Toxic Substances Control Act

EPA's Limited Progress in Regulating Toxic Chemicals Gao ID: T-RCED-94-212 May 17, 1994

More than 70,00 chemicals are in use in the United States, many of which are highly toxic. Congress passed the Toxic Substances Control Act in 1976 to obtain more information on the effect of the chemicals on human health and the environment and to control those chemicals that present unreasonable risks. This testimony discusses the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) efforts to (1) assess the risks of chemicals before and after they enter commerce, (2) control those found to be harmful, and (3) make information on chemicals publicly available. GAO focuses on EPA's problems in implementing the act. GAO also highlights some differences between the act and the chemical control laws of three countries GAO visited: Canada, Germany, and Sweden.



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