FREE ESSAY ON DISPOSSABLE ANIMALS

DISPOSSABLE ANIMALS

We, as humans, have made numerous advancements in the world. We have firmly established
the scientific evolution, but in doing so, it seems that our ethics and morals have
failed to progress as well. The knowledge we have acquired is remarkable, but with it
comes responsibility to use it wisely and ethically. We torture and heartlessly kill
creatures that we arrogantly consider lesser beings simply at our disposal. For something
as simple as eye makeup animals are tortured and blinded by tests performed at the
laboratory. Where they are hardly fed, often forced to live in filth, and sometimes have
their vocal cords removed to keep them quiet (CAAT). 
We are systematically cutting down the last forest that provides their shelter to farm
cattle; we dump toxic chemicals and sewage into the waters in which they live; we wear
and display the tusks of the last few of their species in our homes, and we pour cosmetic
products into their eyes and body parts to determine the harmful effects they might cause
on humans, even though the physiological differentiation between humans and the animals
they use is drastic. On a daily basis most people do not see their own degree of
unintentional support towards this global dilemma, but when compiled on paper one must
question how mankind can, with conscience, commit these acts which shame us as human
beings. Animals possess the same kinds of feelings and emotions as human beings, and
without anesthesia, they are subjected to the pain as well. Mankind often fails to give
animals the respect and rights they deserve, they are treated as lifeless, unfeeling
scientific specimens and items that we may manipulate at our own convenience and for
vanity's sake.
The Facts of Animal Tests -
Laboratory research involving animals is cruel and merciless treatment of helpless
creatures. No law requires that cosmetics and household products be tested on animals.
Nevertheless, every day hundreds of animals will have had their eyes, skin or
gastrointestinal systems unnecessarily burned or destroyed (PETA).
Two of the most common animal tests are the Draize, or eye irritancy test and the LD50
(Lethal Dose 50). The Draize test is performed almost exclusively on albino rabbits, such
as the Forida White, because they are cheap, docile, and are not "equipped" with tear
ducts to wash away the chemicals. During the test the rabbits are immobilized in a stock
with only their head protruding and a solid or liquid is placed in the lower lid of one
eye of the rabbit; substances vary from mascara to aftershave and even oven cleaner. The
rabbit's eyes ate clipped open and observed at intervals of 1, 24, 48, 72 and 168 hours.
It is important to note that, during this test, anesthesia is rarely used. Reactions
include inflammation, ulceration, rupture of the eyeball, corrosion and bleeding. Some of
these studies continue for weeks, and all the while no measures are made to reduce
suffering or treat the rabbits.
Survival, however, will only lead to and entirely new set of tests, such as the skin
irritancy or the LD50. Lethal Dose 50 refers to the lethal dose that is required to kill
50% of all animals in a test group of 40-200. Animals are force-fed substances through a
stomach tube; forced to inhale a substance, or have the substance applied to their rectum
or genitals. These tests continue until half of the test animals die. During these tests,
animals will often endure excruciating pain, convulsions, loss of motor function,
seizures, vomiting, paralysis and bleeding from every open orifice in the body. Any
animals who somehow manage to survive these particular tests are subsequently destroyed
(ALH). There is also a Lethal Dose 100 test that determines the amount of a test
substance required to kill 100%of the test animals. 
The skin irritancy test, similar to the eye irritancy test, is where and animal, most
commonly a rodent, has a highly concentrated solution of a chemical in question applied
to their skin. Their skin is then observed for signs of 
irritancy, such as redness and blistering. In some cases, the irritation can be so severe
that the product actually burns through the skin.
