EPA asks Congress to update Toxic Substances Control Act

October 1, 9:06 AMChicago Environmental Health ExaminerMarisa Naujokas

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In what the EPA is touting as a "historic move," the U.S. EPA asked Congress to revise the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act. The Obama administration set a goal to update the U.S. chemical management program to meet 21st century realities.

Yesterday, EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said, "...as more and more chemicals are found in our bodies and the environment, the public is understandably anxious and confused. Many are turning to government for assurance that chemicals have been assessed using the best available science, and that unacceptable risks haven’t been ignored."

The Obama Administration’s “Essential Principles for Reform of Chemicals Management Legislation” are intended to aid Congress during the legislative process.

The principles of reform given to Congress include:

• Chemical review should be based on sound science and be protective of human health and the environment.
• Manufacturers should provide the EPA with data to show that new and existing chemicals are safe and do not endanger public health or the environment.
•The EPA should have clear authority to take risk management actions when chemicals do not meet the safety standard. EPA should have flexibility to consider costs, sensitive groups like children or the elderly, and other factors.
• Manufacturers and the EPA should act on priority chemicals in a timely manner.
• Green Chemistry should be encouraged, and transparency and greater public information should be encouraged.
• EPA should be given sufficient funds to meet these goals.

What does it all mean? The EPA is hoping to be able to act promptly on chemicals of concern, using sound science to assess health risks. Evaluation of potential risks and safety standards would be performed more quickly as new data or new insights crop up. And manufacturers would be expected to test the safety of new chemicals before commercial use.

Jackson also noted that chemical manufacturers have asked for reform: "Chemical producers are worried not only about facing an inconsistent patchwork of state laws, but believe that their industry can thrive only if the public is confident that their products meet rigorous safety standards. And they want the U.S. to lead the world in chemical risk management, not fall further behind."

The EPA is taking action now on some priority chemicals. The list of chemicals of concern includes: benzidene dyes and pigments, bisphenol A (plastics), PBDEs (flame retardants), perfluorinated chemicals (non-stick and stain-resistant coatings), phthalates (plastics and personal care products), and short-chained chlorinated parrafins (flame retardants and plasticizers).

For more info: EPA Administrator Jackson's speech; EPA Managing Chemical Risk.

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