# data[].attributes.body
Animal testing is when a live animal is used in a scientific experiment or test. Pain, distress, and suffering are inflicted on the live animal. The animal is usually killed when the experiment is over. These experiments may include: injecting an animal with harmful substances or feeding it to them, surgically removing tissues or organs, exposing them to radiation, or forcing animals to inhale toxic gases.

# data[].attributes.body
In the United States, there is not a ban on testing cosmetics or household products on animals. The companies decide whether or not they wish to use animal testing. Many large companies still conduct animal testing, and they own most brands that consumers find in retail stores. Windex is tested on an animal's eyes and skin to see if it causes irritation. They also test to see the effects of ingesting the product. Post-it notes are another product that uses animal testing. It is used to test the effect of the adhesive. They also use it to comply with FDA regulations, but the FDA does not insist on using animal testing, and there are alternatives. The makeup industry is at the forefront of animal testing, as animals are tested for many products in the $532 billion industry.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Inside a secrect cosmetic animal testing laboratory

# data[].attributes.body
Products must be tested to met FDA guidelines, but there are other ways to conduct tests, apart from animal testing. Donated human tissue can be used to test the effects of ingredients in a product. Human volunteers can also be sourced to conduct tests, and there are laws that exist to protect these volunteers. No global laws exist that protect animals used for testing. Computer models that replicate human body parts, such as organs and skeletal systems, are a great alternative. Virtual experiments are organized and conducted without any adverse effects to a live creature.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Non-animal methods are often cheaper, quicker and more effective

Replacing animal tests does not mean putting human patients at risk. It also does not mean halting medical progress. Instead, replacing animals used in testing will improve the quality as well as the humanity of our science.

Thankfully, the development of non-animal methods is growing, and fast. Due to innovations in science, animal tests are being replaced in areas such as toxicity testing, neuroscience and drug development. But much more needs to be done.

Once new non-animal methods have been developed, there are often massive bureaucratic hurdles to implementing and enforcing their use. One of the most important jobs the Cruelty Free International science team does is encourage regulators to accept and promote the use of non-animal methods to replace animal testing.

Types of non-animal methods

Cell cultures

Almost every type of human and animal cell can be grown in the laboratory. Scientists have even managed to coax cells to grow into 3D structures, such as miniature human organs, which can provide a more realistic way to test new therapies.

Human cells have been used to create innovative little devices called "organs-on-chips". These can be used instead of animals to study biological and disease processes, as well as drug metabolism. Devices have already been produced that accurately mimic the lung, heart, kidney and gut. The ultimate goal is to use these chips to create a whole "human-on-a-chip".

Cell cultures have been central to key developments in areas such as cancers, sepsis, kidney disease and AIDS, and are routinely used in chemical safety testing, vaccine production and drug development.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ANIMAL TESTING

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Alternatives to animal testing | Cruelty Free International

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Alternatives to animal tests are often cheaper, quicker and more effective.

# data[].attributes.body
Merchandise that does not test on animals is known as "cruelty-free." A symbol for "cruelty-free" is often placed on these products or a label with the namesake. This label is helpful for consumers who do not wish to support animal testing. The issue is that the FDA does not regulate the use of "cruelty-free" or "not tested on animals" labeling, so companies are able to freely use it, and continue with animal testing. The only way for a consumer to truly know whether or not a product is "cruelty-free" is to research the company and follow "cruelty-free" organizations, such as PETA, that post updated lists with "cruelty-free" products and companies.