Reliability of Results - 
Not only are these tests cruel, but the results are unreliable and unnecessary as
scientific evidence. As with the previously mentioned Draized test; rabbits eyes are not
the same as human eyes - there are profound differences, mainly the absence of tear
ducts. In addition, different species react differently to various substances; substances
that fail to damage a rabbit's eye may be toxic to a human. For example, Nicotine in dogs
is a staggering 9.2mg/kg, in pigeons 75mg/kg, and in rats, 53mg/kg (PETA Facts). Another
example, results from experiences, which exposed a variety of animal species to cigarette
smoke, led researchers to believe that smoking did not cause Cancer. Because of this,
warning labels on packs were delayed for years and cigarette manufacturers still use
animal data to question the harmful effects of their products. Similarly, 150 years of
animal "models" have produced 25 drugs "proven" effective against stroke, none of which
works in humans. The drugs Oraflex, Selacryn, Zomax, Suprol and Meritol produced such
adverse side effects in humans, including death, that they were removed from the market,
though animal experimentation had predicted them all to be safe. One of the few studies
that examined the differences in species reactions found only a 5-25% connection between
harmful effects in people and the results of animal experiments (MFAT). 
The question of why such tests continue must be raised. Whatever the reason may be,
animal research has achieved a certain level of status; and funding agencies often favor
these projects (MFAT). Mankind has a tendency to seek out the fastest and easiest way to
devise an answer, usually for the cheapest cost. Sadly, it seems animals may not be
entirely saved from this tendency soon enough. 
Global Awareness - 
While animals continue to be violated in laboratories, a consciousness about our
responsibility toward our relationship with animals has begun and continued to rise. As a
result of pressures from animal advocacy groups such as PETA (People for the Ethical
Treatment of Animals), a number of large corporations have ceased all animal testing in
recent years. These corporations include Avon, Amway, Benetton, Revlon and even General
Motors, who used to subject animals to crash/impact tests. In addition, the general
public has begun to lean toward and seek out those products which are not tested on
animals, from personal observation, cruelty free cosmetics have led a trend among young,
educated buyers. Consumers have begun to demand more application of the available
alternatives to animal testing; some of which include cell cultures; tissue cultures;
corneas from eye banks; and sophisticated computer and mathematical models (PETA facts).
Alternatives to Animal Testing -
Test results using methods, which do not include animals, have in fact proved themselves
more accurate and less expensive (PETA facts). For example, the Avon cosmetic company has
personally endorsed EYTEX SYSTEM, an alternative to the painful Draize test (Rollin,
B.E.). Legal prohibition of the Draize and LD50 tests would accelerate the alternative
approaches, to the benefit of science, animals and consumers (Rollin, B.E., 149).
Alternatives to animal tests are efficient and reliable, both for cosmetics and household
product tests and for "medical research." In most cases, non-animal methods take less
time to complete, cost only a fraction compared to the tests using animals, and are not
questionable with inaccuracies concerning species correlation's which make results
difficult or impossible. Eytex, developed by InVitro International, assesses irritancy
with a protein alteration system. A vegetable protein from the jack bean mimics the
reaction of the cornea when exposed to foreign matter. The greater the irritation, the
more opaque the solution becomes. 
The Skintex formula, developed by the same corporation, is made from the yellowish meat
of the pumpkin rind; and mimics the reaction of human skin to foreign substances. 
Both can be used to determine the toxicity of more than 5,000 different materials. Tissue
and cell cultures can be grown in laboratory from single cells from human or animal
tissues. NeoDerm, made by Marrow-Tech, begins with the injection of skin cells into a
sterile plastic bag containing a biodegradable mesh. The cells attach to the mesh and
grow around it. After the segment of skin is sewn onto the patient, the mesh gradually
dissolves. Mathematical and computer models, based on physical and chemical structures of
a substance, can be used to make predictions about the toxicity of a substance. TOPKAT, a
software package distributed by Health Designs Inc., predicts oral toxicity and skin and
eye irritation. It is "intended to be used as a personal tool by toxicologists,
pharmacologists, synthetic and medicinal chemists, regulators, and industrial
hygienists", according to HDI (PETA Facts). Non animal tests are generally faster and
less expensive than the animal tests they replace. Eytex testing kits can test three
concentrations of a chemical for $99.50 (American); a Draize test of comparable range
would cost more than $1000 (American), (PETA Facts).
