Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSAR) for pesticide regulatory purposes

The adoption of (Quantitative) Structure-Activity Relationships ((Q)SARs) methods provides an alternative to animal testing. (Q)SAR estimates can help identify compounds of potential concern during the preliminary stage of risk assessment, thereby reducing direct costs and unnecessary animal testing. Despite encouragement by the current EU and USA chemical legislations, use of (Q)SAR has not yet been adequately integrated in the pesticide regulatory framework, and still waits for wide acceptance among regulators.