Sep 7 2016
In Vitro Tests Can Most Efficiently Assess Nanomaterial Toxicity
The PETA International Science Consortium will present on nonanimal nano-toxicity testing at the Global Summit on Regulatory Science Nanotechnology Standards and Applications, September 7-9 in Bethesda, Maryland.
In her talk, Dr. Monita Sharma, nanotechnology specialist for the Consortium, will describe how approaches based on nonanimal methods can predict what happens in humans exposed to nanomaterials.
Nanomaterials are increasingly being used in consumer products such as cosmetics, food products, and building materials, which makes human exposure more likely. It is therefore important to assess the health effects of the growing number of nanomaterials using nonanimal methods, which more reliably predict what happens when humans are exposed than do tests on animals.
Currently, the experiments conducted on animals involve applying test substances to their skin or eyes or forcing them to eat or breathe these materials. The nonanimal methods are likely to be cheaper, faster, and more accurate at predicting what happens in humans-a win for humans and animals.
Testing nanomaterials using scientifically-sound nonanimal methods is the only way to advance the field of nanotechnology while protecting human health.
Dr. Monita Sharma, nanotechnology specialist for the Consortium
Organized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the global summit is expected to draw more than 200 international participants from industry, regulatory agencies, academia, and standards-setting organizations.
For more information, please visit PISCLtd.org.uk, www.piscltd.org.uk/nano, or follow us on twitter @PISCLtd.
About the PETA International Science Consortium Ltd.
The PETA International Science Consortium was established in 2012 to coordinate the scientific and regulatory expertise of its members—PETA U.K., PETA U.S., PETA France, PETA Germany, PETA India, PETA Netherlands, PETA Asia, and PETA Australia. The Consortium works to accelerate the development, validation, and global implementation of alternatives to animal testing.