What is the main purpose of chemical safety testing?

To evaluate the potential harmful effects of chemicals on living organisms

The correct answer is Option (2) -To evaluate the potential harmful effects of chemicals on living organisms.

Chemical safety testing, also referred to as toxicity/safety testing, involves evaluating the potential harmful effects of chemicals or substances on living organisms. This testing procedure is similar to that used for assessing the toxicity of drugs. To enhance the efficiency of toxicity testing, scientists create transgenic animals that carry specific genes making them more sensitive to toxic substances than their non-transgenic counterparts. These genetically modified animals are then exposed to the toxic substances being studied, and the resulting effects are closely examined.

By using transgenic animals that are more susceptible to toxic substances, researchers can obtain toxicity test results more rapidly. This approach allows for quicker identification of potential hazards associated with certain chemicals or products, aiding in the assessment of their safety profiles. The sensitivity of the transgenic animals to toxic substances allows researchers to detect adverse effects at lower doses, providing valuable insights into the potential risks posed by various chemicals.

The use of transgenic animals in toxicity testing offers advantages in terms of time efficiency and sensitivity, helping to streamline the process of evaluating the safety of substances before they are introduced to human or environmental exposure. However, it's important to consider the ethical implications of using genetically modified animals in research and to ensure that proper animal welfare standards are followed during the testing process.