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Toxicity Tests for Human Health Assessments for Pesticides

We evaluate studies for potential health effects in infants, children and adults.

Acute Testing: Short-term exposure; a single exposure (dose).

  • Oral, dermal (skin), and inhalation exposure
  • Eye irritation
  • Skin irritation
  • Skin sensitization
  • Neurotoxicity

Sub-chronic Testing: Intermediate exposure; repeated exposure over a longer period of time (i.e., 30-90 days).

  • Oral, dermal (skin), and inhalation
  • Neurotoxicity (nerve system damage)

Chronic Toxicity Testing: Long-term exposure; repeated exposure lasting for most of the test animal's life span. We determine the effects of a pesticide after prolonged and repeated exposures.

Developmental and Reproductive Testing: Identify effects in the fetus of an exposed pregnant female (birth defects) and how pesticide exposure affects the ability of a test animal to successfully reproduce.

Mutagenicity Testing: Assess a pesticide's potential to affect the cell's genetic components.

Learn more about toxicity testing and ways we are working to improve toxicity testing and reduce use of animals in testing.