05.01.2013 Views

technical guidance documents - Institute for Health and Consumer ...

technical guidance documents - Institute for Health and Consumer ...

technical guidance documents - Institute for Health and Consumer ...

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

TESTING STRATEGIES<br />

6.3.2.2 Available long-term tests<br />

The long-term tests available when seeking to refine the PNEC are limited. It is nevertheless<br />

important that the correct test is chosen to maximise the usable in<strong>for</strong>mation <strong>and</strong> avoid<br />

unnecessary repeat testing.<br />

Long-term fish testing<br />

Fish early-life stage(FELS) toxicity test (OECD 210, 1992h)<br />

A full life-cycle fish test is not currently available as st<strong>and</strong>ardised test method. In its absence the<br />

FELS toxicity test is considered as the most sensitive of the fish tests, covering several life<br />

stages of the fish from the newly fertilised egg, through hatch to early stages of growth. This is<br />

considered to cover most, but not all, of the sensitive points in the life-cycle <strong>and</strong> is also the only<br />

suitable test currently available <strong>for</strong> examining the potential toxic effects of bioaccumulation. It<br />

is, however, a long test, typically 60 days post-hatch <strong>for</strong> rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss),<br />

or approximately 30 days post-hatch <strong>for</strong> warm water fish, <strong>and</strong> is consequently the most<br />

expensive of those available. It should there<strong>for</strong>e only be requested where long-term fish toxicity<br />

data are required <strong>and</strong> the substance has the potential to bioaccumulate.<br />

Fish, short-term toxicity test on embryo <strong>and</strong> sac-fry stages (EU Annex V C.15, OECD 212, 1998c)<br />

This test measures the sensitive early life stages from the newly fertilised egg to the end of the<br />

sac-fry stage. It is considerably shorter, <strong>and</strong> hence less expensive, than the FELS toxicity test but<br />

is also considered less sensitive. The method offers an alternative to the FELS toxicity test <strong>for</strong><br />

substances with log Kow less than 4.<br />

Fish, juvenile growth test (EU Annex V C.14, OECD 215, 2000d)<br />

This test measures the growth of juvenile fish over a fixed period, <strong>and</strong> is considered a sensitive<br />

indicator of toxicity. Although it is considered to be of insufficient duration to examine all the<br />

sensitive points in the fish life-cycle, it provides a shorter <strong>and</strong> less expensive option to the FELS<br />

test <strong>for</strong> substances of log Kow < 5.<br />

Fish, prolonged toxicity test, 14-day study (OECD 204, 1984c)<br />

This test cannot be considered a suitable long-term toxicity study since it does not examine a<br />

sensitive stage in the fish life-cycle. It is, in effect, a prolonged acute study with fish mortality as<br />

the major end-point examined. However, sub-lethal effects are monitored <strong>and</strong> the NOEC should<br />

be based on the absence of these effects. It should not be requested where a long-term fish study<br />

is required. It should only be requested where provision of further in<strong>for</strong>mation on possible shortterm<br />

effects is considered necessary.<br />

Long-term Daphnia testing<br />

Daphnia magna reproduction test (EU Annex V C.20, OECD 211, 1998b)<br />

This test measures effects on juvenile production as well as parental immobility <strong>and</strong> mortality. It<br />

is frequently (<strong>and</strong> preferably) conducted over 21 days. Although it does not cover the full<br />

Daphnia life-cycle, it does cover the sensitive reproduction stage <strong>and</strong> is there<strong>for</strong>e considered a<br />

sensitive long-term study.<br />

186

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!