The Toxic Substances Control Act: Overview and Evaluation, PRP 50
Date
1982
Authors
Rohlich, Gerard A.
Howe, Richard S.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
LBJ School of Public Affairs
Abstract
Department
Description
Toxic substances reach the environment in a number of ways
and for a number of economic, political, and technological
reasons. The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) (PL 94- 469) is
intended to control new and existing chemical substances that are
determined to present unreasonable risk to health or the environment.
The primary purpose of this report is to review the U. S.
experience in drafting and implementing TSCA and identify key
issues that have emerged from this experience.
The review begins with a reference to the legislative
history of TSCA and the delineation of specific legal issues arising under the act.
The report next explores the subjects of risk determination
in toxic substances regulation and economic impacts of
controlling toxic substances. Risk determination is addressed
in terms of health effects and environmental effects. Economic
impacts are discussed in terms of the costs to industry and
consumers.
The report concludes with a discussion of program management
and implementation.