Arpita De- Animal Testing: Think Twice Before Putting On that Lipstick

Animal testing is one of the most cruel and inhuman practices which has continued to scar our world since the seventeenth century. It is estimated that over 50 to 100 million animals worldwide are used annually. The testing can include research such as genetics, developmental biology, behavioral studies, as well as applied research such as biomedical research, drug testing and toxicology tests, including cosmetics testing.

Rabbits are among the most frequent animals used for testing, since they have minimal tear flow as compared to other animals they are often used to test eye irritancy in products like shampoos, conditioners, and creams etc. these tests involve pouring the liquid over the eyes of the rabbit which causes it a lot of pain and can lead to ulceration, cloudiness or make it go blind. Patches are often shaved off the back of rabbits to make them more sensitive, the product is placed on these patches and covered with a gauze for four hours. Researchers then look for signs of redness, inflammation weeping or scabs. This is a method of testing skin irritation. Cats are most commonly used in neurological research which cause them great pain and distress. Dogs are widely used in biomedical research mainly as models for human diseases like cardiology, endocrinology and bone and joint studies. Animals are sometimes also made to eat things like lipsticks before they are rendered harmless. Half the animals are made so sick that they die. They may suffer symptoms such as abdominal pains and cramps, convulsions, vomiting (in some species), paralysis, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, bleeding ulcers and so on.

Recent Studies have shown that effects of chemicals on humans and animals are not the same. In fact their reaction may depend on many factors. Cosmetic testing is banned in countries like Belgium, Netherlands and the United Kingdom. By 2009 the European Union as a whole will ban cosmetic testing. Companies which do not use animals usually have a logo with a bunny in it. In India ‘people for the ethical treatment of animals’(PETA) have demanded a change in government policy on cosmetic tests on animals, stating that these are not just brutal but also results from them are not foolproof. PETA has also written to the Prime Minister, the Union Health and Family Welfare Minister and the Environment and Forests Minister among others to re-look at the policy on cosmetics tests on animals. It is only ethical and humane to discontinue use of products from companies that practice animal testing.

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The Author is I yr History Honours student and a member of the Webteam of DevelopmentChannel.org