• If at the end of the risk evaluation process, EPA determines that a chemical presents an unreasonable risk to health or the environment, the chemical must immediately move to risk management action under TSCA.
• EPA is required to implement, via regulation, regulatory restrictions on the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, or disposal of the chemical to eliminate the unreasonable risk.

The third step in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) existing chemicals process is risk management. Generally, risk management is the last step in the process and starts after publication of a chemical’s final risk evaluation showing unreasonable risks. If at the end of the risk evaluation process, the agency determines that a chemical presents an unreasonable risk to health or the environment, the chemical must immediately move to risk management action under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

EPA is required to implement, via regulation, regulatory restrictions on the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, or disposal of the chemical to eliminate the unreasonable risk. The agency is given a range of risk management options under TSCA, including labeling, recordkeeping or notice requirements, actions to reduce human exposure or environmental release, and a ban of the chemical or of certain uses.

TSCA requires EPA to issue a:

• Proposed risk management rule under TSCA section 6(a) for the chemical substance no later than one year after the date on which the final risk evaluation regarding the chemical substance is published, and
• Final rule no later than two years after the publication date of the final risk evaluation.

Input from all stakeholders is critical to the risk management process. Like the prioritization and risk evaluation processes, there is an opportunity for public comment on any proposed risk management actions.