Detecting sensitizing substances through animal and human testing

Sensitization to a chemical substance occurs after repeated exposure to low doses over a period of time. Sensitization reactions (allergies) occur unexpectedly upon subsequent accidental exposure to the sensitizing substance.

Tests on laboratory animals follow the same pattern: induction –latency period– triggering, followed by the rating of effects.

It is also important to know how to use sensitization tests and be able to interpret the results of studies in order to recognize and evaluate the allergenic potential of a chemical substance for humans.

Official tests for detecting the sensitizing potential of a substance must therefore be chosen with care, and their results are important for the classification of the substance.

What tests are available and how should they be interpreted?