Which entity identifies hazardous substances under the CERCLA?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for identifying hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as the Superfund law. This act provides the federal government with the authority to respond to releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances that may endanger public health or the environment.

The EPA compiles lists of hazardous substances and prioritizes them based on their potential risks, ensuring the identification and management of substances that pose significant threats. The agency assesses the toxicity, potential exposure levels, and the volume of these substances, facilitating appropriate response actions to remediate contaminated sites.

In relation to the other entities, while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees food safety and pharmaceuticals, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) focuses on worker safety and health standards, neither of these agencies is involved in hazardous substance identification under CERCLA. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) does contribute to setting standards and measurements, but does not play a role in the identification of hazardous substances under this specific environmental legislation.