Quick Overview
- 1#1: Chesar - Integrated software for performing chemical safety assessments and generating exposure scenarios under REACH regulations.
- 2#2: OECD QSAR Toolbox - Open platform for applying validated QSAR models to predict physicochemical, environmental fate, and toxicological properties of chemicals.
- 3#3: EPI Suite - Estimation program suite for predicting environmental fate, transport, and exposure properties of organic chemicals.
- 4#4: ECETOC TRA - Targeted risk assessment tool for estimating worker, consumer, and environmental exposures in REACH dossiers.
- 5#5: Stoffenmanager - Web-based model for assessing and controlling occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals.
- 6#6: Toxtree - Open-source application using decision tree approaches to predict toxic hazards and toxicological endpoints.
- 7#7: VEGA - Online platform delivering reliable QSAR predictions for chemical hazard assessment.
- 8#8: Advanced Reach Tool (ART) - Advanced Bayesian model for predicting worker inhalation exposure to chemicals.
- 9#9: T.E.S.T. - Toxicity Estimation Software Tool for predicting acute toxicity and other endpoints from chemical structures.
- 10#10: Derek Nexus - Knowledge-based expert system for identifying toxicological liabilities and structural alerts in chemicals.
Tools were chosen based on features like regulatory alignment (e.g., REACH), predictive accuracy, user-friendliness, and overall value, prioritizing those that balance robust functionality with accessibility for professionals in chemical safety and environmental science.
Comparison Table
This comparison table assesses key chemical risk assessment software, featuring Chesar, OECD QSAR Toolbox, EPI Suite, ECETOC TRA, Stoffenmanager, and more, to guide users in evaluating their suitability. Readers will discover details on functionality, use cases, and performance, empowering informed choices for effective chemical risk assessment tasks.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chesar Integrated software for performing chemical safety assessments and generating exposure scenarios under REACH regulations. | specialized | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 10/10 |
| 2 | OECD QSAR Toolbox Open platform for applying validated QSAR models to predict physicochemical, environmental fate, and toxicological properties of chemicals. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.7/10 | 6.8/10 | 10/10 |
| 3 | EPI Suite Estimation program suite for predicting environmental fate, transport, and exposure properties of organic chemicals. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 6.5/10 | 10.0/10 |
| 4 | ECETOC TRA Targeted risk assessment tool for estimating worker, consumer, and environmental exposures in REACH dossiers. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 5 | Stoffenmanager Web-based model for assessing and controlling occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | Toxtree Open-source application using decision tree approaches to predict toxic hazards and toxicological endpoints. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | VEGA Online platform delivering reliable QSAR predictions for chemical hazard assessment. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 8 | Advanced Reach Tool (ART) Advanced Bayesian model for predicting worker inhalation exposure to chemicals. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | T.E.S.T. Toxicity Estimation Software Tool for predicting acute toxicity and other endpoints from chemical structures. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 10/10 |
| 10 | Derek Nexus Knowledge-based expert system for identifying toxicological liabilities and structural alerts in chemicals. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
Integrated software for performing chemical safety assessments and generating exposure scenarios under REACH regulations.
Open platform for applying validated QSAR models to predict physicochemical, environmental fate, and toxicological properties of chemicals.
Estimation program suite for predicting environmental fate, transport, and exposure properties of organic chemicals.
Targeted risk assessment tool for estimating worker, consumer, and environmental exposures in REACH dossiers.
Web-based model for assessing and controlling occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Open-source application using decision tree approaches to predict toxic hazards and toxicological endpoints.
Online platform delivering reliable QSAR predictions for chemical hazard assessment.
Advanced Bayesian model for predicting worker inhalation exposure to chemicals.
Toxicity Estimation Software Tool for predicting acute toxicity and other endpoints from chemical structures.
Knowledge-based expert system for identifying toxicological liabilities and structural alerts in chemicals.
Chesar
specializedIntegrated software for performing chemical safety assessments and generating exposure scenarios under REACH regulations.
Built-in iterative risk assessment workflow that automatically generates compliant exposure scenarios and Chemical Safety Reports tailored to REACH requirements
Chesar, developed by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), is a free web-based software tool designed specifically for conducting chemical safety assessments (CSA) under the REACH regulation. It automates the iterative process of exposure assessment, risk characterization, and control recommendations for substances, integrating seamlessly with ECHA's IUCLID platform for data import/export. Chesar generates compliant Chemical Safety Reports (CSR) and exposure scenarios, making it indispensable for regulatory submissions.
