PPRC Rapid Response Service

PPRC provides free and well-researched answers to specific questions about pollution prevention (P2), with to inform decision making and reducing environmental impacts.

Collectively, PPRC staff has diverse expertise in manufacturing processes, chemical engineering, safer chemical alternatives, and other fields, plus access to a national network of P2 expertise.

E-mail us your Rapid Response Question.  

Rapid Response Topic Areas

• Ultrasonic Parts Cleaning – Auto Shops 
• Safer COVID-19 Disinfectants
• Safer Paint and Coating Strippers/Removers
• Remote or “Virtual” P2 Assessments
• PPRC’s Current Projects and Program Areas
• Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Management & Abatement
• P2 Case Studies in Metal Fab & Finishing
• Got Mercury?
• Green Cleaning Tips for Small Business/Homes
• Previous topics (2015 and prior, excludes archived responses)

Ultrasonic Parts Cleaning in Auto Repair

• Is ultrasonic cleaning effective and affordable for auto parts?  See these Oregon auto shop success stories.    

Safer COVD-19 Disinfectants

• Which COVID-19 disinfectants are less toxic?  Where can small businesses and consumers purchase them?  [English]  [español]

Safer Paint and Coating Strippers & Removers

• Considering the health risks of some paint strippers and removers, especially methylene chloride, and NMP, what safer alternatives are available?
• How Well do Less Toxic Chemical Strippers Perform on Automotive Coatings?  (Actual Tests Conducted with Non-Methylene and Non-NMP Paint Strippers)
• How Well do Less Toxic Chemical Strippers Perform on Aerospace Coatings? (Actual Test Results Conducted with Non-Methylene and Non-NMP Paint Strippers)

Remote or “Virtual” P2 Assessments 

With the onset of COVID-19, many technical assistance providers have developed strategies to effectively conduct virtual assessments and offer technical assistance.   See tips and resources from PPRC, Massachusetts OTA, and others presented in this webinar and tip sheet (Pending).  

• US EPA Webinar – Remote Technical Assistance Assessments During COVID and Beyond (includes closed captioning)
• US EPA Tip Sheet for Conducting Virtual Assessments (Pending)

PPRC’s Current Projects and Program Areas

• What are PPRC’s current projects and programs?

Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOG) Management/Abatement

• What are the environmental concerns with FOG, and why should I care about FOG relating to food service establishments?

P2 Case Studies in Metal Fab/Metal Finishing

• Metal Finishing – Conversion to Trivalent Chrome and Energy Efficiency
• Toluene Reduction, Energy and Waste Reduction at Aerospace Supplier
• Metal Works Sectors – Table of P2 Case Study Summaries and Links
• Alternative Compliance Strategies for Open Top Degreasers under a Prohibition of Trichloroethylene (Author: Katy Wolf, IRTA)

Got Mercury?  (Checklists) 

• Hospitals:  About 20 years ago, there were successful campaigns to reduce mercury at healthcare facilities, including some medical equipment and supplies.  Are there many sources of mercury remaining in 2021 in hospitals/healthcare?   See this checklist, initially developed for Oregon hospitals, but is useful for any hospital.
• Schools mercury checklist
• Laboratories mercury checklist 

Green Cleaning for Small Business and Homes

• How can I protect my staff, family, and myself from undesirable cleaning chemicals?

2015

• Greening the use of portable toilets during large public events
• How can we reduce the environmental impacts of deicing roads?

2014

• What are some safer alternatives to toxic solvent-based label removers?
• Improving and measuring bottle recycling at sports venues

2013

• Are There Safer Alternatives to Isocyanate-based Marine Coatings?
• Does Cleaning Turf With UV Light Kill Bacteria?
• Do Dental Night Guards Contain Chemicals of Concern?
• Do Plastic Chemicals Leach into Food From Sous Vide (SV) Cooking?
• What are the Benefits and Drawbacks to Oxo-degradable Bags?

2012

• How Can Drop-in Daycare Facilities Minimize Toxic Exposures
• Introductory Toolkit for Conducting Community E-Waste Collection Events
• Calculation Method to Transfer Efficiency for Spray Paint Operations
• Cleaning Products That Make Schools Healthier
• What Resources are Available on Distillation for Solvent Recovery?
• Is BPS a Safe Alternative to BPA? What About Other Alternatives?
• What Sources Contribute to Zinc in Stormwater?
• Is High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) a Good Environmental Choice for Potable Water?

 2011

• Should We Recycle Thermal Receipts That Contain BPA?
• Sustainable Packaging Business Checklist (PDF Format)
• What Alternatives Exist for Lead Anodes in Chrome Plating?