Toxic Substances Control Act

The Toxic Substances Control Act, or TSCA, gives the EPA the authority to restrict and regulate activities related to chemicals deemed an unreasonable risk to human health.  

Researchers are responsible for determining if TSCA applies to their laboratory activities. More information on the various sections of TSCA are available on the EPA’s website.  

Laboratory Chemicals with Current TSCA Risk Management Rules:

Additional chemicals are in the process of risk management by the EPA. Read more about these agents on the EPA’s website.  

EHS Activities Related to TSCA

Principal Investigators are responsible for contacting EHS when regulatory requirements are applicable. Chemicals subject to TSCA regulations may be tracked by EHS. EHS may ask or require laboratories to do any of the following to comply with TSCA: 

• Submit a chemical waste pickup request for chemicals not necessary for lab operations. 

• Comply with exposure monitoring requirements.  

• Complete additional safety training. 

• Use appropriate PPE.  

Dichloromethane (DCM)

If DCM is necessary for lab operations, all members of the lab are subject to UMB’s DCM WCPP. Any labs that wish to introduce DCM into their lab’s operations must reach out to EHS prior to use.  

View the EPA’s Fact Sheet and EHS’ Workplace Chemical Protection Program (WCPP) Document for more information on DCM. All labs are encouraged to find alternatives to DCM in their research. Dichloroethane (DCE) is not recommended as a substitute as it is under evaluation for a risk management rule under TSCA. 

Alternatives include: