TSCA

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is a United States federal law administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Enacted in 1976, TSCA regulates the introduction, manufacture, processing, distribution, use, and disposal of chemical substances to protect human health and the environment. The act authorizes EPA to require chemical testing, collect information, and prohibit or restrict activities that present an unreasonable risk.

TSCA covers both new and existing chemicals. For new chemicals, manufacturers must submit a Premanufacture Notification (PMN) and may be subjected to EPA testing and review before entry into commerce. The EPA can also issue Significant New Use Rules (SNURs) to require review when a chemical would be used in a manner not previously evaluated. The act also requires maintenance of the TSCA Inventory of chemicals active in commerce.

Major revisions came with the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act in 2016. The amendments strengthen EPA authority to evaluate existing chemicals, establish a mandatory prioritization process, and require risk evaluations and risk management for high-priority substances. They also increase transparency, expand data gathering, and set schedules for action.

Under TSCA, EPA conducts risk evaluations for high-priority existing chemicals to determine whether a substance presents an unreasonable risk, considering hazards, exposures, and vulnerable populations. If a risk is found, EPA may impose risk management measures such as restrictions, use limitations, or labeling requirements. The agency may also require additional testing and information, with public comment and peer review informing decisions.

TSCA interacts with other federal environmental and consumer-product laws and is continually refined through rulemaking, reporting, and litigation. Proponents argue it provides a science-based framework to protect health, while critics cite funding, implementation timelines, and data gaps for certain chemicals. The act remains central to U.S. chemical governance.