[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 16, Volume 2] [Revised as of January 1, 2007] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 16CFR1500.40] [Page 437-438] TITLE 16--COMMERCIAL PRACTICES CHAPTER II--CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION PART 1500_HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES AND ARTICLES; ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT REGULATIONS--Table of Contents Sec. 1500.40 Method of testing toxic substances. The method of testing the toxic substances referred to in Sec. 1500.3(c) (1)(ii)(C) and (2)(iii) is as follows: (a) Acute dermal toxicity (single exposure). In the acute exposures, the agent is held in contact with the skin by means of a sleeve for periods varying up to 24 hours. The sleeve, made of rubber dam or other impervious material, is so constructed that the ends are reinforced with additional strips and should fit snugly around the trunk of the animal. The ends of the sleeve are tucked, permitting the central portion to ``balloon'' and furnish a reservoir for the dose. The reservoir must have sufficient capacity to contain the dose without pressure. In the following table are given the dimensions of sleeves and the approximate body surface exposed to the test substance. The sleeves may vary in size to accommodate smaller or larger subjects. In the testing of unctuous materials that adhere readily to the skin, mesh wire screen may be employed instead of the sleeve. The screen is padded and raised approximately 2 centimeters from the exposed skin. In the case of dry powder preparations, the skin and substance are moistened with physiological saline prior to exposure. The sleeve or screen is then slipped over the gauze that holds the dose applied to the skin. In the case of finely divided powders, the measured dose is evenly distributed on cotton gauze which is then secured to the area of exposure. [[Page 438]] Dimensions of Sleeves for Acute Dermal Toxicity Test [Test animal--Rabbits] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Measurements in centimeters Average percentage -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Range of weight of Average area of exposure of total body Diameter at ends Overall length animals (grams) (square centimeters) surface -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7.0 12.5 2,500-3,500 240 10.7 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (b) Preparation of test animal. The animals are prepared by clipping the skin of the trunk free of hair. Approximately one-half of the animals are further prepared by making epidermal abrasions every 2 or 3 centimeters longitudinally over the area of exposure. The abrasions are sufficiently deep to penetrate the stratum corneum (horny layer of the epidermis) but not to distrub the derma; that is, not to obtain bleeding. (c) Procedures for testing. The sleeve is slipped onto the animal which is then placed in a comfortable but immobilized position in a multiple animal holder. Selected doses of liquids and solutions are introduced under the sleeve. If there is slight leakage from the sleeve, which may occur during the first few hours of exposure, it is collected and reapplied. Dosage levels are adjusted in subsequent exposures (if necessary) to enable a calculation of a dose that would be fatal to 50 percent of the animals. This can be determined from mortality ratios obtained at various doses employed. At the end of 24 hours the sleeves or screens are removed, the volume of unabsorbed material (if any) is measured, and the skin reactions are noted. The subjects are cleaned by thorough wiping, observed for gross symptoms of poisoning, and then observed for 2 weeks.