Technical Support

The TURI Laboratory uses standardized testing procedures for testing, such as those required for testing both industrial cleaning and janitorial cleaning products. We work with conditions existing at the site where toxics are used, such as substrates, soils, contaminants, and cleaning equipment, whether testing on site or in our Lab.

Validation testing

We offer performance validation testing for label certifications such as Green Seal® or government purchasing programs. The Lab also can identify an effective formulation to fully meet a green certification.

Lab Equipment and Processes

Safer alternatives are tested on site with the facility’s equipment and staff to make sure that the product and the process work well together.

With many different types of equipment, surfaces and methods available, the TURI Lab can help you find a safer solution that works for your specific situation.

Our analytical methods for measuring how a substance worked include fluorescence, spectrometry, contact angle goniometry and more.  In addition, we have ultrasonic cleaning tanks, vapor degreasers and most recently we have added a Terg-O-Tometer.

Lab Testing

For cleaning products, the TURI Lab provides application specific selection, lab testing and field implementation based on client supplied information. Furthermore, we contract with equipment and chemical vendors in the cleaning industry to facilitate the development, formulation and validation of products.

In order to provide a systematic methodology for comparing the effectiveness and performance, the TURI Lab uses various standardized test procedures for the relevant industries.

Search or browse the CleanerSolutions database to review test and their results. To collaborate with the Lab on a switch to a safer cleaning practice, complete the Online Test Request Form.

Please complete the test request form below. After submitting your information, the lab specialist will contact you within a week. If you have any questions about the form or our testing methods, please contact Alicia McCarthy at [email protected] or at 1-978-934-3889.

To learn more about our current performance data on cleaners and processes, please visit the CleanerSolutions database.

Information in this survey may be available to the public. Please contact the laboratory if you wish to have this information remain confidential.

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TURI developed tools to assist in evaluation safer alternatives:

• P2OASys: TURI developed the Pollution Prevention Options Assessment System (P2OASys) tool to help companies determine whether the toxics use reduction (TUR) options they are considering improve upon their existing process when looking at environmental, health and safety topics. By using P2OASys, unforeseen negative environmental, worker or public health impacts may be identified prior to adopting the proposed changes.
• CleanerSolutions:  You can find a wealth of performance data in the CleanerSolutions database for both industrial and janitorial cleaners. Why re-create the wheel? Search here first to see if any of the 1,500 product TURI Lab trials for industrial parts and janitorial cleaning solutions might bring you closer to a solution. Some of what you will find in CleanerSolutions:
  • TURI and third party tested products
  • Vendor information in addition to product information
  • Cleaning methods
  • Comparison
  • Testing studies and their results
  • Safety evaluations
  • Learn How to Use CleanerSolutions by Viewing these Short Tutorials

The Lab provides information on select cleaning topics. These include:

• Dangers of Mixing Common Cleaning Products
• Household Cleaning DIY Recipes
• Trichloroethylene (TCE) Reduction
• Disinfection

With decades of experience testing the performance of safer cleaning chemicals, TURI offers guidance on how to reduce viral exposures AND avoid unnecessary exposure to toxic chemicals.

Select Safer Disinfectants

TURI has identified disinfecting products on EPA’s List N that contain safer active ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide*, alcohol (isopropyl alcohol or ethanol), citric acid, and lactic acid, among others. Avoid products that contain bleach, phenols or quaternary ammonium compounds (“quats”).

Protect Health by Adhering to these Disinfecting Safety Measures

To help prevent the spread of viruses like SARS-CoV2 it is important to clean and disinfect hard surfaces such as countertops, faucet handles, doorknobs and anything else that is frequently touched. However, disinfectants that contain EPA-registered pesticides can cause health effects, including asthma (see TURI’s fact sheet). Follow these safety guidelines (appropriate for both consumers and businesses).