Human volunteer studies; a consumer products company view

The term 'contact dermatitis' refers to a range of adverse effects whose ca usation is quite varied. Manufacturers of consumer products have an importa nt responsibility to minimise the extent to which their products cause such skin reactions. In meeting this responsibility, use may be made of humans, e.g, in studies related to skin irritation, to try to ensure the highest p ossible safety standards are achieved. The purpose of this short review pap er is to outline the principles that must be followed before initiating stu dies with human volunteers. In addition, these principles are considered in the context of European legislation on chemicals and preparations.