If you work around chemicals or hazardous materials, you’ve probably heard of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Originally passed in 1976, congress updated the law in 2016 with new regulations. Generally speaking, the TSCA empowers the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to require reporting, documentation, and testing on certain chemical substances. It can also place restrictions on these substances.
Keeping track of the TSCA’s regulations is a daunting task. Not everyone is well-versed in the legalese required to understand all 97 sections of the law. We’ve compiled the most important tips for complying with the Toxic Substances Control Act.
Know Which Parts of TSCA Apply To You
TSCA is a broad set of regulations covering the creation of new chemicals and the handling and disposal of lead paint, asbestos, PCBs, and formaldehyde. However, some of its regulations only apply to certain industries or situations, such as:
- New and Existing Chemicals Program: chemical manufacturing and importation
- Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): anyone involved in the use, cleanup, or disposal
- Asbestos in Schools Program: K-12 school administrators
- Lead-based Paint Program: Sellers and lessors of pre-1978 housing
- Formaldehyde: Anyone making, selling, or supplying hardwood plywood, particleboard, and fiberboard in the US
Document Everything
You must document everything to comply with the Toxic Substances Control Act. Anytime you provide training on asbestos or notify potential buyers of lead paint, make sure you have it in writing. The EPA can conduct in-person inspections at facilities and remotely via documentation. Fines for knowingly violating the TSCA can be up to $50,000 per day of violation. You can even wind up in prison.
Submit All New Chemicals To the EPA
If you work in chemical manufacturing, it’s vital that you stick to the TSCA’s regulations for making and importing new chemicals to the United States. Under TSCA, you must submit a new chemicals application to the EPA for approval before making new chemicals in or transporting them to the US.
Though the EPA is supposed to complete its review within 90 days, be aware that the process is actually much slower. Some approvals may take up to a year to process.
If you need an aromatic sulfonic acid manufacturer who knows how to work with the TSCA, check out Capital Resin Corporation. We’re chemical experts, and we’d love to help you find exactly what you need for your next product.
