EPA is using a multi-pronged strategy to ensure the safety of chemicals in commerce, recognizing that the current chemicals management law, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976, needs to be strengthened.
EPA's three part strategy for addressing potential risks from existing chemicals includes:
- Identifying chemicals for assessment and taking actions as appropriate;
- Increasing opportunities for industry to move toward using safer chemicals; and
- Increasing public access to data on chemicals that have been developed by EPA and/or provided by industry
In September 2009 EPA issued Essential Principles for Reform of Chemical Management Legislation to help inform efforts underway in Congress to reauthorize and significantly strengthen the effectiveness of TSCA.
The following graphic provides an overview of the process EPA uses to assess and manage TSCA chemicals in commerce.
