Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 22: Problem 12

What role does the Toxic Substances Control Act play in the hazardous-waste arena?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) plays a substantial role in the hazardous-waste arena. The Act regulates the introduction of new or already existing chemicals and gives the EPA the authority to require restrictions and controls on substances that may impact the environment or human health. Therefore, it helps in identifying, controlling, and minimizing the risk of hazardous waste.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Toxic Substances Control Act

Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is a United States law, passed by the US Congress in 1976 and administered by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), that regulates the introduction of new or already existing chemicals. However, the TSCA does not separate out 'toxic' and 'non-toxic' substances, it gives EPA the authority to require reporting, record-keeping and testing of the substances, and restrictions relating to the substances.
02

Identifying the Role of TSCA in the Hazardous-Waste Arena

The TSCA gives EPA the mandate to control hazardous substances that may have an environmental or human-health impact. It involves the identification of potentially harmful chemicals, control of certain chemical uses, and initiation of actions such as bans and phase-outs for high-risk chemicals. In the hazardous waste arena, the TSCA plays a significant role in identifying which substances are hazardous, how they should be disposed of, or how their risk can be minimized.
03

Highlighting Specific TSCA Provisions Related to Hazardous Waste

TSCA includes a provision that requires the regulator to consider the environmental presence of a substance, disposal practices, and its inherent chemical properties when determining whether a substance presents an unreasonable risk. This means that even for substances that are not typically considered toxic, their disposal practices might render them as 'hazardous waste', bringing them under the purview of the TSCA.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

What law was passed to ensure the safe land disposal of hazardous wastes? What are the main features of the legislation?

Why does the EPA have an Environmental Justice Program?

What laws exist to protect the public against exposures resulting from hazardous-chemical accidents? What are the main features of the legislation?

How do toxicologists investigate hazardous chemicals? How is this information disseminated to health practitioners and the public?

What four categories are used to define hazardous chemicals?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Environmental Science Textbooks

Environmental Research

Read Explanation

Ecological Conservation

Read Explanation

Biological Resources

Read Explanation

Pollution

Read Explanation

Environmental Policy

Read Explanation

Physical Environment

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free