Industry Survey of Test Methods of Potential Health Hazard.

摘要

Nine companies selected as representing a cross section of prominent producers of chemicals identified through four-digit Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes were surveyed with respect to methods used to assess toxicological and environmental properties of new and existing chemicals. Four progressive levels of investigational effort depending upon extent,frequency,and nature of chemical use are identified:single or infrequent exposure;occasional low-level exposure;frequent low-level,occasional high-level exposures;and frequent high-level,general consumer,unavoidable exposures. Factors influencing the decisions regarding the level(s) of investigation needed or the initiation of the next higher level series of studies are explored. No mathematical formula has emerged to specify the level of testing required. A chemical-by-chemical assessment by competent pharmacologists, toxicologists,and chemists is still needed. Lack of a mechanism to trigger expanded levels of testing is a serious problem.