant vs. digital photography If real savings accompanies process change, what is stopping progress? Change requires Champion (otherwise, fear of change) What are the implications for Environmental Management Systems? New TURA legislation will offer flexibility in incorporating TUR* planning via EMSs *Upstream pollution prevention

Some Tools for Change Agents* (YOU!) Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) NFPA and HMIS Ratings TOXNET HSDB *www.angelfire.com/band2/greencleaners/doctoralthesis.html

Example of Online Tool