Revised TSCA 'Use' Criteria Appears Narrower For New Chemical Reviews

摘要

New language in the revised Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) on how EPA must consider "conditions of use" of chemicals when reviewing the safety of chemicals appears to apply in a much narrower context for new substances compared to existing chemicals and other TSCA reviews, according to industry officials tracking the law. The requirement that EPA must consider a chemical's "conditions of use" is significant because how broadly EPA ultimately interprets the scope of the term could dictate how broadly a risk evaluation may apply for a particular chemical that has multiple uses. Section 5 of the law governs the agency's review of new chemicals entering the marketplace, while section 6 covers risk evaluations and management decisions for existing chemicals.