About Us

Our Institute

TURI has helped businesses adopt safer chemicals and prevent pollution for more than 30 years.

Established by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1989, the Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) is an independent government agency with a mandate to help protect workers, communities and the environment from toxic chemicals and pollution. Working in close collaboration with businesses of all sizes, as well as government agencies, local communities and international organizations, TURI helps identify actions companies and communities can take to protect workers and public health.

At TURI, our dedicated staff of engineers, scientists, policy experts, and planners work collaboratively to help businesses implement safer alternatives to toxic chemicals to protect workers, public health, and the environment. Additionally, we are proud to have an exceptional group of students who are ready to emerge as the future leaders in championing safer chemical practices.

About TURI

Our Team of Innovators

We are a group of forward-thinkers dedicated to innovation.

Our team of researchers and developers ensures that our solutions adhere to stringent safety and performance criteria. Collaborating with experts in chemistry, engineering, public health, and related fields, TURI staff strive to identify, create, and test alternatives to the most harmful chemicals in use today.

Many companies are seeking guidance in transitioning to safer options. TURI’s skilled laboratory professionals partner with businesses to assess the effectiveness of alternative products. We provide hands-on support to help companies successfully integrate these solutions into their operations.

Through our training activities and courses, we empower specialists to assist businesses in various sectors in the implementation of Toxics Use Reduction. First developed in Massachusetts, Toxics Use Reduction has served as a gold standard for efforts to prevent pollution and protect workers.  Toxics Use Reduction focuses on minimizing risks to workers, families and communities by avoiding the use of hazardous substances at the source.

Our team of experts is dedicated to offering tailored solutions that address the specific needs of companies. We collaborate closely with businesses throughout their transformative journey, guiding them towards the adoption of safer alternatives.

At TURI, we are committed to promoting a safer and more sustainable future for all.

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Careers and Opportunities

At the Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) we believe everyone should enjoy a healthy environment and safe work.

Would you like to be part of a dynamic team of people committed to promoting healthier businesses and communities in Massachusetts and beyond? TURI is always happy to hear from professionals and students interested in opportunities to help us advance our vision. If you are interested in joining our team, please review the job postings below. If the positions listed are not an exact match for you, email us at [email protected] to introduce yourself and learn more

  • We’re looking for an energetic new member of our team who has a keen interest in the practical application of sustainability ideals in industry. The Training Associate will help TURI equip the next generation of experts with the skills and knowledge to help businesses adopt safer, healthier alternatives to toxics. They will assist in the promotion, enhancement and delivery of core TURI training events. The Training Associate will be instrumental in advancing environmental justice in TUR activities and continuing TURI’s legacy as a leader in pollution prevention and occupational health. A passion for enhancing the knowledge of current and future leaders and decision-makers on adoption of safer chemicals, materials, processes, and practices is vital.

    Apply

  • Are you early in your career in sustainability and eager to contribute to a vibrant team dedicated to fostering healthier and safer businesses and communities in Massachusetts and the world beyond? TURI is looking for individuals like you. We seek passionate people who are committed to helping us realize our vision. If you possess relevant training or some experience, and you are enthusiastic about joining our team to evolve and develop professionally, we encourage you to reach out. Please introduce yourself and discover more by emailing us at [email protected]

  • TURI helps to train the next generation of leaders in the effort to reduce the use of toxics.  Undergraduate and graduate students from a variety of disciplines help TURI conduct research into safer alternatives to toxics.  Our students have gone found exciting careers in public health, pollution prevention and sustainability. Help companies reduce their environmental impact and gain experience for your future career by working at TURI. For more information, contact us

In the Media

    UMass Lowell offers grants to gyms for replacing potentially toxic foam blocks

    By Laura Haefeli

     / CBS Boston

    STOW – Foam blocks in your local gymnastics gym could be toxic, according to the Toxic Use Reduction Institute (TURI) out of UMass Lowell, who is now offering grants to gyms to replace them with safer options.

    “They’re sprayed with a flame retardant and when you jump in the pit, the pit dust comes off of the block, we breathe it in, we get it on our skin,” said Lindsey Kersten, owner of Donoma Gymnastics in Stow.

    The flame retardant chemical is so potent, the toxins are showing up in skin and urine samples of avid gymnasts, causing serious health issues, according to TURI’s deputy director Liz Harriman.

    “Those retardants have health affects like endocrine disruption, which is a particular concern for children, some are associated with cancer and with other help effects like neurotoxicity,” said Harriman.

    Click the video to hear more.

    Graduate student from Nashua recognized for ‘remarkable’ impact on pollution prevention

    WMUR 9 ABC
    Blog & Video
    Morgan Advanced Materials Demonstration Webinar

    Morgan Advanced Materials of New Bedford, a manufacturer of ceramic feedthroughs for medical and aerospace industries, eliminated the use of TCE used in a vapor degreaser. The company received a grant to purchase a water-based cleaning system and used TURI lab services to test the effectiveness of various solutions to remove wax from parts. This one-hour online demonstration that took place on September 10, 2020, includes information about their decision-making process, return on investment (with and without the TURI grant) and expected improvements in health and safety and regulatory obligations.