3A) Regulation: Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Lecture Notes

Practice flashcards covering the history, sections, limitations, and 2016 reforms of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

Enacted in 1976 to provide a watch-dog on industry and protect human health and the environment; originally placed the burden of proof of safety on the government.

FIFRA

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act; regulates pesticides and biocides.

TSCA Title I

Focused on the Control of Toxic Substances, regulating hazardous chemical substances and mixtures while managing imminent hazards.

TSCA Title II

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response, enacted in 1986 to address asbestos abatement in schools.

TSCA Title III

Indoor Radon Abatement, enacted in 1988 to provide a citizen's guide to radon health risks and study radon levels in schools and government buildings.

TSCA Title IV

Lead Exposure Reduction, enacted in 1992 to reduce environmental lead contamination and prevent adverse health effects in children.

TSCA Section 5

Regulates new substances not already on the TSCA inventory.

TSCA Section 8

Relates to the existing substances inventory, requiring a list first published around 1977 containing approximately $62,000$ chemicals.

Premanufacturing Notice (PMN)

Under Section 5, it informs the Agency of the intent to manufacture, use, sell, or import a new substance; the Agency has $90$ days to respond.

Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act

Signed on June 22, 2016, this act amends and updates the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976.

Health-only safety standard

A Lautenberg Act reform that prohibits the EPA from considering costs in safety decisions, replacing the previous cost-benefit balancing requirement.

Vulnerable populations

Groups such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly that the Lautenberg Act expressly requires the EPA to protect from chemical harm.

Confidential Business Information (CBI)

Information claimed as private by companies; the Lautenberg Act limits these claims and requires the EPA to review them and share information with states and health providers.

Tiered testing approach

An expanded testing authority under the Lautenberg Act that allows the EPA to require testing without proof of potential risk.

Animal testing reduction

A mandate under the Lautenberg Act requiring the EPA to use scientifically reliable alternatives to animal testing where they generate equivalent or better information.

TSCA Section 26

Deals with the Administration of the Act.