Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) (TSCA)

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), passed in 1976, requires tests of chemicals that may harm human health or the environment; reviews of new chemical substances; limits on the availability of some existing chemicals; and import certification standards to ensure that imported chemicals comply with domestic rules. TSCA bars the introduction of chemicals that may pose unreasonable risks to people or the environment, when the risks outweigh possible economic and social benefits. TSCA also regulates existing chemicals, particularly polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). For PCBs and a few other chemicals, TSCA prohibits or limits use and regulates handling, storage and disposal.

See Environmental Protection Agency.

An act, 7 U.S.C. Section 136 et seq., authorizing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to secure information on all new and existing chemical substances and to control any of these substances that are determined to cause an unreasonable risk to public health or the environment.