The original TSCA was widely regarded as ineffective, with the EPA struggling to regulate existing and new chemicals effectively. Under the old law, the EPA had limited power to demand safety data from manufacturers and faced significant hurdles in restricting or banning harmful substances. High-profile incidents involving toxic chemicals, coupled with growing scientific understanding of endocrine disruptors and other hazardous substances, demonstrated the urgent need for reform. The Lautenberg Act was introduced to address these shortcomings and modernize chemical safety regulations.
