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Related Topics:
  • Pesticide Science and Assessing Pesticide Risks
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Strategic Vision for Adopting New Approach Methodologies - Metrics

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report to Congress in 2019 recommending that Federal agencies develop metrics to assess the progress made toward reducing, refining and replacing animal use in testing. The activities and policies EPA has implemented over the past several years demonstrate significant impacts in reducing the number of animals used in testing and saving resources for the Agency and stakeholders. Additionally, one of the objectives of the Agency's NAMs Workplan is to begin reporting overall baseline metrics and progress by the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2022.

Details on these reduction and replacement metrics are described on their respective pages. EPA’s Pesticide Program reports its progress in the Annual Reports on PRIA Implementation, and began to release specific metrics in FY 2015.

On this page:
  • Hazard and Science Policy Council (HASPOC) Metrics
  • Chemistry and Acute Toxicology Science Advisory Council (CATSAC) Metrics
  • Acute Dermal Retrospective Waiver Requests Metrics
  • In Vitro Assay Metrics

Hazard and Science Policy Council (HASPOC) Metrics

HASPOC reviews data waiver requests for subchronic, chronic, developmental and reproductive toxicity for technical-grade active ingredients related to human health risk assessment. The council uses a weight-of-evidence evaluation to determine data needs that will adequately inform regulatory decision-making, guided by the Part 158 Toxicology Data Requirements: Guidance for Neurotoxicity Battery, Subchronic Inhalation, Subchronic Dermal and Immunotoxicity Studies (May 1, 2013).

Fiscal year Granted Animal Reduction Cost Savings*
2018 62 16,500 $8,900,000
2019 57 22,000 $8,500,000
2020 36 11,800 $3,500,000
2021 70 29,500 $9,100,000

Chemistry and Acute Toxicology Science Advisory Council (CATSAC) Metrics

CATSAC evaluates substantial similarity claims, data citations, and waiver requests for the acute toxicity “six-pack” to support the registration of pesticide products.  Learn more about the  standard evaluation procedure used by the council to guide these evaluations .

Fiscal Year Studies Saved Animal Reduction Cost Savings*
2018 18 171-384 $170,400
2019 24 255-590 $284,900
2020 12 102-178 $56,500
2021 18 165-410 $221,700

Acute Dermal Retrospective Waiver Request Metrics

Waivers granted under the 2016 Guidance for Waiving Acute Dermal Toxicity Tests for Pesticide Formulations & Supporting Retrospective Analysis.

Fiscal Year Waivers Granted Animal Reduction Cost Savings*
2018 31 310-930 $201,500
2019 37 370-1110 $240,500
2020 30 300-900 $195,000
2021 56 560-1680 $364,000

* Cost savings is based on the number of studies and/or waivers granted.

In Vitro Assay Metrics

The number of in vitro assays that were submitted to address the acute toxicity data requirements and support the registration of new pesticide products and the registration review of currently registered pesticides.

Fiscal Year in vitro eye irritation assays in vitro skin irritation assays in vitro skin sensitization assays
2018 19 11 1
2019 12 7 0
2020 13 7 3
2021 32 28 12
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on April 6, 2022
United States Environmental Protection Agency

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