Review of Evidence of Environmental Impacts of Animal Research and Testing

Environments

Katherine Groff¹  Eric Bachli²  Molly Lansdowne² 

[1] New England Anti-Vivisection Society, 333 Washington St. Suite 850, Boston, MA 02108, USA;

关键词: animal research;    animal testing;    adverse environmental impacts;    laboratory waste production;    breeding;    laboratory health effects;   

DOI  :  10.3390/environments1010014

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Millions of animals are used in research and toxicity testing, including in drug, medical device, chemical, cosmetic, personal care, household, and other product sectors, but the environmental consequences are yet to be adequately addressed. Evidence suggests that their use and disposal, and the associated use of chemicals and supplies, contribute to pollution as well as adverse impacts on biodiversity and public health. The objective of this review is to examine such evidence. The review includes examinations of (1) resources used in animal research; (2) waste production in laboratories; (3) sources of pollution; (4) impacts on laboratory workers’ health; and (5) biodiversity impacts. The clear conclusion from the review is that the environmental implications of animal testing must be acknowledged, reported, and taken into account as another factor in addition to ethical and scientific reasons weighing heavily in favor of moving away from allowing and requiring animal use in research and testing.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2014 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.