Exemplification of the implementation of alternatives to experimental testing in chemical risk assessment - Case studies from the cadaster project

摘要

The EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) system (hereafter called REACH) requires the demonstration of the safe manufacture of chemicals and their safe use throughout the supply chain.1 REACH is based on the precautionary principle, but aims to achieve a proper balance between societal, economic and environmental objectives. Both new and existing chemicals will be evaluated within REACH, on the one hand aiming to speed up the slow process of risk assessment and risk management of existing substances, whilst on the other hand attempting to efficiently use the scarce and scattered information available on the majority of new and existing substances. REACH thus aims to close huge gaps of knowledge on physicochemical properties and adverse effects for large numbers of chemicals. In addition, REACH aims to reduce animal testing by the optimised use of qualitative and quantitative information on related compounds. The REACH proposals advocate the use of non-animal testing methods, but guidance is needed on how these methods should be used. As an example, the REACH system requires that non-animal methods should be used for the majority of tests for chemicals in the 1-10 tonnes per annum production band, even though such methods are not yet available for most of the endpoints relevant at this tonnage.