1. TURI Laboratory Overview Focus on Objectives and Targets
Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI)
University of Massachusetts Lowell

2. 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

3. 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.”

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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!

9. 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)

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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)

13. 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

14. Organo/chlorinated Solvents*
*SSL Replacement Studies,

15. Studies by Industry (1994-1999)
J. Marshall

16. Alternative Cleaning Processes
Jason Marshall
For the Same Years,

17. 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

18. 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,
2See also, National Institute of Justice Publication NIJ

19. 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

20. Some Tools for Change Agents*
(YOU!)
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
NFPA and HMIS Ratings
TOXNET
HSDB *

21. Example of Online Tool