Proceedings of the Workshop on One-vs Two-Generation Reproductive Effects Studies

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Abstract
The Workshop on One-vs Two-Generation Reproductive Effects Studies was held on October 21-22, 1987. It was organized by the USEPA's Office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances and Office of Research and Development and was supported by the Agency's Risk Assessment Forum. The purpose of the workshop was to address the central question: Is a single-generation reproductive effects study sufficient to assess the reproductive toxicity potential of chemicals that do not bioaccumulate? In response to this question, the panel of nine participants concluded that, by itself, a one-generation reproductive effects study is insufficient to identify all potential reproductive toxicants and that a two-generation study is needed for an adequate assessment. The panel did not support placing much importance on bioaccumulation as related to reproductive toxicity testing mainly because it is not the only critical factor that may account for effects in a second generation but not in the first. In studying broader issues, the panel accomplished several goals that hopefully may serve to direct future development in reproductive toxicity testing: (1) the purpose of a reproductive effects study was defined, (2) a minimal set of end points necessary for adequate evaluation of reproductive toxicity was determined, (3) some alternative reproductive effects test methods were recommended, (4) greater flexibility in choosing a test protocol on a case by case basis was encouraged, and (5) areas that need further research were identified.