New Online Cleaning Database

[Janet Clark <clarkjan@turi.org>]

Hi P2tech,

Here is information I am learning some have missed. Please forgive the
repeat if you got it before.

TURI at the University of Massachusetts Lowell unveiled a new surface
cleaning online database called
CleanerSolutions. The free,
interactive web-based tool helps manufacturers find safer cleaning
alternatives that perform as well as hazardous chemicals--without
increasing risks.

It is filled with over 10 years of performance testing results combined
with health and environment indicators.  The system helps choose
alternatives so that overall risks to workers and the environment are
reduced. 

"If companies can view hard data on how safer industrial and
janitorial products perform, then they are more likely to pilot test
alternatives and replace the toxic chemicals they may be using,? Said
TURI Lab Manager, Jason Marshall.

Companies are able to choose the contaminant, solvent to replace, type of
equipment and the material that?s being cleaned from a drop-down
menu.  The search results list possible replacement products,
performance test results, and safety information based on five
environmental and health indicators.  The TURI Laboratory conducts a
preliminary screening to determine a chemical?s potential risk based on
global warming potential, ozone depletion potential, volatile organic
content, flammability/reactivity and acute toxicity.  

William Sweetman, Director of Environmental, Health and Safety Affairs at
The Top-Flite Golf Company in Chicopee, Massachusetts, is pilot testing
two solutions found through the database and follow up work with the TURI
Laboratory.  Sweetman used the database to identify alternatives to
toxic materials used in the company's golf ball manufacturing
process.

He also searched and found a new process for cleaning equipment
parts.  Instead of soaking the parts in solvents for two days and
then cleaning them with a wire brush, the company switched to an
ultrasonic cleaning process and used the database to find solutions that
could work best with that technology.  Both solutions will protect
workers from current exposures while improving product
throughput.

?Compared to what I?ve used in the past, TURI?s CleanerSolutions database
was one-stop shopping,? said Sweetman.  ?Because of the very
specific search criteria and documented testing results, it quickly
brought me down the path of finding a safer process and solution for our
unique needs.? 

Janet Clark
Senior Associate Director 
Toxics Use Reduction Institute, 
University of Massachusetts
One University Ave,     Lowell, MA 0`854-2866
Tel
978-934-3346,                                     
Fax 978-934-3050
http://www.turi.org

Adjusted for production, TURA filers have decreased their
toxic chemical use by 45% and 
are generating 69% less byproducts. During this same eleven years, 
core TURA filers reported 
an overall 45% increase in production!