Toxics Use Reduction Institute

05/20/2026

TURI’s report Enhancing Competitiveness through Toxics Use Reduction shows how toxics use reduction can deliver a range of competitive advantages to businesses while protecting worker and public health. Drawing on the success of Massachusetts companies participating in the Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA) program, the report demonstrates that preventing pollution at the source leads to improved productivity, strengthened market position, and greater resource efficiency. Throughout the report, case studies across sectors highlight Massachusetts companies that used TURA’s financial and technical support to save on operating costs and gain a competitive advantage.

Read the report ⬇️

05/04/2026

We are pleased to announce the publication of our latest report, "Enhancing Competitiveness through Toxics Use Reduction". The report shows how toxics use reduction (TUR) helps companies to cut costs and gain a range of competitive advantages.

Key Highlights:

Business Benefits: Learn how adopting TUR can lead to improved productivity, a stronger market position and greater resource efficiency.

Success Stories: Explore real-world examples of Massachusetts companies successfully implementing TUR to achieve significant savings and gain a competitive advantage.

Action Framework: The report offers a strategic framework and resources for businesses to effectively implement TUR measures.

This report serves as a valuable guide for businesses and stakeholders seeking to enhance their sustainability efforts and competitive edge.

https://www.turi.org/publications/enhancing-competitiveness-through-toxics-use-reduction/

TURI’s report “Enhancing Competitiveness through Toxics Use Reduction” shows how toxics use reduction can deliver a range of competitive advantages to businesses while protecting worker and public health.

05/02/2026

Martin T. Meehan Student Center

UMass Lowell has officially rededicated the University Crossing building as the Martin T. Meehan Student Center honoring the incredible contributions of our UMass President, Martin T. Meehan, to his alma mater! 🎓

Today marks a significant milestone as we celebrate the dedication of this Student Center in his honor. His unwavering commitment to our students and the entire UMass community is truly inspiring.

03/26/2026

Secure Your Spot at the Spring Toxics Use Reduction Conference

Register now for the 2026 Toxics Use Reduction Spring Conference on Wednesday, April 8, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at Coburn Hall, Lowell, MA. Be sure to join us for the networking reception from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM!

Highlights:
- Keynote: Rob Guillemin, U.S. EPA, sharing decades of pollution prevention expertise.
- Learn: Strategies for tracking chemicals through the supply chain from leading Massachusetts companies.
- Insights: Perspectives from investors and insurance agencies on the benefits toxics use reduction.
- Sustainability: Discuss the intersection of toxic issues and the green energy industry.

Special Opportunity: Network at our post-conference reception and explore innovative sustainability initiatives, including the UMass Lowell Rist Institute for Sustainability and the new Lowell Innovation Network Corridor (LINC).

Don’t miss this chance to enhance your skills and connect with industry leaders!

Register now—only 2 1/2 weeks left!

Active TUR planners may earn up to 12 CEUs towards recertification!

Register ⬇️

Toxics Use Reduction Spring Conference https://www.eventbrite.com/e/toxics-use-reduction-spring-conference-tickets-1982305482059?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=wsa&aff=ebdsshwebmobile

03/05/2026

Greg Morose, Research Director at TURI, co-authored an article on scientists' efforts to find substitutes for hazardous hexavalent chromium, used in aerospace and defense coatings. He and his team have identified safer alternatives!

Covering the world of surface finishing and industrial coatings, including electroplating, plating, anodizing, electrocoating, liquid coating, powder coating, and mechanical finishes.

01/21/2026

New Method Plating Implements Toxics Use Reduction Technology to Save Money, Improve Efficiency and Protect Workers

New Method Plating, a family-owned business operating for three generations in Worcester, MA, collaborated with TURI and leveraged TURA financial support to eliminate their use of a carcinogenic cleaning chemical. The TUR solution is estimated to save New Method Plating $57,465/year with a return on investment of just over 2 and a half years. Some of the cost savings and competitive advantages which resulted from implementation include;

-Reduced chemical costs: $335 per year
-Elimination of hazardous waste management: 98% cost reduction, saving $4,700 per year
-Lower worker training and compliance costs: $4,290 per year due to safer chemistry and elimination of control technologies
-Reduced personal protective equipment needs: $175 per year
-Reduced electricity consumption: $38,000/year in savings
-Lower maintenance and repair costs: 80% reduction, saving $3,760 per year
-Reduced labor requirements: $5,460 per year in labor savings
-Improved throughput: enables 2–3 additional cleaning cycles per hour
-Operational improvements: easier use for workers and positive customer feedback due to improved product quality

In December of 2025, New Method Plating and TURI collaborated to host an on-site demonstration event for the new technology. The event was meant to highlight the benefits of the TUR solution, and to advance adoption across Massachusetts.