Becoming an Educated Consumer -
There are a lot of steps the consumer can do to help and prevent the destruction of our
animals. Buy cosmetics, personal care, and household products that have not been tested
on animals, this involves taking on the responsibility of becoming an educated and
compassionate consumer; encourage your friends, family and co-workers to buy cruelty-free
products. If you need backup to encourage the people you speak to, inform them of the
sickening situations involving lab animals. Instead of buying all of your personal care
products, why not make some yourself? It is simple and inexpensive, kind to animals, and
ecologically fitting. Boycott companies, which test their products on animals. Lists of
companies who carry out these senseless tests and their addresses are available from
organizations such as CAAT and PETA. Contact your elected representatives and federal
agencies and demand that the validation of non-animal methods become a high-priority.
Proven, that mankind often disregards the rights of other living beings, times are
changing for the better due to the increasing pressure of the consumer. Society has begun
to take notice of this serious global concern because intelligent life should not be
subjected to this form of torture. It has been estimated that animal experimentation
worldwide has decreased by 30-50% in the last 15-20 years, due to the reduction and
replacement techniques (MFAT). Humans have to understand that this planet is not only
ours, but the animals as well. Albert Einstein once said, "Our task must be to free
ourselves.... By widening our circle of compassion to embrace all 
living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty." In essence, the means of living
a healthy and fulfilled life is to embrace and respect all life on this planet. There are
a number of things that mankind can do to prevent this cruelty from continuing, it is
simply a matter of taking the initiative to inform and involve yourself and others. Every
individual effort is a step towards the annihilation of animal cruelty.
We, as humans, have made numerous advancements in the world. We have firmly established
the scientific evolution, but in doing so, it seems that our ethics and morals have
failed to progress as well. The knowledge we have acquired is remarkable, but with it
comes responsibility to use it wisely and ethically. We torture and heartlessly kill
creatures that we arrogantly consider lesser beings simply at our disposal. For something
as simple as eye makeup animals are tortured and blinded by tests performed at the
laboratory. Where they are hardly fed, often forced to live in filth, and sometimes have
their vocal cords removed to keep them quiet (CAAT). 
We are systematically cutting down the last forest that provides their shelter to farm
cattle; we dump toxic chemicals and sewage into the waters in which they live; we wear
and display the tusks of the last few of their species in our homes, and we pour cosmetic
products into their eyes and body parts to determine the harmful effects they might cause
on humans, even though the physiological differentiation between humans and the animals
they use is drastic. On a daily basis most people do not see their own degree of
unintentional support towards this global dilemma, but when compiled on paper one must
question how mankind can, with conscience, commit these acts which shame us as human
beings. Animals possess the same kinds of feelings and emotions as human beings, and
without anesthesia, they are subjected to the pain as well. Mankind often fails to give
animals the respect and rights they deserve, they are treated as lifeless, unfeeling
scientific specimens and items that we may manipulate at our own convenience and for
vanity's sake.
The Facts of Animal Tests -
Laboratory research involving animals is cruel and merciless treatment of helpless
creatures. No law requires that cosmetics and household products be tested on animals.
Nevertheless, every day hundreds of animals will have had their eyes, skin or
gastrointestinal systems unnecessarily burned or destroyed (PETA).
Two of the most common animal tests are the Draize, or eye irritancy test and the LD50
(Lethal Dose 50). The Draize test is performed almost exclusively on albino rabbits, such
as the Forida White, because they are cheap, docile, and are not "equipped" with tear
ducts to wash away the chemicals. During the test the rabbits are immobilized in a stock
with only their head protruding and a solid or liquid is placed in the lower lid of one
eye of the rabbit; substances vary from mascara to aftershave and even oven cleaner. The
rabbit's eyes ate clipped open and observed at intervals of 1, 24, 48, 72 and 168 hours.
It is important to note that, during this test, anesthesia is rarely used. Reactions
include inflammation, ulceration, rupture of the eyeball, corrosion and bleeding. Some of
these studies continue for weeks, and all the while no measures are made to reduce
suffering or treat the rabbits.
