EPA to scale back use of animals to test chemical toxicity
Sep 09, 2019
The practice of chemical testing with animals has long prompted debates driven by passionate views on morality and scientific research. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced it aims to drastically reduce, and eventually eliminate, the amount of studies that involve mammal testing over the next 15 years.
The plan states that the EPA will cut back on its requests for and spending on mammal studies by 30% by 2025 and dismiss all requests and funding for animal testing by 2035. Although this decision is backed by many animal rights groups and environmental supporters, it has prompted concern for researchers regarding the tight timeline. Since animal testing helps scientists discover life-saving treatments and identify chemicals harmful to people and the environment, some are worried about how clearly alternative tests will indicate toxicity. On the other hand, this effort by the EPA will save the lives of countless animals, as well as taxpayers’ dollars.
Learn more about the EPA’s plan and the ongoing debate here. You can also read the EPA’s official news release on its website.
Why should you care?
Whether your moral compass aligns with this movement or not, animal testing tends to take longer and cost more than alternative methods.
