What does the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) regulate?

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) specifically regulates the production, import, use, and distribution of chemical substances in the United States. Its primary focus is to ensure that potentially hazardous chemicals are managed in a way that protects human health and the environment. This includes the authority to require reporting, record-keeping, and testing of chemicals, as well as the ability to regulate or prohibit the manufacture and use of substances that pose an unreasonable risk.

In contrast, options related to water quality, waste disposal, and noise pollution pertain to other regulatory frameworks. Water quality is primarily governed by the Clean Water Act, waste disposal is addressed under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and noise pollution is typically managed by state and local regulations rather than TSCA. Therefore, the regulation of chemicals and their use/distribution is the core function of the TSCA, making it the correct choice.