Survival, however, will only lead to and entirely new set of tests, such as the skin
irritancy or the LD50. Lethal Dose 50 refers to the lethal dose that is required to kill
50% of all animals in a test group of 40-200. Animals are force-fed substances through a
stomach tube; forced to inhale a substance, or have the substance applied to their rectum
or genitals. These tests continue until half of the test animals die. During these tests,
animals will often endure excruciating pain, convulsions, loss of motor function,
seizures, vomiting, paralysis and bleeding from every open orifice in the body. Any
animals who somehow manage to survive these particular tests are subsequently destroyed
(ALH). There is also a Lethal Dose 100 test that determines the amount of a test
substance required to kill 100%of the test animals. 
The skin irritancy test, similar to the eye irritancy test, is where and animal, most
commonly a rodent, has a highly concentrated solution of a chemical in question applied
to their skin. Their skin is then observed for signs of 
irritancy, such as redness and blistering. In some cases, the irritation can be so severe
that the product actually burns through the skin.
Reliability of Results - 
Not only are these tests cruel, but the results are unreliable and unnecessary as
scientific evidence. As with the previously mentioned Draized test; rabbits eyes are not
the same as human eyes - there are profound differences, mainly the absence of tear
ducts. In addition, different species react differently to various substances; substances
that fail to damage a rabbit's eye may be toxic to a human. For example, Nicotine in dogs
is a staggering 9.2mg/kg, in pigeons 75mg/kg, and in rats, 53mg/kg (PETA Facts). Another
example, results from experiences, which exposed a variety of animal species to cigarette
smoke, led researchers to believe that smoking did not cause Cancer. Because of this,
warning labels on packs were delayed for years and cigarette manufacturers still use
animal data to question the harmful effects of their products. Similarly, 150 years of
animal "models" have produced 25 drugs "proven" effective against stroke, none of which
works in humans. The drugs Oraflex, Selacryn, Zomax, Suprol and Meritol produced such
adverse side effects in humans, including death, that they were removed from the market,
though animal experimentation had predicted them all to be safe. One of the few studies
that examined the differences in species reactions found only a 5-25% connection between
harmful effects in people and the results of animal experiments (MFAT). 
The question of why such tests continue must be raised. Whatever the reason may be,
animal research has achieved a certain level of status; and funding agencies often favor
these projects (MFAT). Mankind has a tendency to seek out the fastest and easiest way to
devise an answer, usually for the cheapest cost. Sadly, it seems animals may not be
entirely saved from this tendency soon enough. 
Global Awareness - 
While animals continue to be violated in laboratories, a consciousness about our
responsibility toward our relationship with animals has begun and continued to rise. As a
result of pressures from animal advocacy groups such as PETA (People for the Ethical
Treatment of Animals), a number of large corporations have ceased all animal testing in
recent years. These corporations include Avon, Amway, Benetton, Revlon and even General
Motors, who used to subject animals to crash/impact tests. In addition, the general
public has begun to lean toward and seek out those products which are not tested on
animals, from personal observation, cruelty free cosmetics have led a trend among young,
educated buyers. Consumers have begun to demand more application of the available
alternatives to animal testing; some of which include cell cultures; tissue cultures;
corneas from eye banks; and sophisticated computer and mathematical models (PETA facts).
Alternatives to Animal Testing -
Test results using methods, which do not include animals, have in fact proved themselves
more accurate and less expensive (PETA facts). For example, the Avon cosmetic company has
personally endorsed EYTEX SYSTEM, an alternative to the painful Draize test (Rollin,
B.E.). Legal prohibition of the Draize and LD50 tests would accelerate the alternative
approaches, to the benefit of science, animals and consumers (Rollin, B.E., 149).
Alternatives to animal tests are efficient and reliable, both for cosmetics and household
product tests and for "medical research." In most cases, non-animal methods take less
time to complete, cost only a fraction compared to the tests using animals, and are not
questionable with inaccuracies concerning species correlation's which make results
difficult or impossible. Eytex, developed by InVitro International, assesses irritancy
with a protein alteration system. A vegetable protein from the jack bean mimics the
reaction of the cornea when exposed to foreign matter. The greater the irritation, the
more opaque the solution becomes. 
