Environmental Protection Agency

Name:
Environmental Protection Agency
Detailed information:
(EPA). A federal agency established in 1970. Under the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, it is required to ensure the safe manufacture, use, and transportation of hazardous chemicals. It includes an Office of Hazardous Materials Control which administers Congressional legislation pertaining to this field. The EPA may require manufacturers to conduct tests on materials or products that adversely affect the environment or public health and safety. One of the most important aspects of its activities is the establishment and supervision of automotive emission standards. It is also concerned with pesticides, fungicides, and other potentially detrimental materials, as well as industrial waste disposal. It operates in close conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. The construction of new plants for manufacturing products must conform to EPA standards, especially as regards effluents that contribute to water pollution. The headquarters are located at 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20460 Website: http://www.epa.gov.See Toxic Substances; Environmental Chemistry.