ABSTRACT
The decades following World War II saw a dramatic expansion in the role of chemicals, especially man-made (or synthetic) chemicals, in the economy of the United States. Chemical technology made possible significant advances in industrial materials, fabrics, agricultural productivity, electronics, and a diverse array of other fields. But as time progressed, the public and policymakers became increasingly concerned that these benefits were being obtained without due consideration for the possible adverse consequences associated with chemical production and use. Incidents involving specific environmental and human health problems associated with particular chemicals, a growing concern that chronic diseases such as cancer might be associated with environmental (although not necessarily chemical) causes, and a concern over the comparative lack of data on many chemicals led to a demand for federal regulatory activities in the areas of chemical manufacturing and use. This chapter describes the two major legislative acts passed as a result of these concerns—the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)—and examines some of the significant policy issues that have arisen in their implementation.
