What does the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976 primarily regulate?

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976 primarily focuses on the regulation of chemical substances that may pose health risks to humans and the environment. Under TSCA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority to require reporting, record-keeping, and testing requirements for chemical substances. This act allows the EPA to evaluate and restrict the use of chemicals that are determined to pose an unreasonable risk to human health or the environment before they can be manufactured or imported.

This emphasis on managing and evaluating the potential risks associated with the production and use of chemicals underscores the protective intent of TSCA regarding public health and safety, setting it apart from other environmental regulations that may focus on different aspects of toxic substances such as waste management or transportation.