Newswise — Sixteen years ago, the REACH chemical regulation was introduced throughout Europe with the purpose of compelling the chemical industry to evaluate the health risks associated with their products' chemicals. However, a significant drawback of REACH is the necessity for a substantial number of animal tests to conduct hazard assessments. Until recently, the exact magnitude of these tests remained unclear.
Addressing the REACH debate, the "Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing" (CAAT) in Baltimore and the University of Konstanz have endeavored to quantify the issue. In their current study, they have utilized data from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to reveal that approximately 4.2 million animals have been employed in hazard assessment under REACH so far. Among these, 1.3 million animals are currently involved in ongoing studies. Unfortunately, the revision of REACH in 2022 is expected to require an additional 3.5 to 6.9 million animal tests.
Regrettably, alternative test methods that do not involve animals have not been widely utilized. Specifically, the use of read-across methods, which predict toxicity based on similarities with already tested chemicals, has been rejected in 75 percent of cases.
Animal-free alternative methods
The researchers from the University of Konstanz and Baltimore strongly advocate the adoption of animal-free alternative methods, known as New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). According to Thomas Hartung, Director of the Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) and professor at the University of Konstanz, these innovative techniques not only lend themselves well to large-scale chemical screenings but also offer more relevant results compared to traditional animal testing. The reason is that NAMs involve testing chemicals on human cells, typically cultured in a petri dish.
Marcel Leist, professor of in-vitro-toxicology at the University of Konstanz and co-director of the Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing Europe, emphasizes that animal-free alternative methods are becoming increasingly available for various testing purposes. Their plea is to adjust legislation in line with the current state of scientific knowledge. To achieve this, the CAAT researchers stress the importance of collaboration among scientists, authorities, and industry stakeholders, all working together towards the widespread implementation of alternative methods. By uniting these key players, they aim to drive forward the adoption of more humane and scientifically advanced approaches to chemical testing.
About CAAT-Europe
The Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing Europe (CAAT-Europe) based in Konstanz was founded by Thomas Hartung and Marcel Leist. It is committed to reducing animal testing worldwide through the development and introduction of alternative methods. It combines research and information work, and creates exchange between scientists, authorities and industry. The CAAT scientists are also directly involved in the development of animal-free alternative methods. The 3R network Baden-Württemberg, Germany, as well as the Swiss Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation support their efforts. With the professorship of Marcel Leist, the University of Konstanz established the first professorship for alternative methods to animal testing in 2006. Among other achievements, the research team developed the world's first in vitro toxicity test for the peripheral nervous system.
RSS