These legal controls all have clear inefficiencies. Civil or tort law lets individual plaintiffs seek compensation for damages from defendants. Courts base decisions on current statutes and legal precedents . Some states impose strict liability on inherently hazardous activities, so that plaintiffs in such cases don't have to prove negligence. The costs of litigation frustrate many legitimate claims, but do deter some nuisance suits.
Criminal law is used by governments to punish law-breakers.
Guilt generally requires criminal action with criminal intent. Various statutes have been passed by Congress to control toxics. The FDA regulates food additives. OSHA regulates occupational safety, and dictates both safety standards and specific safety procedures. The EPA reviews pesticide registrations and oversees certification of pesticide applicators.