3 types of tests

The main animal tests carried out are:

• For toxicity (to see

if a substance is harm­ful): Products, like bleach or lipstick, are force-fed to a group of animals, usually rats and mice, until 50% die.

• For eye irritation:

Products, like shampoos or hair sprays, are dripped or sprayed into the eyes of conscious rabbits. (The animals' tear ducts are structured in such a way that they cannot flush such sub­stances away.) This can continue for some days to see if the eye is dam­aged.

• For skin sensitivity or irritation:

Substances, like deodor­ants and face cream,

are applied to the shaved skin of animals, usually guinea pigs or rabbits. They are held in place for some time with sticky tape, to see if there is an adverse reac­tion. Symptoms may include inflammation and swelling.