EPA History: Toxic Substances Control Act. The Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) manages programs under the Toxic Substances Control Act and the Pollution Prevention Act. Under these laws, EPA evaluates new and existing chemicals and their risks, and finds ways to prevent or reduce pollution before it gets into the environment.
TSCA addresses the production, importation, use, and disposal of specific chemicals including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), asbestos, radon and lead-based paint. Various sections of TSCA provide authority to: Require, under Section 4, testing of chemicals by manufacturers, importers, and processors where risks or exposures of concern are found.
Require, under Section 8, reporting and record-keeping by persons who manufacture, import, process, and/or distribute chemical substances in commerce. Require, under Section 8 (e), that any person who manufactures (including imports), processes, or distributes in commerce a chemical substance or mixture and who obtains information which reasonably ...
2016 Chemical Law Updates the TSCA. On June 22, 2016, President Obama signed the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21 st Century Act, which updates the Toxic Substances Control Act. Learn more about the new law, find summary information and read frequently asked questions.