Toxic substances are chemicals or compounds that may present an unreasonable threat to human health and the environment. Human exposure to toxic substances can cause a variety of health effects, including damage to the nervous system, reproductive and developmental problems, cancer, and genetic disorders. EPA's goal is to identify and reduce the risks from toxic substances. As part of its regulation of these substances, the Agency conducts risk assessments, compiles databases of toxic releases and provides information on their safe handling and disposal. To achieve this goal, the Agency employs an increasingly holistic approach that spans the boundaries of media, programs and geography.
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