Eye irritation: updated reference chemicals data bank

A list of 55 chemicals for which comprehensive rabbit eye irritation data were available was published by ECETOC in 1992. Similar data for a further 77 chemicals are now available. The total of chemicals included in the enlarged data bank is 132, assessed in 149 in vivo studies in rabbits. 28 of the chemicals were tested as solids, 24 as aqueous solutions. No new in vivo testing was carried out in order to qualify a chemical for inclusion in the data bank. The chemicals are available at known, high, consistent purity and are expected to be stable in storage. The in vivo data have been generated since 1981 in studies carried out according to OECD Test Guideline 405 and following the principles of Good Laboratory Practice. The data were obtained from tests normally using at least three animals evaluated at the same time, involving instillation of 0.1ml (or equivalent weight) into the conjunctival sac, and in which observations were made at least 1, 2 and 3 days after instillation. The chemicals are ranked for eye irritation potential on the basis of a 'modified maximum average score'. The reference chemicals data bank should be of use in validation tests of promising alternatives to the in vivo rabbit eye irritation test.