The Skintex formula, developed by the same corporation, is made from the yellowish meat
of the pumpkin rind; and mimics the reaction of human skin to foreign substances. 
Both can be used to determine the toxicity of more than 5,000 different materials. Tissue
and cell cultures can be grown in laboratory from single cells from human or animal
tissues. NeoDerm, made by Marrow-Tech, begins with the injection of skin cells into a
sterile plastic bag containing a biodegradable mesh. The cells attach to the mesh and
grow around it. After the segment of skin is sewn onto the patient, the mesh gradually
dissolves. Mathematical and computer models, based on physical and chemical structures of
a substance, can be used to make predictions about the toxicity of a substance. TOPKAT, a
software package distributed by Health Designs Inc., predicts oral toxicity and skin and
eye irritation. It is "intended to be used as a personal tool by toxicologists,
pharmacologists, synthetic and medicinal chemists, regulators, and industrial
hygienists", according to HDI (PETA Facts). Non animal tests are generally faster and
less expensive than the animal tests they replace. Eytex testing kits can test three
concentrations of a chemical for $99.50 (American); a Draize test of comparable range
would cost more than $1000 (American), (PETA Facts).
Becoming an Educated Consumer -
There are a lot of steps the consumer can do to help and prevent the destruction of our
animals. Buy cosmetics, personal care, and household products that have not been tested
on animals, this involves taking on the responsibility of becoming an educated and
compassionate consumer; encourage your friends, family and co-workers to buy cruelty-free
products. If you need backup to encourage the people you speak to, inform them of the
sickening situations involving lab animals. Instead of buying all of your personal care
products, why not make some yourself? It is simple and inexpensive, kind to animals, and
ecologically fitting. Boycott companies, which test their products on animals. Lists of
companies who carry out these senseless tests and their addresses are available from
organizations such as CAAT and PETA. Contact your elected representatives and federal
agencies and demand that the validation of non-animal methods become a high-priority.
Proven, that mankind often disregards the rights of other living beings, times are
changing for the better due to the increasing pressure of the consumer. Society has begun
to take notice of this serious global concern because intelligent life should not be
subjected to this form of torture. It has been estimated that animal experimentation
worldwide has decreased by 30-50% in the last 15-20 years, due to the reduction and
replacement techniques (MFAT). Humans have to understand that this planet is not only
ours, but the animals as well. Albert Einstein once said, "Our task must be to free
ourselves.... By widening our circle of compassion to embrace all 
living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty." In essence, the means of living
a healthy and fulfilled life is to embrace and respect all life on this planet. There are
a number of things that mankind can do to prevent this cruelty from continuing, it is
simply a matter of taking the initiative to inform and involve yourself and others. Every
individual effort is a step towards the annihilation of animal cruelty.
We, as humans, have made numerous advancements in the world. We have firmly established
the scientific evolution, but in doing so, it seems that our ethics and morals have
failed to progress as well. The knowledge we have acquired is remarkable, but with it
comes responsibility to use it wisely and ethically. We torture and heartlessly kill
creatures that we arrogantly consider lesser beings simply at our disposal. For something
as simple as eye makeup animals are tortured and blinded by tests performed at the
laboratory. Where they are hardly fed, often forced to live in filth, and sometimes have
their vocal cords removed to keep them quiet (CAAT). 
We are systematically cutting down the last forest that provides their shelter to farm
cattle; we dump toxic chemicals and sewage into the waters in which they live; we wear
and display the tusks of the last few of their species in our homes, and we pour cosmetic
products into their eyes and body parts to determine the harmful effects they might cause
on humans, even though the physiological differentiation between humans and the animals
they use is drastic. On a daily basis most people do not see their own degree of
unintentional support towards this global dilemma, but when compiled on paper one must
question how mankind can, with conscience, commit these acts which shame us as human
beings. Animals possess the same kinds of feelings and emotions as human beings, and
without anesthesia, they are subjected to the pain as well. Mankind often fails to give
animals the respect and rights they deserve, they are treated as lifeless, unfeeling
scientific specimens and items that we may manipulate at our own convenience and for
vanity's sake.
