Current ecotoxicity testing needs among selected U.S. federal agencies

U.S. regulatory and research agencies use ecotoxicity test data to assess the hazards associated with substances that may be released into the environment, including but not limited to industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, food additives, and color additives. These data are used to conduct hazard assessments and evaluate potential risks to aquatic life (e.g., invertebrates, fish), birds, wildlife species, or the environment. To identify opportunities for regulatory uses of non-animal replacements for ecotoxicity tests, the needs and uses for data from tests utilizing animals must first be clarified. Accordingly, the objective of this review was to identify the ecotoxicity test data relied upon by U.S. federal agencies. The standards, test guidelines, guidance documents, and/or endpoints that are used to address each of the agencies’ regulatory and research needs regarding ecotoxicity testing are described in the context of their application to decision-making. Testing and information use, needs, and/or requirements relevant to the regulatory or programmatic mandates of the agencies taking part in the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods Ecotoxicology Workgroup are captured. This information will be useful for coordinating efforts to develop and implement alternative test methods to reduce, refine, or replace animal use in chemical safety evaluations

Possibilities for the Re-collection and Recycling of Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets (LLINs) in Sub-Saharan Africa

The United States Agency of International Development (USAID) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have relied heavily on the distribution of bednets to curb malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, WHO has recently recommended a massive scale-up of its distribution of long long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs). Many nets in circulation are already reaching their end-of-life stage, and with more nets on the way USAID and WHO are concerned that discarded nets will have negative impacts on both the environment and human health. This master’s project addresses two issues of concern for USAID’s LLIN technical team: 1) whether a disposal/recycling program is a possibility for manufacturers and donors, and 2) whether there are realistic possibilities for retrieving nets from the field after they have lost their efficacy. Research on these issues was conducted through a literature review and a series of interviews with manufacturers, donors and other stake-holders. Results indicate that take-back and recycling programs could be a possibility. Manufacturers are receptive to the idea of more environmentally friendly practices including recycling old nets and using biodegradable packaging. They are also continuing to develop technology to make recycling nets a possibility. Additionally, the World Bank’s estimate for cost of recycling programs is feasible for donors at this time. Existing recycling programs in developing countries have also provided models of successful examples for take-back programs in sub-Saharan Africa. They highlight the importance of education and the value of using existing infrastructure for sustainable programs with high success rates