SIDS reprotoxicity screening test update: testing strategies and use

The OECD screening information data set (SIDS) project is a cooperative effort of OECD member countries and industry to assess the hazard/risk posed to human health and the environment by high production volume (HPV) chemicals, and to assign priorities for further work. To date, work has been initiated on about 1000 HPV chemicals. Abbreviated reproduction and developmental toxicity screening tests (OECD test guidelines 421 and 422) were developed specifically for the SIDS project. These tests, though not providing a complete characterization of reproductive or developmental hazard, are accepted in USA and Japan as fulfilling the requirement of an initial reproduction and developmental toxicity evaluation for HPV chemicals. Based on the OECD-approved SIDS initial assessments for 54 substances tested according to guideline 421 or 422, these tests are providing useful data for initial hazard assessment.