Toxicology of Industrial Compounds

298 TESTING AND EVALUATION FOR REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY
Figure 20.10 Interpretation/extrapolation of reproductive toxicology.
Conclusions
In conclusion I should mention that time constraints enforce superficial
mention of many important aspects. I would like to emphasise that
improved testing and evaluation for toxicity to reproduction can be
achieved with methodology that exists within and without regulatory
guidelines. This has been illustrated by the special cases presented at this
meeting.
There is no necessity to be restricted to specific guidelines, there never
was. We should make use of any and all test methods available as
appropriate for the substance being investigated. Whatever the type of
substance, testing involves looking for the same hazards. Having identified
a hazard, methods of assessing risk, essentially, are the same (although
PBPK models for reproductive toxicity would be more complex than those
used for systemic toxicity).
The methodology is available, what is required is the willingness and
wisdom to use it effectively and efficiently (Palmer, 1993a, b). The goal
should be to investigate a specific substance to the extent necessary, no
more and no less. For this there needs to be a change in attitude by
industry, agencies and academia. Therein is the greatest problem since
‘Change is not made without inconvenience, even from worse to better’ and
people are very unwilling to change their prejudices and habits.