IDENTIFICATION OF IRRITATION AND CORROSION HAZARDS TO SKIN - AN ALTERNATIVE STRATEGY TO ANIMAL TESTING

To date the use of in vitro/alternative tests to achieve formal classi fication in the EEC of the toxic properties of new substances is very limited. An opportunity exists in the area of skin irritation/corrosiv ity to adopt a strategic approach which will limit the need to use ani mals. The approach would involve use of human skin in vitro to identif y corrosive materials followed by ethically approved human patch testi ng. In the patch test, the irritation potential of the substance or pr eparation would be judged against a suitable positive irritant control . In addition to the avoidance of the use of animals, a further benefi t would be that use of human skin should lead to a more relevant class ification of skin irritation/corrosion hazard for humans.