OECD 404: Acute skin irritation
The OECD 404 Acute Skin Irritation Test provides information on the health hazards of the test substance from dermal application, often for a particular agrochemical or chemical product.
The OECD 439 In Vitro skin Irritation Test must be performed first to see whether it is necessary to perform the in vivo version (OECD 404). If more data are needed after the in vitro tests are completed, then the rabbit is the preferable model to produce similar hazard estimation to human skin.
Dermal irritation, signs of erythema/edema, lesion severity and levels of reversibility are evaluated. Should responses persist at the end of the observation period the test substance is considered an irritant.
