Question

5. Explain how environmental laws regulate the use of toxic substances and the disposal of hazardous wastes? Business Law

Answer 1

In order to protect human health and the environment, EPA works with its federal, state, and tribal regulatory partners to assure compliance with statutes and regulations.The major federal law governing chemical substances is the Toxic Substances Control Act,which addresses the manufacturing, processing, distribution, use, and disposal of commercial and industrial chemicals.

Various sections of above act provide authority to:

Require, pre-manufacture notification for "new chemical substances" before manufacturing.

Require, testing of chemicals by manufacturers, importers, and processors where risks or exposures of concern are found

Issue Significant New Use Rules,when it identifies a "significant new use" that could result in exposures to, or releases of, a substance of concern.

Maintain the TSCA Inventory,when new chemicals are commercially manufactured or imported, they are placed on the list.

Require those importing or exporting chemicals, to comply with certification reporting and/or other requirements.

Require, reporting and record-keeping by persons who manufacture, import, process, and/or distribute chemical substances in commerce.

Require, that any person who manufactures (including imports), processes, or distributes in commerce a chemical substance or mixture and who obtains information which reasonably supports the conclusion that such substance or mixture presents a substantial risk of injury to health or the environment to immediately inform EPA, except where EPA has been adequately informed of such information.