The Facts of Animal Tests -
Laboratory research involving animals is cruel and merciless treatment of helpless
creatures. No law requires that cosmetics and household products be tested on animals.
Nevertheless, every day hundreds of animals will have had their eyes, skin or
gastrointestinal systems unnecessarily burned or destroyed (PETA).
Two of the most common animal tests are the Draize, or eye irritancy test and the LD50
(Lethal Dose 50). The Draize test is performed almost exclusively on albino rabbits, such
as the Forida White, because they are cheap, docile, and are not "equipped" with tear
ducts to wash away the chemicals. During the test the rabbits are immobilized in a stock
with only their head protruding and a solid or liquid is placed in the lower lid of one
eye of the rabbit; substances vary from mascara to aftershave and even oven cleaner. The
rabbit's eyes ate clipped open and observed at intervals of 1, 24, 48, 72 and 168 hours.
It is important to note that, during this test, anesthesia is rarely used. Reactions
include inflammation, ulceration, rupture of the eyeball, corrosion and bleeding. Some of
these studies continue for weeks, and all the while no measures are made to reduce
suffering or treat the rabbits.
Survival, however, will only lead to and entirely new set of tests, such as the skin
irritancy or the LD50. Lethal Dose 50 refers to the lethal dose that is required to kill
50% of all animals in a test group of 40-200. Animals are force-fed substances through a
stomach tube; forced to inhale a substance, or have the substance applied to their rectum
or genitals. These tests continue until half of the test animals die. During these tests,
animals will often endure excruciating pain, convulsions, loss of motor function,
seizures, vomiting, paralysis and bleeding from every open orifice in the body. Any
animals who somehow manage to survive these particular tests are subsequently destroyed
(ALH). There is also a Lethal Dose 100 test that determines the amount of a test
substance required to kill 100%of the test animals. 
The skin irritancy test, similar to the eye irritancy test, is where and animal, most
commonly a rodent, has a highly concentrated solution of a chemical in question applied
to their skin. Their skin is then observed for signs of 
irritancy, such as redness and blistering. In some cases, the irritation can be so severe
that the product actually burns through the skin.
Reliability of Results - 
Not only are these tests cruel, but the results are unreliable and unnecessary as
scientific evidence. As with the previously mentioned Draized test; rabbits eyes are not
the same as human eyes - there are profound differences, mainly the absence of tear
ducts. In addition, different species react differently to various substances; substances
that fail to damage a rabbit's eye may be toxic to a human. For example, Nicotine in dogs
is a staggering 9.2mg/kg, in pigeons 75mg/kg, and in rats, 53mg/kg (PETA Facts). Another
example, results from experiences, which exposed a variety of animal species to cigarette
smoke, led researchers to believe that smoking did not cause Cancer. Because of this,
warning labels on packs were delayed for years and cigarette manufacturers still use
animal data to question the harmful effects of their products. Similarly, 150 years of
animal "models" have produced 25 drugs "proven" effective against stroke, none of which
works in humans. The drugs Oraflex, Selacryn, Zomax, Suprol and Meritol produced such
adverse side effects in humans, including death, that they were removed from the market,
though animal experimentation had predicted them all to be safe. One of the few studies
that examined the differences in species reactions found only a 5-25% connection between
harmful effects in people and the results of animal experiments (MFAT). 
The question of why such tests continue must be raised. Whatever the reason may be,
animal research has achieved a certain level of status; and funding agencies often favor
these projects (MFAT). Mankind has a tendency to seek out the fastest and easiest way to
devise an answer, usually for the cheapest cost. Sadly, it seems animals may not be
entirely saved from this tendency soon enough. 
Global Awareness - 
While animals continue to be violated in laboratories, a consciousness about our
responsibility toward our relationship with animals has begun and continued to rise. As a
result of pressures from animal advocacy groups such as PETA (People for the Ethical
Treatment of Animals), a number of large corporations have ceased all animal testing in
recent years. These corporations include Avon, Amway, Benetton, Revlon and even General
Motors, who used to subject animals to crash/impact tests. In addition, the general
public has begun to lean toward and seek out those products which are not tested on
animals, from personal observation, cruelty free cosmetics have led a trend among young,
educated buyers. Consumers have begun to demand more application of the available
alternatives to animal testing; some of which include cell cultures; tissue cultures;
corneas from eye banks; and sophisticated computer and mathematical models (PETA facts).
