The Toxics Substances Control Act (TSCA) sets regulations to control the development, commerce, testing, and use of certain potentially hazardous chemicals. Under the TSCA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority to regulate the entire life cycle of a chemical, from manufacture to disposal.

The toxics management program addresses four key areas that impact the Army: asbestos, lead and lead-based paint, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), and radon. In order to protect the public and the environment from these toxic substances, the Army has implemented management plans, which include:

• Complying with legally applicable and appropriate federal, state, and local regulations on asbestos, lead, PCBs and radon;
• Eliminating the use of potentially dangerous substances, such as lead-based paints containing above .06 percent lead by weight;
• Recognizing potentially harmful situations in renovation and/or demolition projects;
• Establishing contacts for health-related and exposure issues;
• Certifying all persons performing activities that involve these substances;
• Properly disposing of waste containing any potentially harmful substance;
• Budgeting resources to identify, manage and control exposure to various substances;
• Assessing exposure and risk of each location containing a toxic substance; and
• Maintaining and updating records of assessments.

The Facilities Policy Division of the Army Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management (ACSIM) has primary responsibility for most Army toxics management. The USAEC assists them in managing environmental issues.

USAEC provides environmental program support to Installation Management Command (IMCOM), Major Army Commands (MACOMs) and installations in the areas of asbestos, lead hazard management, PCBs, and radon.

USAEC's role in promoting environmental compliance for the Army in the area of toxics management includes:

• Reviewing all TSCA rulemakings;
• Preparing Army impact analyses and comments on potential rulemakings;
• Developing tools to assist installations in complying with TSCA requirements;
• Working with the Office of the Director of Environmental Programs (ODEP) and the Installation Management Command (IMCOM) to develop compliance strategies;
• Tracking the Army's progress on meeting DoD and Army environmental goals;
• Supporting installations when requested;
• Maintaining contact with the EPA to stay abreast of current and future initiatives; and
• Along with ODEP, representing the Army on DoD committees.

• Asbestos management regulations are addressed in Chapter 8 of Army Regulation 200-1, Environmental Protection and Enhancement
• EPA's Office of Pollution Prevention & Toxics
• EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act Web site
• EPA 40 CFR Subchapter R - Toxic Substances Control Act (Parts 700-789 and 790-799)
• Guidance on toxics management can be found in Chapters 8 and 9 of Department of the Army Pamphlet 200-1, Environmental Protection and Enhancement
• Lead hazards management regulations are addressed in Chapter 4 of Army Regulation 200-1, Environmental Protection and Enhancement
• Radon reduction regulations are addressed in Chapter 9 of Army Regulation 200-1, Environmental Protection and Enhancement