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Transition to Safer Substitutes n Propyl Bromide Case Study

Transition to Safer Substitutes n Propyl Bromide Case Study. Liz Harriman Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Institute University of Massachusetts Lowell. nPB. TCE. EH&S. Perc. Learning Objectives. Explore:

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Transition to Safer Substitutes n Propyl Bromide Case Study

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  1. Transition to Safer Substitutesn Propyl Bromide Case Study Liz Harriman Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Institute University of Massachusetts Lowell

  2. nPB TCE EH&S Perc

  3. Learning Objectives Explore: • Traditional transition from problematic chemicals to new, also problematic chemicals Using n propyl bromide as a case study Understand: • n Propyl Bromide, its hazards, its alternatives • Massachusetts TURA approach to getting companies to transition to safer substances and learn from each other, more ways to improve the transition Toxics Use Reduction Institute • University of Massachusetts Lowell

  4. Long-term Objective • What Lizzie Grossman said! • Green Chemistry • Biocompatible substances • Less resource intensive • Inherently safer processes

  5. User EH&S mgmt Production workers Chemical Mfr Government Regulator Who influences choice of substitutes? Formulator Equipment Mfr Customer Vendor Peer Companies Technical Assistance & information (P2, gov’t, consultants, etc)

  6. Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Act Works with businesses and communities to reduce their use of toxic substances Right to Know Reporting, Facility Planning, and Assistance Toxics Use Reduction Institute • University of Massachusetts Lowell

  7. “In a world without Perc, what alternative will you chose?” “Being “Green” has never been easier with DrySolv. The first environmentally responsible replacement solvent for your dry cleaning machine!”1 “In January of 2007, I started using DrySolv in my dry cleaning machine due to my total frustration with all the environmental issues with perc. WOW! What a smart move that was! EPA and KDHE have no regulations on DrySolv. Environmentally, it is perfectly okay and not considered hazardous…” Leroy Riedel, Master Cleaners Inc., Hays, KS 1. Enviro Tech International’s DrySolv web site materials, accessed at: http://www.envirotechint.com/products/dry-cleaning/ Toxics Use Reduction Institute • University of Massachusetts Lowell

  8. DrySolv Dry Cleaning Solution1 • DrySolv is non-flammable, showing no flashpoint in multiple tests and test methods. (ASTM D-56 TCC, ASTM D-92 COC, ASTM D-93 TCC). • DrySolv is non-chlorinated. • DrySolv is non-hazardous. (DOT, OSHA, NESHAP, RCRA, Clean Water Act) • DrySolv is not a hazardous air pollutant, is SNAP approved, and does not contribute to global warming. (NESHAP, Significant New Alternative Program-SNAP approved (Federal EPA). • The USEPA states that DrySolv’s main ingredient is less persistent in the environment than many other solvents, is of low to moderate concern for movement in soil, does not warrant listing under the Toxics Release Inventory and is not prone to bioaccumulation. (USEPA - Federal Register May 30, 2007) • DrySolv does not have a hazardous decomposition or hazardous polymerization. 1. Enviro Tech International’s DrySolv web site materials, accessed at: http://www.envirotechint.com/products/dry-cleaning/ Toxics Use Reduction Institute • University of Massachusetts Lowell

  9. How did we get here? • Flammable petroleum solvents • Chlorinated Solvents • Carbon tetrachloride • CFCs, TCA • TCE • nPB, siloxanes, HFCs, aqueous

  10. User EH&S mgmt Production workers Chemical Mfr Government Regulator How has the system enabled hazardous substitutes? Formulator Equipment Mfr Customer Vendor Peer Companies Technical Assistance & information (P2, gov’t, consultants, etc)

  11. User EH&S mgmt Production workers Chemical Mfr Government Regulator How do we influence system to promote safer alternatives? Formulator Equipment Mfr Customer Vendor Peer Companies Technical Assistance & information (P2, gov’t, consultants, etc)

  12. Massachusetts TURA • 2006 Amendments • Focus on reducing use of Higher Hazard Substances • New addition to process: • Evaluate alternatives to HHS for listing and/or HHS designation

  13. N Propyl Bromide and TURA • TCE and Perc designated as HHS • Identify Alternatives for primary uses • Dry cleaning, solvent parts degreasing • Challenge with number of distinct chemical alternatives – choose representative chemical for each category • Science Advisory Board listing review, categorization review • TURI policy analysis • Listing recommendations, categorization

  14. TURA nPB Action • TURA Administrative Council voted to list nPB (1 bromopropane), reporting year 2010 • SAB did not categorize nPB as either more or less hazardous • Also considering more toxic 2-bromopropane, contaminant in 1-bromopropane

  15. TURA Chemical Prioritization TURA List of Toxic and Hazardous Substances SAB More Hazardous Substances SAB Less Hazardous Substances N propyl bromide TURA HHS* TCE, perc TURA LHS** *TURA Higher Hazard Substances have 1000 lb reporting threshold and **Lower Hazard Substances have no per chemical fee

  16. Questions? • Contact Info: Liz Harriman Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Institute University of Massachusetts Lowell 978-934-3387 harriman@turi.org www.turi.org

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