Taking Carcinogens out of the Workplace
-
Upload
toxics-use-reduction-institute -
Category
Documents
-
view
393 -
download
0
description
Transcript of Taking Carcinogens out of the Workplace
Taking Carcinogens Out of the Workplace:
A win-win for workers and industry in Massachusetts
kNOw cancer in the workplaceDecember 10, 2009Australian National University, Canberra
2
• Why manage use of toxics?
• Massachusetts’ goal
• The TUR Program
• Lessons Learned
• Newer Activities
3
4
• Cancer associated with occupational exposure: … “the resulting cancer risks are generally so low that they cannot be measured directly.”
• Measuring exposure challenging
• Cumulative risks should be avoided
5
Toxics in Toxics in the the
WorkplaceWorkplace
The Massachusetts The Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction ActToxics Use Reduction Act
•1989
•Goals– 50% reduction in byproduct
– Promote the competitive advantage of Massachusetts Industry
– Reduce the production and use of toxic chemicals
6
77
What Companies Must DoWhat Companies Must Do
• Report annually on amount of toxics used
• Conduct toxics use reduction planning every two years
• Pay an annual fee
• Chemical use
• Byproduct generated
• Chemicals generated in or
as products
• Economic activity index
TURA Data TURA Data on the on the
InternetInternet
10
11
Toxics Use Reduction Toxics Use Reduction TechniquesTechniques
•Direct– Chemical Input Substitution– Product Redesign
• Indirect– Process Modification– Operations and Maintenance
Improvements– In-Process Recycling
TUR Program TUR Program StructureStructure
12
Office of Technical
Assistance
Department of Environmental
Protection
Administrative Council
Toxics Use Reduction Institute
Use … DOWN 40%
Byproduct … DOWN 70%
Emissions … DOWN 90%
Shipped in Product …
DOWN 60%
17
LightolierLightolier
VH BlackingtonVH Blackington
• Eliminated1.2 million pounds TCE• Energy/Water conservation• $2,000,000 saved
• Eliminated1.2 million pounds TCE• Energy/Water conservation• $2,000,000 saved
• Eliminated TCE• 85% reduction in Copper and Zinc• 95% reduction in Cyanide
• Eliminated TCE• 85% reduction in Copper and Zinc• 95% reduction in Cyanide
{{
{{
{{
Vicor Corp.Vicor Corp.
• Eliminated 3,400 lb lead annually• 98% reduction in emissions• Maintained Mass. mfg base
• Eliminated 3,400 lb lead annually• 98% reduction in emissions• Maintained Mass. mfg base
18
{{
{{Ceramics Process SystemsCeramics Process Systems
• Eliminated triple acid bath• Reduced haz waste costs• Safer working environment
• Eliminated triple acid bath• Reduced haz waste costs• Safer working environment
{{• Reformulated product• 88% reduction in VOC emissions• $1.25M in savings annually
• Reformulated product• 88% reduction in VOC emissions• $1.25M in savings annually
IntelliCoatIntelliCoat
Inner TiteInner Tite
• 97% reduction of TCE• 98% reuse of plating chemicals • $12,000 saved annually
• 97% reduction of TCE• 98% reuse of plating chemicals • $12,000 saved annually
19
Carc
inog
en
Carc
inog
en
ss30%30%
21
22
23
24
25
26www.cleanersolutions.org
27
• Over 200 small dry cleaners use perc
• TURI provides some $ to switch to wet cleaning
• Eliminate perc and associated emissions
• Significant operating cost savings28
• Companies have saved millions of $$
• Companies maintain competitive advantage
• Reductions have been significant
• Working environment safer
29
• Balance Voluntary/Mandatory
• Set Clear Stretch Goals
• Establish Good Metrics
• Develop Stable Funding
• Provide for Confidentiality
Key ElementsKey Elements
• Get Industry and Advocates to the Table!
• Emphasize Facility Planning
• Build Capacity
• Provide Technical Assistance
• Promote Adoption
Lessons LearnedLessons Learned
32
• Keep Companies Informed of Changes on the Horizon
• Include Key Sectors
• Plan for Flexibility
• Use collective wisdom of gov’t agencies for labor, public health and environment
Lessons LearnedLessons Learned
Current Activities in Current Activities in Massachusetts Massachusetts
• 2006 Amendments to TURA
– Lowers thresholds for higher hazard chemicals
– Allows alternative planning techniques 33
TURI’s Five Chemicals TURI’s Five Chemicals Alternatives Assessment StudyAlternatives Assessment Study
Safer Alternatives Exist!
• There’s No Excuse For It
• Drop-In Substitutes
• Process Changes
• Different Materials
• Emerging Opportunities
35
37
Table 7.4.2 C: Summary of Plasticizer Alternatives Assessment for Medical Devices
Key Assessment CriteriaDEHP
(Reference)
Comparison Relative to DEHP
TOTM DEHA BTHCDINC
HDINP
Table 7.4.2 J: Materials Alternatives Assessment Summary for Medical Devices
39
Table 7.4.2 J: Materials Alternatives Assessment Summary for Medical Devices
Key Assessment Criteria
DEHP/PVC
Reference
Comparison of Materials to DEHP/PVC
EVA Polyole
finGlass
Silicone
TPU
40
“Choosing safer alternatives will
not only help prevent widespread
suffering, it will reduce the burden
on our economy by averting high
health care and special education
costs as well as lost productivity.”
-Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow
Contact Contact Us!Us!
41
42
Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Institute
www.turi.org 978-932-3275
University of Massachusetts Lowell1 University Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854
www.uml.edu
Pam Eliason, [email protected] 978-934-3142