How are chemicals tested to be environmentally safe without dumping it in the ocean and finding out?

Answer 1

In most cases, Chemists can tell you without performing any tests. In other cases where chemists are unsure, the companies will perform pilot tests. In the pilot tests, the companies build a small scale environment and introduce some of their chemical to see how the environment responds.

Answer 2

New chemicals are tested under the EPA Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the Pollution Prevention Act (PPA) of 1990. The EPA forces industry to evaluate new and existing chemicals and their risks, and finds ways to prevent or reduce pollution before it gets into the environment .


http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title15/chapter53_.html

http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title42/chapter133_.html