Human and animal cell cultures are being used increasingly to screen toxic substances before progressing to whole-animal testing. When in vitro studies show that a substance is toxic, testing it in animals may not be necessary. Computer models are also being used to help predict the properties of substances and their probable actions in living systems. Although computers can store and analyze enormous amounts of data, some information must come from experimental animals. These non-animal research tools have reduced our dependence on animals, but they cannot completely replace experimental animals for the foreseeable future.
Toxicologists have the responsibility to treat laboratory animals with great care and compassion.
Today, all projects involving animal testing supported by funds from the PHS must comply with the regulations of the Animal Welfare Act, as amended, and the Health Research Extension Act. These laws were enacted to protect research animals. An institution that uses laboratory animals for any purpose must operate a sound animal care program. The PHS fosters quality control in animal care and has a high regard for the welfare of laboratory animals. The number of products used by society has increased greatly since animal testing began, but adverse health effects are relatively uncommon.