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WEEK 3-5
David Andrews walks us through the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the major US policy concerning the regulation of toxic chemicals. He discusses the challenges the EPA has in evaluating chemicals, new amendments to the law that are intended to make regulation more effective, and the practicalities limiting assessment and regulation.
David Andrews walks us through the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the major US policy concerning the regulation of toxic chemicals. He discusses the challenges the EPA has in evaluating chemicals, new amendments to the law that are intended to make regulation more effective, and the practicalities limiting assessment and regulation.
2_2c_1_David Andrews_Current State of Regulation.mp4Key Terms
Key Terms
- Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
- US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Grandfather-In
- Unreasonable Risk
- Asbestos
- Least-Burdensome Regulation
- Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)
- Vulnerable Populations
- Safety Standard
- Health Assessment
- Formaldehyde
Discussion Points
Discussion Points
- What does it mean that existing chemicals were "grandfathered" into TSCA? How many of these have been tested?
- So has the EPA thoroughly tested all "new" chemicals that have been produced since 1977?
- What are the inherent flaws in TSCA review process?
- How can long term health effects be evaluated if the EPA only has 90 days to review a new chemical?
- Are manufacturer's responsible for providing complete and accurate information to this process? Is this enforced?
- How many chemicals have been evaluated and disallowed under TSCA?
- What are the remaining concerns with chemicals that have been added to the inventory?
RESOURCES
RESOURCES
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
TAKEAWAYS
TAKEAWAYS
Better Building Materials Guide, USGBC
Better Building Materials Guide, USGBC
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
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