The purpose of the Toxic Substances Control Act in relation to new chemicals is primarily to?

The primary goal of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) regarding new chemicals is to ensure they have been tested for safety before they can be manufactured or introduced into commerce. Under this legislation, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that manufacturers provide data on the chemical's potential health and environmental effects. This pre-manufacture notification process allows the EPA to assess whether a new chemical poses an unreasonable risk to human health or the environment.

By mandating safety testing, TSCA aims to prevent potential harm that could arise from exposure to harmful substances. The Act does not aim to exclude new chemicals from market entry; rather, it facilitates an informed assessment to determine acceptable safe levels for public use. Furthermore, it does not promote the use of new chemicals without understanding their implications, nor does it call for the immediate release of potentially toxic substances without adequate review. Thus, the focus on safety testing reflects the intent to balance industrial innovation with the protection of health and the environment.