Description
Animal research is a sensitive subject and rightly commands a high level of public interest. It is not something Dow undertakes arbitrarily, but neither is it something Dow can discontinue, as it plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and environmental integrity of Dow's products. Additionally, the need to conduct animal research is often driven by government regulation. Dow looks forward to the time when advances in science and technology will enable the development and regulatory acceptance of alternative testing methods, thereby enabling Dow to develop the necessary health and safety information using non-animal testing methods.
Dow’s Position
Dow remains committed to the development, acceptance, and use of alternative testing methods which will help to reduce the need for animal studies. It is in Dow's interest to see alternatives to animal experiments more widely accepted. Putting aside the ethical arguments, many of the alternative methods can save resources and make sound business sense.
However, it is not in Dow's interest to adopt alternative testing techniques which have not been shown to be wholly reliable. If Dow fails to ensure adequate stewardship of its products, Dow not only fails to properly safeguard human health and the environment, but Dow also jeopardizes the broader acceptance of alternative testing methods in the future.
Dow’s Actions
- Dow uses non-animal tests whenever practical and acceptable to meet government requirements. Some alternative methods utilize computer models, cultured cells, bacteria or insects as replacements for mammals. When animal research is required, Dow is conscientious about humane handling, care and treatment of the animals Dow uses.
- Long before animal rights groups raised concerns about animal testing, Dow established and adhered to a self-imposed program using the minimum number of animals when such research is required.
- Since 1968, Dow has voluntarily participated in and has been fully accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International - a private, non-profit organization that promotes humane animal care and use in science.
Last Updated: December 3, 2008
For additional Dow information visit:
Product Safety
For more external information, visit the AAALAC web site, http://www.aaalac.org.
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