BPA, phthalates to be reviewed to change method of scrutiny of potentially dangerous substances in USA

01-Oct-09

The Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 provides US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with authority to require reporting, record-keeping and testing requirements, and restrictions relating to chemical substances and/or mixtures. TSCA led to restrictions on a handful of chemicals, including a ban on polychlorinated biphenyls and limits on certain uses of metalworking fluids. In the last 18 years, EPA has not banned a single chemical. TSCA's perceived ineffectiveness, combined with growing public concerns about chemical exposures, has driven government agencies in the European Union and several US states to launch their own alternatives. Lisa Jackson, the Obama Administration's newly appointed EPA director has listed reform of chemical regulation as one of her top five priorities. Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates are two of six controversial chemicals to be reviewed as part of a move to overhaul the way potentially dangerous substances are scrutinised in the United States.EPA is in the process of data collection from the industry to evaluate their safety and formulate action plans that could result in limiting popular exposure to some chemicals. The body may also order products containing the substances carry advisory labels.