What are the Methods Used in Dermal Toxicity Testing?
Various methods are employed in dermal toxicity testing, each with specific applications:
In Vivo Testing: Traditional methods involve the use of animal models, such as rabbits or rats, to assess acute toxicity and long-term effects. Despite ethical concerns, these studies provide valuable data on skin irritation, corrosion, and systemic toxicity. In Vitro Testing: Advances in technology have led to the development of alternative methods, such as reconstructed human epidermis models. These allow for the assessment of skin irritation and corrosion without involving live animals. In Silico Models: Computational models and predictive toxicology approaches are increasingly used to predict dermal toxicity based on chemical structure and known data.