When the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) was enacted in 1976, most people interested in chemicals regulation lauded it as the greatest and most advanced piece of chemical legislation of their time. For 37 years, TSCA has been the primary law for regulating chemicals in the U.S.
However, much like if TSCA were an automobile, the 1976 model is in need of an overhaul. New models like REACh and green chemistry legislation in various states and countries offer new features and different ways to look at chemicals and concepts that did not exist in 1976, such as alternatives assessment.