Objective of the study

The study should provide information on health hazard likely to arise from a short-term exposure to the solid or liquid pesticide by the dermal route.

The studies, data and information to be provided and evaluated should allow the identification of effects following a single exposure to the pesticide, and in particular to establish:

• the toxicity of the active ingredient and the formulated product;
• the time course and characteristics of the effects with full details of behavioural changes and possible gross pathological findings at post-mortem; and
• where possible mode of toxic action.

While the emphasis should be on estimating the toxicity ranges involved, the information generated should also permit the active ingredient to be classified regarding its acute hazard.

The information generated through acute toxicity testing is of particular value in assessing hazards likely to arise in accident situations.

Circumstances under which the study is recommended to be required

The acute dermal toxicity should always be conducted. Both local and systemic effects should be investigated.

The study is normally not required if the pesticide is a gas or a highly volatile liquid, or if it is corrosive to skin or has a pH of < 2 or > 11.5

Test organism

The study is normally conducted in the rat, rabbit or guinea pig.

Test substance

• Technical grade active ingredient
• Formulated product
• If relevant, testing of the diluted end-use product is recommended

Typical endpoints of the study

Mortality: dermal LD50 (mg a.i. / kg bw)

Test guidelines

The following test guidelines may be used for determination of the acute dermal toxicity:

• OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals. Test No. 402: Acute Dermal Toxicity

• US EPA Health Effects Test Guidelines. OPPTS 870.1200: Acute Dermal Toxicity

• EC Testing Method B.3. Acute toxicity (dermal) . Council Regulation (EC) No 440/2008 – Part B.