Genotoxicity required

Genotoxicity studies are required to identify compounds that can induce genetic damage ranging from single point gene mutations to gross alterations of chromosomal structure. Such effects are taken as indicative of the potential to cause cancer or heritable defects in humans. A standard battery of three types of test is recommended ... 

Ethylene oxide is used in the manufacture of raw materials and can be used to sterilize the surface of finished products and containers. Unfortunately, ethylene oxide is a genotoxic carcinogen and its use is not accepted without justification. In any event, tight controls are required on residues of ethylene oxide and its halohydrin-related substances. For raw materials the amount of these residues is limited to 1 and 50 pig/g, respectively for finished products 1 and 50 pg/g, respectively (with any affected ingredients subject to the control limits for raw materials) and for containers, based on simulated use, 1 and 50 pg/mL container volume, respectively. 

Second, meanwhile, no international guidelines have been provided for the manufacture, marketing, and distribution of household insecticides on such a level as those of agricultural chemicals, and not even manufacturing registration is required in some countries. Of course, the minimal required toxicity studies are conducted with synthetic pyrethroids for household insecticides to examine absorption, distribution, metabolism, and genotoxicity in animals. 

Data adequacy The study was well conducted and documented. Supporting data include both human and animal studies. Animal studies covered acute, subchronic, and chronic exposure durations and addressed systemic toxicity as well as neurotoxicity, reproductive and developmental effects, cardiac sensitization, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity. Other effects in animal studies occurred at much higher concentrations or with repeated exposures the latter are not relevant for setting short-term exposures. No deaths occurred in several species of animals exposed for various periods of time to concentrations less than those requiring supplemental oxygen (approximately 700,000 ppm). ... 

Genotoxic Effect to be Assessed for Conformance with ISO 10993-3 Significance of Test Tests Meeting Requirements... 

ICH guidelines specifically require three genotoxicity assays for all devices (see Table 6.2). The assays should preferably evaluate DNA effects, gene mutations and chromosomal aberrations, and two of the assays should preferably use mammalian cells. Guidance for providing tests for selection to meet these needs are the OECD guidelines, which include 8 in vitro and 7 in vivo assays. 

ICH (1996). Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use. Guidance on Specific Aspects of Regulatory Genotoxicity Tests for Pharmaceuticals. S2A document recommended for adoption at step 4 of the ICH process on July 19, 1995. Federal Register 61 18198-18202, April 24, 1996. 

Absence of carcinogenity, genotoxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity and of chronic toxicity effects at low exposure levels are indispensable prerequisites for food additive approvals. All substances approved in the European Union or the USA or deemed generally recognised as safe (GRAS) in the USA fulfil this requirement. 

International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use. Genotoxicity A Standard Battery for Genotoxicity Testing... 

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