Seeking Grant Proposals from Companies, Communities and UMass Researchers

Do you have ideas on how to reduce toxic chemical use? TURI is accepting applications from Massachusetts organizations for grants in the following categories: Industry Small Business Community Academic Research If you're looking for inspiration, take a look at this year's projects and past grant projects. Help Make Massachusetts a Safer Place to Live and Work. Submit an application no later than June 25, 2021.

Grant Information

Register for the CD Aero May 13 Virtual Demonstration Event

Thursday, May 13, 1 to 2 p.m. ET A leading manufacturer of film capacitors for industrial, medical and military applications, CD Aero will share how it eliminated the use of n-propyl bromide (nPB), a TURA Higher Hazard Substance that is "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" by the National Toxicology Program. In this virtual demo event, Senior Manufacturing Engineer Ken Baron will discuss the company’s approach, return on investment and a surprising benefit of making the switch. The presentation includes video clips of the manufacturing process and the new equipment in action. For TUR Planners: This demo event is worth 1 continuing education credit

Register

Update: When to Disinfect, and When Not To

In light of CDC’s guidance issued on April 5, 2021, only a few situations call for cleaning more frequently or disinfecting in shared spaces. These conditions are:  Communities with a high transmission rate of COVID-19 Communities with a low number of people wearing masks and infrequent hand hygiene Spaces that are occupied by certain populations, such as people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 For most scenarios, you do not need to disinfect all surfaces all the time. Read more of this story by TURI Lab Director Jason Marshall.

Updated guidance from the CDC says only a few situations require disinfection.

The Toxics Use Reduction Planner Certification Course is Back

After a year off due to COVID, the next Toxics Use Reduction Planner certification course begins August 13. The course, which provides the foundation to become certified by MassDEP as a Toxics Use Reduction Planner, includes a six-week period to complete the asynchronous online training modules that cover all the fundamental elements of TUR planning. This is followed by a five-week practicum that features best practices presented by veteran planners and group project work using the newly updated real world industry case example. The course kicks off on August 13 with a real-time online portion. The practicum sessions will be held (we hope in person in Lowell) starting September 30, meeting weekly through the end of October. If you are already a certified Limited Practice TUR Planner, the course can help you hone your current TUR planning skills. Current Limited Practice Planners interested in attending the course (either online only or the full course) are eligible to receive 20 continuing education credits towards their TUR Planner recertification. If you are interested in joining this year’s class, please fill out this brief application.

Spring is Here: Green Your Grass and Your Community

TURI staff have created new materials to help communities care for grass playing fields organically, which can improve athletic fields without the need for pesticides and avoid concerns associated with artificial turf materials. Visit our website to view all of our resources, including the most recent: Flyer on artificial turf concerns Fact sheet on organic maintenance Video highlighting the success of three communities

TURI Staff Discuss Finding Safer Alternatives on Podcast

TURI Co-Director Joel Tickner and Cleaning Lab Specialist Alicia McCarthy were recently interviewed by Richard Jacobs, host of the "Finding Genius" podcast. The 30-minute discussion touched on safer alternatives, testing services of the TURI lab and how Massachusetts companies reduce toxic chemical use. Listen to the podcast.

New Report Compares NaDCC to Bleach Exposures

A new TURI report, "NaDCC Disinfectant in Janitorial Cleaning and Comparison to Bleach - Exposure Assessment," documents the research conducted to assess airborne chlorine exposure generated by NaDCC and bleach disinfectants. Under experimental conditions, NaDCC solutions resulted in lower airborne exposures, and fewer detections at or above the measuring instrument's limit of detection, than bleach solutions.

MassDEP Offers TUR Reporting Workshops

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MassDEP is offering an eight-part online training program in lieu of the Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA)/Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reporting workshops it normally presents across the state in partnership with the Office of Technical Assistance & Technology and TURI. The training modules, available now, focus on the various elements of TUR reporting via the eDEP Online Filing Platform, as well as TUR planner certification. Please note that while some sessions refer to 2019, the training is valid for 2020 reporting. For more information on TUR reporting, visit MassDEP's TUR reporting website. To file online, visit the eDEP portal.

TURI Co-Director Selected for European Commission's Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability Roundtable

The European Commission recently announced the appointment of Joel Tickner as a member of the Expert Group High-Level Roundtable on Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, representing the University of Massachusetts Lowell. The expert group of 32 representatives from industry and trade associations, NGOs, and international organizations will inform and consult the European Commission on the realization of the recently adopted Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and monitor its progress.

TURA Science Advisory Board Meeting

The next meeting of the Science Advisory Board (SAB) will be held virtually on Thursday, May 20, noon to 3 p.m. A vote is planned on quaternary ammonium compounds followed by a re-introduction of the petition to list carbon nanotubes and fibers. Contact Heather Tenney for more details.

TURA Program Strengthening Ad Hoc Committee

The TURA Program Strengthening Ad Hoc Committee, established by the TURA Administrative Council, has held meetings on the following topics: Committee Orientation, November 19, 2020 Compliance and Enforcement, December 14, 2020 Alternative Planning - RC and EMS, January 13, 2021 TUR Planners and Planning, March 30, 2021 Toxic or Hazardous Substances List, April 29, 2021   The next meeting, on fees, is in the process of being rescheduled. View background documents. Please contact Tiffany Skogstrom for more information.

Reminder: Search Underway for a TURI Director and Research Professor

TURI is looking for a Director and Research Professor to provide strategic, organizational and fiscal leadership. The successful candidate will split their time between Institute Director responsibilities and research and scholarship activities. Research leadership and grant funding are an important component of this position. Learn more and apply.

MassDEP Job Opening: Environmental Analyst III

MassDEP seeks applicants for the position of Environmental Analyst III, a role responsible for assisting with the implementation of MassDEP's Mercury Management Program and the Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA) Program. Responsibilities include developing, administering, monitoring and evaluating the Bureau of Air and Waste's activities under the Mercury Management Program, as well as assisting in the implementation of TURA with particular emphasis on data analysis for measuring progress and identifying program research, assistance and regulatory/enforcement priorities. Learn more and apply.

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