This paper represents a review of European approaches to the purpose and problems of testing the toxicity of hydrocarbons and dispersants. It was prepared by the authors following a meeting of a group of European ecologists, which was convened by the Dispersant Working Group of the UK Institute of Petroleum Co-ordinating Committee for the Prevention of Sea Pollution.

The paper deals with the aims of toxicity tests, and draws distinctions between those devised for toxicity ranking purposes, required by governments and industry for assessing the potential of new products, and those tests done for predicting possible ecological effects from the spillage of oil or use of dispersants.

The paper also discusses the principles guiding the two approaches, and compares the use of LD50 with tests examining recovery and survival.

Laboratory tests are examined in relation to field experiments and experience.

In discussing laboratory practice, chemical problems, standardisation, the selection of test organisms, sampling, experimental design data processing and data presentation are considered.

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Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group
1973