Protecting Workers, Children and Communities
We do this in collaboration with a wide variety of community members, such as schools and teachers, firefighters, small and local businesses, advocacy groups, health professionals, workers among others. TURI supports communities with information and resources about toxics, and how to find safer alternatives. We also provide grants to support certain projects as described below.
Individuals and communities marginalized by society often bear the additional burden of being on the frontline of toxic exposures. Social and environmental justice can be advanced through Toxics Use Reduction. Our efforts strengthen the protection of workers, children, minorities and other groups at the greatest risk from the use and release of toxics in their communities. Review the resources below to learn more.
Kids and adults may come into contact with toxics in and around schools. Examples include crumb rubber in artificial turf fields, pesticides on grass fields, asthmagens in cleaning and disinfecting products and toxins in art supplies. Many safer alternatives exist.
Projects
Firefighters may be exposed to PFAS from their turnout gear and from firefighting foam. TURI recently funded the Nantucket PFAS Action Group to conduct a study to find out if firefighters are exposed to the toxics. Auto mechanics and auto body workers can come in contact with toxics in break, parts and spray gun cleaners that can be hazardous to health. TURI has funded grants to help auto shops switch to water-based cleaners and auto repair shops switch to bio-based cleaners.
Worker Health and Safety
Being aware of toxics in your life is the first step to creating a healthier environment for you and your family. Then you can make safer choices as much as you're able to do. For example, you can purchase green cleaners, read labels and ask questions about product ingredients.
Seek Safer Products