Important News Updates, Events, and More!

TURI Newsletter

News from the Toxics Use Reduction Institute

at the University of Massachusetts Lowell

February 2014

New Higher Hazard Substance: Methylene Chloride

Methylene chloride has been added to the Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA) list of Higher Hazard Substances.

Methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane, is a chlorinated solvent commonly used as a metal degreaser, a chemical intermediate, a paint stripper, and as a component in adhesives, in addition to other uses.

Under the Higher Hazard Substance designation, companies that use 1,000 lbs. or more per year of methylene chloride and have more than 10 full time employees are required to conduct TURA reporting and planning.

Companies affected by the Higher Hazard Substance designation are encouraged to make use of TURA program services, including:

Confidential, on-site technical assistance from OTA
TURI laboratory services to assess the efficacy of safer substitutes
Incentive grants for companies interested in switching to safer alternatives to these substances
Demonstration site grants to showcase solutions your facility has adopted

Read TURI's one page fact sheet on methylene chloride.

For more information, read the press release from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and download TURI's methylene chloride policy analysis.

Affiliated Faculty Initiative

TURI has launched an initiative designed to build a stronger collaborative relationship with UMass Lowell faculty.

The objectives of the Affiliated Faculty initiative are to:

UMass Lowell logo

Engage faculty across disciplines, including engineering, sciences, business, health, environment and sustainability, and policy in collaborative research and other scholarship opportunities
Prepare UMass Lowell students for a "greener" economy by encouraging integration of toxics use reduction, green chemistry, and resource conservation into their educational experience
Build capacity for identifying and assessing the inherent hazards associated with chemicals and materials used in research
Encourage investigation and development of safer alternatives
Share industry networks to support well-grounded research projects

Massachusetts businesses are encouraged to contact TURI with their research interests.

Learn more about the research collaborations between TURI and UMass Lowell faculty.

Webinars!

Thursday, February 27, 2014, 11:00 AM-Noon EST

Beyond the MSDS: Resources for Researching Safer Chemical Alternatives

Find out about databases and other resources for gathering hard-to-find chemical safety information from TURI's Research and Reference Specialist, Mary Butow. Ms. Butow will show you how to access extensive resources to make better choices for safer chemical alternatives.

NOTE: TUR Planners who want to receive credit must register.

Mid-March 2014

The Business Value of Improved Environmental Performance in Metal Finishing: Drivers and Forces Shaping the Industry's Future

A joint effort between TURI and the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute

Details to follow!

Safer Alternatives to Toxics in Buildings

Mark Myles, TURI's Training Program Manager, discussed toxics in buildings and life cycle analysis with a graduate class at the Boston Architectural College.

Save the Date!

April 3, 2014: Toxics Use Reduction Planners' Continuing Education Conference, Taunton, Massachusetts.

June 10, 2014: Champions of Toxics Use Reduction Event

Check the Calendar at www.turi.org for more details

and upcoming community events on organic lawn care and compost tea.

STAY CONNECTED