Which act primarily regulates the production and use of chemical substances that may present an unreasonable risk to health or environment?

• A. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
• B. Clean Water Act
• C. Toxic Substances Control Act
• D. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

Answer: (C)

Focuses on regulating chemical substances themselves when they may pose an unreasonable risk to health or the environment. The Toxic Substances Control Act gives the EPA authority to require testing and data on chemicals, evaluate their risks, and take action to limit or ban their production or use if there is an unreasonable risk. This risk-based approach applies to both new chemicals before they enter commerce and many existing ones as new information emerges.

By contrast, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) centers on cleaning up contaminated sites after releases; the Clean Water Act targets discharges into waterways and overall water quality; and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) governs how hazardous waste is generated, stored, treated, transported, and disposed of.