Summary of The Toxic Substances Control Act
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Toxic Substances Control Act
The Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 was enacted by Congress to test, regulate, and screen all chemicals produced or imported
into the United States. Many thousands of chemicals and their compounds are developed each year with unknown toxic or dangerous
characteristics. To prevent tragic consequences, TSCA requires that any chemical that reaches the consumer marketplace be
tested for possible toxic effects prior to commercial manufacture.
Any existing chemical that poses health and environmental hazards is tracked and reported under TSCA. Procedures also are
authorized for corrective action under TSCA in cases of cleanup of toxic materials contamination. TSCA supplements other federal
statutes, including the Clean Air Act and the Toxic Release Inventory under EPCRA.
Last updated: 10/20/97
© 1997 Environmental Protection Agency