The Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA)

1. The Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA) Drafted: October 11, 1976 Amendment years:1976 National Kaitlin T.

2. Description/Environmental Issues Affected The TSCA regulates the introduction of new or already existing chemicals within the United States. It governs the manufacturing, disposal, importing, distributing, using, and processing of all toxic chemicals. However, it doesn’t separate chemicals into “toxic” or “non-toxic” groups. Instead, it prohibits the manufacturing and importation of chemicals that aren’t on the TSCA list of chemicals and requires a premanufacture notice (PMN) to be submitted to the EPA which provides the EPA with authority to require reporting, testing, recording, and restrictions on chemical substances or mixtures. The TSCA addresses the manufacturing, distribution, limit use, labeling, and other restrictions that pose unreasonable risks which include asbestos, lead, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), tobacco, and pesticides.

3. Who Enforces It? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates and enforces The Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976.