Rita Loof, director on environmental affairs for RadTech, recently received the 25th Senate District Women in Business Award for Science and Technology.

RadTech’s work to advance ultraviolet/electron beam/light emitting diode (UV/EB/LED) technology were front and center. Robina Suwol, executive director of California Safe Schools— an organization dedicated to the protection of children’s health and the environment—nominated Loof for the prestigious award.

“Rita’s phenomenal expertise surrounding environmental public policy as related to energy curable technology makes her a true champion for pollution prevention,” Suwol said. “It is an honor to celebrate her accomplishments and acknowledge RadTech’s exceptional work. She is a true champion for change and inspiration for all.”

Loof is originally an immigrant from Cuba who came to the United States during the Mariel boat lift when she was 13 years old. She spoke no English whatsoever. She graduated from John Burroughs High School in Burbank and went on to obtain a bachelor in science in chemical engineering from UCLA.

She worked as an intern in an oil refinery and then as an air quality engineer for the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) processing permit applications for metal melting operations, internal combustion engines and semiconductor manufacturing to name a few. She has been certified as a permit processor for the agency for over three decades.

Loof has been a small business owner in Upland, in the field of environmental consulting for the past 30 years. In that capacity, she represents Radtech International—the trade association for ultraviolet/electron beam/ light emitting diode (UV/EB/LED) technology.

UV/EB/LED is a pollution prevention technology where materials are instantaneously cured on substrates rather than air dried. The process eliminates emissions of toxic chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and, since it is all-electric, does not use fossil fuels and or generate greenhouse gases.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) awarded RadTech the “Clean Air Award” in recognition of its contribution to clean air.

Several years ago, the Association’s tireless advocacy on behalf of businesses who move away from polluting processes, was recognized by the California State Senate via the issuance of a proclamation acknowledging the “invaluable” contributions made by RadTech to the State of California and beyond. The Senate Proclamation cited the Association’s ideals of community service and commended RadTech for its “outstanding commitment to improving the environment and economy through its programs.”

The awards ceremony took place in Burbank, CA and honored women who have contributed to the economic vitality and diversity of the 25th Senate District. The following industry leaders joined in the celebration: Esteban Marin (Heraeus), Carl Hirsh (Ink Systems), Joe Blandford (Miltec), Peter Weissman (Quaker Chemical), Alan Boyce (Arizona Algae Farms) and from Sartomer/Arkema, regional president Sephanie Montag John Grozak, and Brad Rosen.

“It was an honor and a pleasure to attend this event and join other RadTech members in celebrating Rita’s accomplishments,” said Montag. “It is critical to have advocates for our technology across all elements of industry and government. Rita’s efforts to support and advance UV cure applications with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) have been instrumental in growing and developing more sustainable products and applications.”