How does the Lautenberg Act enhance chemical safety?
The Lautenberg Act significantly strengthens the EPA's ability to evaluate and regulate chemicals. It mandates a risk-based safety standard, requiring the EPA to consider the health risks chemicals pose to vulnerable populations, such as children and pregnant women. The Act also introduces a new process for evaluating existing chemicals, ensuring that all substances in commerce are assessed for safety. Furthermore, it provides the EPA with the power to demand testing data and restrict or ban chemicals that do not meet safety standards.
