Regulatory Agencies

Abstract

AbstractBecause of updates and reauthorization, regulations covering health, safety, and environmental issues change continuously and specifications can become outdated. Regulatory agencies provide assistance regarding the laws and regulations of these issues. The two main federal agencies involved in the protection of human health and the environment are the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Primary laws covered by the EPA are the Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA); the Clean Water Act (CWA); Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA); Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA); Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The principal function of OSHA is the protection of people in the workplace. Other functions of regulatory agencies, eg, agriculture, commerce, defense, and energy, are discussed.The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the primary federal scientific and regulatory government agency that monitors drug, biologic, medical device, food, veterinary and cosmetic products. FDA is organized into five distinct centers, each with its own rules and regulations. This article discusses FDA’s traditional regulatory mission of consumer protection and how its decisional processes have changed over time as a result of the explosion of advances within analytical chemistry and toxicology. Because no compound is completely safe, FDA must regularly assess the intended use of a product and whether the level of risk is acceptable. The article also summarizes the legislation that sets the boundaries of FDA’s authority and lays out the administration’s organization and responsibilities.The chemical process industry is highly regulated in the environmental, health, and safety area. Everything is affected, from the siting of a new facility to the transportation of raw materials and finished products, from the working conditions for employees to operating requirements for processes, packaging of finished goods, and dealings with the community. The two main U.S. Federal agencies involved in the protection of human health and the environment are the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The EPAs principal concern is the protection of the environment; in most cases, the area outside of an industrial facility. Significant laws covered by EPA are discussed.