Abstract |
The Agency considers the evaluation of toxicity following short term exposure to a chemical to be an integral step in the assessment of its toxic potential under the regulatory framework of its pesticide and toxic substances programs. In the assessment and evaluation of the toxic characteristics of a substance, acute toxicity is generally performed by the probable route of exposure in order to provide information on health hazards likely to arise from short-term exposure by that route. For pesticides, the short-term toxicity testing battery consists of acute toxicity tests by the oral, dermal, and inhalation routes; skin and eye irritation testing; and testing for dermal sensitization. Data from an acute study may serve as a basis for hazard categorization, labeling, or child-resistant packaging and may also serve to designate pesticides which may be applied only by certified applicators. It is also an initial step in establishing a dosage regimen in subchronic and other studies and may provide information on absorption and the mode of toxic action of a substance. |