Read more:

12/31/2025

🌟 Is hitting the gym part of your New Year's resolutions? It’s on our list too! 💪

We’re excited to share that Alicia McCarthy, Senior Safer Chemicals Scientist at the Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI), and Keanna Bouthsarath, UMass Lowell Senior Public Health Capstone Intern, have already visited four businesses in the Merrimack Valley, including gyms, fitness centers, yoga studios, and facilities with onsite fitness spaces.

Their goal? To better understand how cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting products are selected and used in real-world fitness settings. Through direct outreach and site visits, they engaged with staff and decision-makers to identify stakeholder needs, clarify applicable regulations, and tackle common challenges related to product selection, application methods, ventilation, and surface compatibility.

Their findings revealed a heavy reliance on disinfectants containing quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), alongside frequent issues like product misuse and a lack of awareness around potential health concerns. Not to mention damage caused by incompatible products.

But it’s not all challenges! This project also identified opportunities to adopt safer, effective alternatives that not only meet infection control needs but also reduce risks to both workers and gym users, all while extending the lifespan of fitness equipment.

Are you a gym, fitness center, or studio owner or manager? Or do you know facilities that might be interested in contributing stakeholder insights? We invite you to collaborate with the TURI Laboratory! Participating facilities can receive free technical assistance to review current cleaning and disinfection products, assess compatibility with equipment, and identify safer alternatives to reduce chemical exposure.

Want to learn more or express interest? Reach out to Alicia McCarthy at [email protected] or [email protected]. Let’s make our fitness environments safer for everyone! 🏋️‍♂️✨

12/29/2025

🌟 Collaboration in Action at TURI!

Recently, we welcomed esteemed faculty from Penn State for a productive tour and working meeting. Participants included:

- Alicia McCarthy, Senior Safer Chemicals Scientist, TURI
- Dr. Omrana Pasha-Razzak, CUNY School of Medicine / Penn State
- Dr. Rebecca Bascom , Penn State College of Medicine / Penn State Health
- David Turcotte, TURI Interim Director

Together, we outlined applied cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfection resources, focusing on performance testing and reducing chemical exposures. This partnership aims to advance safer, sustainable practices, including research on alternatives to quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) and the development of evidence-based materials for businesses and communities across Massachusetts and beyond.

12/26/2025

TURI Training Program Highlights: Toxics Use Reduction Planning

This month, the TURI training program successfully concluded its annual Toxics Use Reduction Planner Certification Course, welcoming over a dozen participants. The course featured a dynamic blend of online instruction and engaging, hands-on in-person sessions.

TUR planners play a crucial role in helping organizations comply with the Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA) while also promoting workplace safety and minimizing environmental impact. Their expertise is vital in identifying and implementing effective strategies for toxics use reduction.

In our latest Q&A, Pam Eliason, Training Director, discusses the importance of Toxics Use Reduction Planning and how it can benefit your business. Discover more about reducing toxics and how it can enhance your organization’s sustainability efforts:

https://lnkd.in/ec8QrtjH

12/23/2025

Alicia McCarthy, Senior Safer Chemicals Scientist at TURI, has joined the ISSA Sustainability Committee. She is pictured here at the ISSA Show North America Conference & Expo in Las Vegas. She attended her first meeting in December!

This national committee of volunteer members focuses on advancing sustainability in the cleaning and hygiene industry through education and collaboration. Alicia's participation connects her with a diverse group of stakeholders, enabling TURI to stay informed about emerging cleaning technologies and sustainability concerns.

Her insights will enhance TURI's applied research and technical assistance efforts, supporting Massachusetts businesses and communities. Alicia also aims to contribute to future ISSA programming and conferences, sharing how companies can effectively measure and report sustainability performance for safer chemistry decision-making.

12/23/2025

TURI recently hosted its Fall 2025 Student Presentations, showcasing applied research from talented UMass Lowell students!

Presenters included:

- Tatyanna Moreland-Junior (Environmental Science MS)
- Rachael Rososky (Epidemiology MPH)
- Gardy Hyacinthe (Healthcare Management MPH)
- Keanna Bouthsarath (Public Health BS)
- Nashaat Shaikh (Applied Biomedical Sciences BS)
- Amel Popovac (Applied Biomedical Sciences BS)

Their research covered a wide range of topics, from quaternary ammonium compound use in fitness centers to antimicrobial performance testing on biobased films.

We're proud to support the next generation of public health and environmental professionals in Massachusetts through experiential learning! 🌟