Emerging chemical contaminants: Looking for greater harmony

Historical and current perspectives of the methods used and policies instituted to monitor and address the increasing list of chemical contaminants in water are discussed. According to Chemical Abstract Services, more than 88 million organic and inorganic chemicals have been registered, more than 65 million chemicals are available commercially, and approximately 1500 new chemicals are added every day. The United States does not have a coordinated program that comprehensively addresses the fate and effects of chemicals in commerce entering the environment. The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) provides the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) with the authority to require reporting, record keeping, and testing requirements for new and existing chemicals in commerce. The Endocrine Disrupter Screening Program (EDSP) was developed by USEPA to screen chemicals before they are manufactured or used in applications in which water and food may become contaminated. USEPA uses the Contaminant Candidate List (CCL) as a mechanism to prioritize both chemical and biological contaminants.