Alternatives to Animal Testing -
Test results using methods, which do not include animals, have in fact proved themselves
more accurate and less expensive (PETA facts). For example, the Avon cosmetic company has
personally endorsed EYTEX SYSTEM, an alternative to the painful Draize test (Rollin,
B.E.). Legal prohibition of the Draize and LD50 tests would accelerate the alternative
approaches, to the benefit of science, animals and consumers (Rollin, B.E., 149).
Alternatives to animal tests are efficient and reliable, both for cosmetics and household
product tests and for "medical research." In most cases, non-animal methods take less
time to complete, cost only a fraction compared to the tests using animals, and are not
questionable with inaccuracies concerning species correlation's which make results
difficult or impossible. Eytex, developed by InVitro International, assesses irritancy
with a protein alteration system. A vegetable protein from the jack bean mimics the
reaction of the cornea when exposed to foreign matter. The greater the irritation, the
more opaque the solution becomes. 
The Skintex formula, developed by the same corporation, is made from the yellowish meat
of the pumpkin rind; and mimics the reaction of human skin to foreign substances. 
Both can be used to determine the toxicity of more than 5,000 different materials. Tissue
and cell cultures can be grown in laboratory from single cells from human or animal
tissues. NeoDerm, made by Marrow-Tech, begins with the injection of skin cells into a
sterile plastic bag containing a biodegradable mesh. The cells attach to the mesh and
grow around it. After the segment of skin is sewn onto the patient, the mesh gradually
dissolves. Mathematical and computer models, based on physical and chemical structures of
a substance, can be used to make predictions about the toxicity of a substance. TOPKAT, a
software package distributed by Health Designs Inc., predicts oral toxicity and skin and
eye irritation. It is "intended to be used as a personal tool by toxicologists,
pharmacologists, synthetic and medicinal chemists, regulators, and industrial
hygienists", according to HDI (PETA Facts). Non animal tests are generally faster and
less expensive than the animal tests they replace. Eytex testing kits can test three
concentrations of a chemical for $99.50 (American); a Draize test of comparable range
would cost more than $1000 (American), (PETA Facts).
Becoming an Educated Consumer -
There are a lot of steps the consumer can do to help and prevent the destruction of our
animals. Buy cosmetics, personal care, and household products that have not been tested
on animals, this involves taking on the responsibility of becoming an educated and
compassionate consumer; encourage your friends, family and co-workers to buy cruelty-free
products. If you need backup to encourage the people you speak to, inform them of the
sickening situations involving lab animals. Instead of buying all of your personal care
products, why not make some yourself? It is simple and inexpensive, kind to animals, and
ecologically fitting. Boycott companies, which test their products on animals. Lists of
companies who carry out these senseless tests and their addresses are available from
organizations such as CAAT and PETA. Contact your elected representatives and federal
agencies and demand that the validation of non-animal methods become a high-priority.
Proven, that mankind often disregards the rights of other living beings, times are
changing for the better due to the increasing pressure of the consumer. Society has begun
to take notice of this serious global concern because intelligent life should not be
subjected to this form of torture. It has been estimated that animal experimentation
worldwide has decreased by 30-50% in the last 15-20 years, due to the reduction and
replacement techniques (MFAT). Humans have to understand that this planet is not only
ours, but the animals as well. Albert Einstein once said, "Our task must be to free
ourselves.... By widening our circle of compassion to embrace all 
living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty." In essence, the means of living
a healthy and fulfilled life is to embrace and respect all life on this planet. There are
a number of things that mankind can do to prevent this cruelty from continuing, it is
simply a matter of taking the initiative to inform and involve yourself and others. Every
individual effort is a step towards the annihilation of animal cruelty.