Original ALERT from Physicians
Committee for Responsible Medicine:
“In a proposed rule, Sunscreen Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use,
FDA will require cancer tests which expose animals to very high doses of the
sunscreen ingredients every day for two years, and other tests giving these
chemicals to pregnant and lactating animals. The tests involve spreading
chemicals on immobilized animals’ shaved skin every day. FDA may also
require tests which involve force-feeding and injecting chemicals into the
animals’ bodies. Following the testing, the animals would be killed and
dissected.
“Despite the fact that these tests would kill tens of thousands of animals,
FDA doesn’t mention whether it is even taking any steps to minimize the
number of animals that would be used or to use data already available. This
is at odds with recent FDA statements that the agency seeks to reduce and
replace animal tests wherever possible.
“The animal tests won’t make sunscreen products safer and may delay the
approval of newer, more effective sunscreen ingredients. FDA should require
human-relevant, nonanimal tests that evaluate a chemical’s potential to
damage DNA, increase cell growth, activate hormones, and suppress immunity.
When combined with what is already known about a chemical, such tests
provide useful information that can better protect consumers from harmful
ingredients.
“Please COMMENT ON THE
PROPOSED RULE to urge FDA to use nonanimal methods
instead. We have provided text for you, but feel free to use your own words.
“After commenting, please share this alert with your friends and social
networks. We need as many people as possible to voice their opposition to
these tests.”
Thank you for everything you do for animals!
Return to 2019 Action Alerts
Read more at Alternatives to Animal Testing, Experimentation and Dissection
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