While Twittering, I found an interesting post on the American Chemistry Council's (ACC) Web site. It's a list of 10 Principles for Modernizing the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
Essentially, the ACC supports the TSCA, but wants to make certain the system preserves America’s role as the world’s leading innovator and employer in the creation of safe and environmentally sound technologies.
Here is the Cliff's Notes version of the list (to view the entire list complete with thoughtful explanations and suggestions for each principle, click here.)
1. Chemicals should be safe for their intended use.
2. EPA should systematically prioritize chemicals for purposes of safe use determinations.
3. EPA should act expeditiously and efficiently in making safe use determinations.
4. Companies that manufacture, import, process, distribute, or use chemicals should be required to provide EPA with relevant information to the extent necessary for EPA to make safe use determinations.
5. Potential risks faced by children should be an important factor in safe use determinations.
6. EPA should be empowered to impose a range of controls to ensure that chemicals are safe for their intended use.
7. Companies and EPA should work together to enhance public access to chemical health and safety information.
8. EPA should rely on scientifically valid data and information, regardless of its source, including data and information reflecting modern advances in science and technology.
9. EPA should have the staff, resources, and regulatory tools it needs to ensure the safety of chemicals.
10. A modernized TSCA should encourage technological innovation and a globally competitive industry in the United States.
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Traci Purdum
Senior Digital Editor