Chronic full life-cycle tests

Fish partial and full life-cycle test methods have been used successfully for many years to assess the effects of nonendocrine active chemicals (McKim 1977) and more recently to focus on high-priority endocrine disrupters (Tyler et al. 1998 Huet 2000 Lange et al. 2001). In some cases, there may also be a need to measure the potential for chronic effects on amphibians, for which developmental effect test methods are available (Devillers and Exbrayat 1992 Pickford et al. 2003). Again, in line with current knowledge, PNEC assessments should be based on impaired fitness parameters (e.g., reduced rates of fertility, development, or fecundity) and not on molecular or biochemical changes (see Figure 4.3). 

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