What was one significant change brought by the Toxic Substances Control Act?

The significant change brought by the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is the authorization it provided to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to secure information on new and existing chemical substances. This act was established to ensure that the EPA could evaluate the safety of chemical substances before they could be introduced to the market.

Under TSCA, the EPA is empowered to require manufacturers to provide data related to the health and environmental effects of their chemicals. This allows for comprehensive risk assessments, enabling the EPA to take necessary actions to protect public health and the environment from potential hazards posed by chemical substances. This capability is crucial, as it ensures that substances are not only safe but also that any potential risks are well-documented and managed effectively.

In contrast, options like prohibiting all chemical substances are not in line with the act's intent, as it aims to regulate rather than completely ban substances. Additionally, TSCA does not eliminate chemical safety assessments; in fact, it enhances and mandates them. Furthermore, the enforcement responsibilities under the act are not transferred to state agencies, but rather, the federal framework establishes the EPA's role as the primary regulatory body.