Legal Definitions - TSCA

TSCA

TSCA stands for Toxic Substances Control Act. It is a law in the United States that regulates the manufacture, import, and use of chemicals to protect human health and the environment. The law requires companies to report information about the chemicals they produce or import, and gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to regulate or ban chemicals that pose a risk to public health or the environment.

One example of a chemical regulated under TSCA is asbestos, a mineral fiber that was commonly used in building materials until it was found to cause cancer and other health problems. TSCA allowed the EPA to ban most uses of asbestos in 1989.

Another example is lead, a toxic metal that was once used in paint and gasoline. TSCA has helped to reduce lead exposure by banning or restricting its use in these products.

These examples illustrate how TSCA helps to protect public health and the environment by regulating the use of harmful chemicals.