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The Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) was formed
in 1977 with the primary responsibility for administering the
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This Law covers the production
and distribution of commercial and industrial chemicals in the
United States. OPPT has the responsibility for assuring that chemicals
made available for sale and use in the United States, do not pose
any adverse risks to human health or to the environment. OPPT's
responsibility was expanded Still further with the passing of
the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990. This act established pollution
prevention as the National policy for controlling industrial pollution
at its source. In addition, OPPT manages the new Chemical Right-To-Know
Initiative, the Design for the Environment (DFE), Green Chemistry
programs and the Lead, Asbestos and Polychlorinated Biphenyls
(PCBs) programs.
OPPT's Mission
We support EPA's mission and in addition our office goals include:
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Promoting pollution prevention as the guiding principle
for controlling industrial pollution;
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Promoting safer chemicals through a combination of
regulatory and voluntary efforts;
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Promoting risk reduction so as to minimize exposure
to existing substances such as lead, asbestos, dioxin, and
polychlorinated biphenyls; and
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Promoting public understanding of risks by providing
understandable, accessible and complete information on chemical
risks to the broadest audience possible.
Laws and Regulations
OPPT is responsible for implementation of the following environmental
legislation:
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