Toxics Use Reduction Institute

Exciting summer ahead for our students!

Meet Ashar Khan, a Business Analytics major with a minor in PHIT, and Evan Herbert, studying Public Health - Health Sciences with a minor in PHIT. Both are rising juniors and are thrilled to be part of the PHIT Summer Internship Program funded by UML's Public Health Department. Welcome to the TURI team! 🎉

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/

Enhancing Competitiveness through Toxics Use Reduction - TURI 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.

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

🌟 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! 🏋️‍♂️✨