Long abstract

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The introduction of a new technology into formal decision-making processes involving chemicals requires a solid scientific foundation and technical guidance on useful approaches for implementation.  (Quantitative) Structure-Activity Relationship [(Q)SAR] technology is not really a new technology and it has enjoyed more than 20 years of use in some regulatory applications.  However, advances in computers and the Internet together with the growing gap between the need for empirical data and the availability of testing resources seem to be ushering in a new international emphasis on (Q)SAR-based technologies for initial risk assessments.
The first draft of this document was produced by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission. The draft was developed by the OECD Steering Group for (Q)SARs and overseen by the OECD Ad Hoc Group on (Q)SARs. The second draft was circulated to the members of the Ad Hoc Group for their input in March 2006. Comments were received from Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States and discussed at the meeting of the Ad Hoc Group in June 2006, and the revised draft was be circulated to the Ad Hoc Group on (Q)SARs for final review in August 2006 and endorsed in November 2006.