TURI Receives nearly $800k in Grants from EPA to Promote Safer Alternatives to Carcinogens and other Chemicals of Concern

Media Contact: Katie Daly, [email protected]

[Lowell, MA]- The Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) announced that it has been awarded two grants amounting to $759,250 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce the use of carcinogens and other toxic substances used in industrial applications. TURI is an independent state agency based at the University of Massachusetts Lowell with a mission to help businesses find and adopt safer solutions to toxic chemicals.

One grant will establish a Vacuum Degreasing Hub at TURI, dedicated to identifying, optimizing, and validating safer alternatives for trichloroethylene (TCE) and other toxic solvents.  The Hub will also provide essential training for potential users in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island.  The second grant will deepen TURI’s collaboration with Massachusetts companies, showcasing successful equipment and solvent replacements. These efforts align with TURI’s “Drive to Zero,” which aims to completely phase out the use of TCE and similar harmful solvents by helping companies adopt safer alternatives.

“Every community deserves clean air, safe water, and a healthy environment—and pollution prevention grants help achieve that by reducing waste at the source. By adopting smarter and innovative practices that limit the use of toxic materials and conserve resources, these investments are helping our partners to support New England businesses to cut costs, grow sustainably, and protect the environment,” said EPA Regional Administrator, David W. Cash. “Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration, together we’re creating lasting benefits for local economies and ensuring that environmental progress and economic growth go hand in hand and reach all communities, including those that need it most. That’s Investing in America.”

The use of toxic solvents like TCE poses significant risks to human health and the environment. These solvents are commonly used for their effectiveness in degreasing, cleaning, and finishing metal surfaces.  The project seeks to develop and demonstrate the effectiveness of advanced, innovative technologies that can replace these hazardous substances in certain industrial processes. TCE was one of the contaminants linked to a cluster of childhood cancers over 35 years ago that helped motivate the Massachusetts legislature to enact the Toxics Use Reduction Act of 1989, which established TURI.

“TURI is grateful for these grants from EPA that will allow us to establish the Vacuum Vapor Degreasing Hub, which represents a significant step forward in our commitment to advancing toxic use reduction technologies,” said Director of TURI, Baskut Tuncak. “By replacing these hazardous solvents, TURI aims to prevent pollution and the various diseases and disabilities, particularly in disadvantaged communities.”

TURI has been at the forefront of promoting safer alternatives to toxic solvents. The Institute has helped numerous businesses eliminate their use of these toxic substances before bans and restrictions took effect. TURI’s Laboratory has worked with companies across a wide spectrum of industries to eliminate their use of TCE since its inception over 30 years ago. It has served as a successful model for countries and regions around the world.

“This endeavor will emphasize the importance of transitioning away from hazardous substances and best practices in cleaning processes,” explained TURI Laboratory Director, Jason Marshall. “We look forward to working with businesses and serving as a central source for information on safer alternatives, best practices, and case studies”.

Projects under the two grants are slated to commence in early 2025.