Citation:

Ceger, P., N. Garcia-Reyero Vinas, D. Allen, E. Arnold, R. Bloom, J. Brennan, C. Clarke, K. Eisenreich, K. Fay, J. Hamm, P. Henry, K. Horak, W. Hunter, D. Judkins, P. Klein, N. Kleinstreuer, K. Koehrn, C. LaLone, J. Laurenson, J. Leet, A. Lowit, S. Lynn, T. Norberg-King, E. Perkins, E. Petersen, B. Rattner, C. Sprankle, T. Steeger, J. Warren, S. Winfield, AND E. Odenkirchen. Current ecotoxicity testing needs among selected U.S. federal agencies. REGULATORY TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY. Elsevier Science Ltd, New York, NY, 133:105195, (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2022.105195

Impact/Purpose:

The Ecotoxicology Workgroup of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM) identified the ecotoxicity test data relied upon by U.S. federal agencies. A total of 89 tests utilizing vertebrate and invertebrate species where identified. Further this work determined key challenges related to cross-taxa and interspecies extrapolation. The intent of the review is to inform the development and implementation of non-animal methods for ecotoxicity testing by cataloging current testing needs.

Description:

U.S. regulatory and research agencies use ecotoxicity test data to assess the hazards associated with substances that may be released into the environment, including but not limited to industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, food additives, and color additives. These data are used to conduct hazard assessments and evaluate potential risks to aquatic life (e.g., invertebrates, fish), birds, wildlife species, or the environment. To identify opportunities for regulatory uses of non-animal replacements for ecotoxicity tests, the needs and uses for data from tests utilizing animals must first be clarified. Accordingly, the objective of this review was to identify the ecotoxicity test data relied upon by U.S. federal agencies. The standards, test guidelines, guidance documents, and/or endpoints that are used to address each of the agencies’ regulatory and research needs regarding ecotoxicity testing are described in the context of their application to decision-making. Testing and information use, needs, and/or requirements relevant to the regulatory or programmatic mandates of the agencies taking part in the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods Ecotoxicology Workgroup are captured. This information will be useful for coordinating efforts to develop and implement alternative test methods to reduce, refine, or replace animal use in chemical safety evaluations.

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