Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) come up with a New Approach Methods (NAMs) to reduce animal testing of chemicals.
The US Environmental Protection Agency is putting emphasis on developing and implementing New Approach Methods (NAMs) for chemical research. This new strategy would help to reduce the use of animals as test subjects in chemical research while also safeguarding human health and the environment. NAMs are akin to “non-animal alternatives” to animal research.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a wealth of data derived from animal studies that can be used to determine chemical threats and possible environmental impacts. The number of animals used to produce the necessary information is significant since the EPA controls a large number of chemicals.As a result, the EPA announced a new work plan to focus Agency attention and resources on reducing the use of animals in research while maintaining human health and environmental protection. The following goals are included in the Work Plan:
Establish Regulatory Flexibility to Allow for the Acceptance of NAMs
The EPA staff will conduct a comprehensive review of current laws, programmatic rules, guidance, and policies to define mammalian research criteria. This makes it easier to think about how to use acceptable NAMs. In 2021, a report detailing the results of this review will be published.
Establish baselines and metrics for evaluating progress.
Based on previous data, the EPA’s Office of Research and Development and Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention will create baselines and indicators for animal use. Later, depending on those requirements, this strategy will be gradually applied to other EPA offices.
Ensure the NAMs are scientifically sound.
To build scientific trust in NAMs, EPA will define the scientific quality and relevance to established animal testing, and then develop a system to assess the NAM’s quality and reliability. Each year, case studies will be used to illustrate the application of NAMs to various regulatory aspects.
Fill the Gaps with Crucial Information
The EPA will promote the creation of NAMs by EPA scientists and regulators to fill critical knowledge gaps in chemical safety research. To encourage cooperation, research plans will be built on a normal four-year planning period.
Communication with Stakeholders (Communication with Stakeholders)
To ensure transparency and accountability, EPA-related NAM information will be made available in a centralized repository, with stakeholders’ input and comments actively sought. For interested stakeholders to learn more about the NAMs research and data, training, courses, seminars, and conferences are held.
This action demonstrates how the Environmental Protection Agency is working against its goal of eliminating the use of mammals in chemical research by 2035. As a result, stakeholders must stay informed about future animal testing standards and take appropriate action.
Leave A Comment