UCI gets $1.62 to head statewide green program

UCI has been chosen to lead other California universities in a Green Materials Program, which will serve to develop nontoxic alternatives to products used in everyday life.

For its efforts, UCI has been awarded $1.62 million. The money will be used to fund graduate-level training and research on toxic products such as electronics, plastics, fuels and pesticides.

Researchers will look into certain flame retardants that have recently been found at high levels in migratory falcons.

The Green Materials Program will attempt to reduce health and environmental hazards by bringing together experts in public health, toxicology, materials science, engineering and social science.

As part of the UC Toxic Substances Research and Teaching Program, participants hope to use research gathered as influence on California policies that could affect the future health of residents and environmental status of California.

— Jacquelyn Rumfola