Animal rights organisations are alarmed: a recent study of PETA and PCRM has shown that the number of animals used in toxicity tests has increased from a few dozen tests with fewer than 7000 animals in 2016 to more than 300 tests with about 75,000 rats, rabbits and other vertebrates. This in contrast to the targets of the new TSCA guidelines.
The reason for the increase is unclear. Experts assume that EPA staff could try to follow these TSCA guidelines by collecting more test data from companies. Both industry and animal welfare groups are worried about this trend and ask the authorities to clarify why they are applying for the tests and how they will reduce the number in the future.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had already drawn up a draft strategy for reducing the use of the of vertebrates in chemical tests, which was published under EPA-HQ-OPPT-2017-0559 until April 26, 2018 (extension was 11 May) for public comment.
Sources:
http://www.sciencemag.org/news/
https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/alternative-test-methods-and-strategies-reduce
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Tuesday, 22 May 2018 12:18
USA: Increase in animal consumption despite Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Featured
In the USA, the number of animals consumed in chemical testing has risen sharply, although, following a revision of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) two years ago, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should develop a plan to "reduce, refine or replace" vertebrates in toxicity tests.
Dr. rer. nat.
Menschen für Tierrechte - Tierversuchsgegner Rheinland-Pfalz e.V.