[In vitro methods and their use in toxicology]

Assessment of the human health risks from chemicals is based predominantly on animal studies. After quantitative evaluation of data, a no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) is determined. The NOAEL is subsequently extrapolated to the human situation, resulting in a recommended exposure limit for the general human population. The aim of this work is to point out to the use of alternative methods in toxicology which diminished the number of animals in standard tests of toxicity and to the use of in vitro techniques in cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of chemicals.