Video: Riverdale Mills Reduces Use of Toxic Chemicals in Wire Mesh Production Process
In this three-minute video, Process Engineer Shuai Duo describes the solution that reduced the use of hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide and ammonium hydroxide.
On-site demonstration events, which have limited space for attendees, have migrated to online events during the pandemic. To date, this change has made it possible for more than 200 people from across the country to learn how Massachusetts companies reduced toxic chemical use.

One of the companies, Riverdale Mills of Northbridge, a manufacturer of welded wire mesh, received a TURI industry grant to reduce the use of hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide and ammonium hydroxide in their coating process.

During an online demonstration in June, Process Engineer Shuai Duo described how he isolated the system and designed a two-part dual roller system that first removes excess water then excess acid from the surface of the wire mesh. This prevents water getting into the acid bath and acid dragging into the rinse tanks. The acid that is removed is automatically recycled back to the tanks.

New Disinfection Guidance During the Pandemic
We continue to answer questions from companies, communities and the media about how to safely cleaning and disinfect during the pandemic.

See new resources on our website:





Check out these helpful articles:

Beware of Hand Sanitizers that Contain Methanol
The FDA is warning consumers and health care providers that the agency has seen a sharp increase in hand sanitizer products that are labeled to contain ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol) but that have tested positive for methanol contamination.

Methanol, or wood alcohol, is a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin and can be life-threatening when ingested. Check the FDA website for a list of products that have been recalled.
Nominate a Pollution Prevention Innovator
The National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NPPR) is seeking applications for the Most Valuable Pollution Prevention (MVP2) awards, which celebrate innovators of pollution prevention and sustainability.

Award winners are selected in seven categories: P2 Ambassador, Project or Program, Multimedia, P2 Champion, P2 Educator, P2 Student, and P2 Volunteer. 

New Report for Breweries: Alternatives Assessment on Cleaners and Sanitizers
TURI released a new report to help breweries make informed decisions when choosing safer cleaners and sanitizers.

In the report "Assessment of Alternatives to Cleaners and Sanitizers for the Brewing Industry," you'll find an evaluation by the TURI Lab of common cleaning and sanitizing chemicals and potential alternatives.
TURA Planners: Deadline Extended for Reports and Plans
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MassDEP will treat as timely any Toxics Use Reduction (TUR) Report and Plan Summary filed up to 120 days after the original July 1, 2020, deadline (or by November 1, 2020).

All other TUR requirements under M.G.L. Chapter 21I and 310 CMR 50.000 remain in effect, and the facilities subject to them must to continue to comply, as well as operate in a manner that protects public health and the environment.
Video: Don't Take That Receipt!
This funny two-minute video developed by the youth-adult team of Don't Take That Receipt! raises awareness of the health risks of bisphenols in receipts.
With the help of a TURI Community Grant, Don't Take That Receipt! of Holyoke developed a video about reducing the use of thermal papers that contain BPA or BPS. The video highlights all of the uses of these receipts, such as fast-food order tickets, prescription bottle and mailing labels, and movie, bus, train and plane tickets. 
Student Spotlight: MPH Major Kayleen Buscemi
Kayleen Buscemi is working with TURI staff remotely this summer as part of her course work in the epidemiology track of UMass Lowell's Master of Public Health program.

"Epidemiology and public health interest me because of the focus on community and primary prevention of disease," says Kayleen, who expects to finish the MPH program this fall.

For her practicum project at TURI, she's creating case studies and fact sheets about artificial turf playing fields, which can contain recycled crumb rubber. She's also designing surveys and documenting the benefits of organic grass care.

"I'm gaining valuable research experience at TURI that I can apply in my future career," she says. "Once I graduate, my goal is to find a job that allows me to follow my passions of environmental science and public health."
End Notes
The next Toxics Use Reduction Planner certification course is postponed until late spring/early summer 2021. Please contact Pam Eliason if you know of someone who may be interested in attending this blended format course. 

Reminder: TURI staff are available via email, phone or Zoom to talk about TUR planning, training, research, grants, lab testing plans or other issues.