1. Review of Evidence of Environmental Impacts of Animal Research and Testing
- Author
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Molly Lansdowne, Katherine Groff, Eric Bachli, and Theodora Capaldo
- Subjects
animal testing ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Medical device ,Personal care ,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment ,Public health ,lcsh:TD1-1066 ,Product (business) ,Waste production ,breeding ,Environmental health ,medicine ,Environmental science ,adverse environmental impacts ,lcsh:Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering ,Animal testing ,laboratory waste production ,Environmental planning ,animal research ,laboratory health effects ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,General Environmental Science ,Animal use - Abstract
Millions of animals are used in research and toxicity testing, including in drug, medical device, chemical, cosmetic, personal care, household, and other product sectors, but the environmental consequences are yet to be adequately addressed. Evidence suggests that their use and disposal, and the associated use of chemicals and supplies, contribute to pollution as well as adverse impacts on biodiversity and public health. The objective of this review is to examine such evidence. The review includes examinations of (1) resources used in animal research; (2) waste production in laboratories; (3) sources of pollution; (4) impacts on laboratory workers’ health; and (5) biodiversity impacts. The clear conclusion from the review is that the environmental implications of animal testing must be acknowledged, reported, and taken into account as another factor in addition to ethical and scientific reasons weighing heavily in favor of moving away from allowing and requiring animal use in research and testing.
- Published
- 2014
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