In Case You Missed It:
EPA has recently announced a set of activities related to acute toxicity
testing (i.e., the pesticide “6-pack”) in a March 17 press
release<https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/new-epa-guidance-testing-pesticides-will-reduce-animal-testing>,
which aims to significantly reduce animal use for these endpoints in the next
couple of years.
EPA has finalized a document, following public comment, which describes how
they will evaluate and implement alternative methods for in vivo studies:
Process for Establishing & Implementing Alternative Approaches to Traditional
In Vivo Acute Toxicity Studies for FIFRA Regulatory
Use<https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/process-establishing-implementing-alternative>.
EPA is also requesting comment on draft guidance titled “Retrospective Analysis
& Guidance for Waiving Acute Dermal Toxicity Tests for Pesticide Formulations.”
This guidance document provides a rationale for waiving all acute dermal
toxicity studies for pesticide formulations. EPA is accepting comments on the
guidance document until May 16.
In an open letter to stakeholders from OPP Director Jack Housenger, EPA
announces these two documents, and also discusses a pilot program to evaluate
alternative approaches to classify the toxicity of mixtures, using the GHS
Mixtures Equation.
OPP, with assistance from NICEATM, will evaluate data for this pilot, as well
as data from in vitro methods for skin sensitization and eye irritation.
Companies with internal data are urged to share it with NICEATM to facilitate
scientific reviews of these methods and strategies.
Please follow this link for more information:
https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/new-epa-guidance-testing-pesticides-will-reduce-animal-testing.
