Summary of Requirements

Toxic Substances Control Act

Regulation of Specific Toxic Chemicals

PCBs

Asbestos

Indoor Radon Abatement

Federal and State Labeling Laws

Hazardous Substances

Labeling Requirements

Additional State Requirements

The Federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA 15 U.S. Code 2601) was enacted by Congress on October 11, 1976. This Public Law (94-469) was enacted to "regulate commerce and protect human health and the environment by requiring testing and necessary use restrictions on certain chemical substances, and for other purposes". Recognizing in 1976 that insufficient data existed with respect to the effects of chemical substances and mixtures on human health, Congress authorized the administrator of the EPA to track the 70,000 industrial chemicals currently produced or imported in the U.S.

dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans (contaminants present at Times Beach, MO);

asbestos and asbestos-containing materials;

fully halogenated chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs—once used as aerosol propellants, responsible for ozone depletion in the upper atmosphere);

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBS)

Asbestos is a unique mineral due to the fact that it will turn into dust particles when crushed and will fracture into ultra-fine fibers that may only be observed with a microscope. Often asbestos fibers are processed with a binding agent that holds them together, producing an asbestos containing material (ACM) that is both flexible and fire resistant. However, if the structural integrity of the asbestos containing material is compromised the asbestos may become airborne, and when inhaled may remain in the lungs for a long period of time. This will present a potential risk for severe health problems with a possible long latency period

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of synthetic organic chemicals that contain 209 individual chlorinated chemicals (known as congeners). PCBs may be either oily liquids or solids of a light yellow or colorless appearance. They are both odorless and tasteless. PCB mixtures may also be referred to in the United States by their industrial trade name, Arochlor

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that seeps out of rocks and soil. Radon originates from the element uranium. The rate of radon seepage varies by geographic region, partly because the amounts of uranium in the soil are considerably different. Radon escapes from the ground into outdoor air and also into the indoor air environment of homes via underground levels (basements). Outdoor radon is not viewed as a problem due to the high rate of mixing with cleaner radon free ambient air. In contrast, among indoor environments radon concentrations can exceed safe levels and may pose a serious health hazard.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) is required under HSA to evaluate substances for these hazardous characteristics and to identify those substances that are hazardous. CPSC must include those substances already defined as hazardous by other programs, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and EPA regulations of hazardous wastes. HSA requires CPSC to follow certain notice and hearing procedures when considering whether to define a substance as hazardous. CPSC regulations prescribe tests for assessing whether products are hazardous, and how to accurately label them. Insecticides, foods, drugs and cosmetics; fuels used domestically; and radioactive materials are currently regulated by other laws and are specifically excluded from the labeling acts