Pros
- Official ECHA tool ensuring full REACH compliance and up-to-date regulatory alignment
- Comprehensive automation of exposure modeling, risk characterization, and CSR generation
- Seamless integration with IUCLID for consistent data handling and reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring familiarity with REACH terminology and processes
- Limited flexibility for non-REACH assessments or custom methodologies
- Web-based interface can feel rigid and occasionally slow with large datasets
Best For
REACH registrants and chemical companies needing precise, compliant chemical safety assessments for regulatory submissions.
Pricing
Completely free, provided directly by ECHA with no licensing fees.
OECD QSAR Toolbox
specializedOpen platform for applying validated QSAR models to predict physicochemical, environmental fate, and toxicological properties of chemicals.
Comprehensive integration of OECD-harmonized chemical databases, profilers, and (Q)SAR models for mechanism-based read-across predictions
The OECD QSAR Toolbox is a free, open-source software developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for predicting hazardous properties of chemicals using Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) models and read-across approaches. It enables users to profile chemicals based on structural features, access curated databases, and generate predictions for endpoints like toxicity, ecotoxicity, environmental fate, and physicochemical properties to support regulatory risk assessments. Widely recognized for filling data gaps in submissions under frameworks like REACH and TSCA, it facilitates Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment (IATA).
Pros
- Extensive library of curated profilers, SAR models, and databases from international sources
- Regulatory acceptance by OECD and agencies like ECHA for hazard predictions and read-across
- Completely free with no licensing costs, ideal for data gap filling in risk assessments
- Robust workflows for chemical categorization and Integrated Testing Strategies (ITS)
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring expertise in toxicology and QSAR principles
- Dated, clunky interface with limited modern usability features
- Predominantly qualitative or semi-quantitative outputs, less suited for precise quantitative risk modeling
- Windows-only installation with occasional performance issues on large datasets
Best For
Experienced regulatory toxicologists and risk assessors needing authoritative QSAR predictions for chemical hazard screening and data gap filling.
Pricing
Free to download and use for all users; no licensing fees or subscriptions required.
EPI Suite
specializedEstimation program suite for predicting environmental fate, transport, and exposure properties of organic chemicals.
Integrated suite of over 20 EPA-validated QSAR models for physicochemical and environmental fate properties in one tool
EPI Suite, developed by the U.S. EPA, is a free Windows-based software package for estimating physicochemical, environmental fate, and ecotoxicity properties of organic chemicals using QSAR models. It includes modules like KowWin for logP, HenryWin for volatility, BioWin for biodegradability, and ECOSAR for aquatic toxicity predictions. Primarily used for screening-level assessments in chemical risk evaluation, it supports input via SMILES, names, or CAS numbers with batch processing options.
Pros
- Authoritative EPA-validated QSAR models for reliable property predictions
- Comprehensive coverage of fate, transport, and basic toxicity endpoints
- Free with batch processing for high-throughput screening
Cons
- Outdated graphical interface feels clunky and Windows-only
- Limited to organic chemicals; no support for inorganics or metals
- Predictions are estimates only, requiring expert validation for regulatory use
Best For
Environmental scientists and regulators performing preliminary screening in chemical risk assessments.
Pricing
Completely free to download and use from epa.gov.
ECETOC TRA
specializedTargeted risk assessment tool for estimating worker, consumer, and environmental exposures in REACH dossiers.
Pre-validated conservative exposure models accepted by ECHA for REACH dossiers
ECETOC TRA (Targeted Risk Assessment) is a free web-based tool from the European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals designed for screening-level exposure assessments of workers and consumers to chemicals. It calculates Risk Characterization Ratios (RCR) based on inputs like substance properties, production volumes, and predefined exposure scenarios, aiding REACH compliance. Widely accepted by regulators, it provides conservative estimates suitable for initial risk screening without requiring advanced modeling expertise.
Pros
- Free access with simple registration
- Regulatory acceptance for REACH submissions
- Quick generation of screening-level RCR values
Cons
- Limited to predefined conservative scenarios
- Lacks customization for complex exposures
- No integration with advanced physicochemical modeling
Best For
Small to medium enterprises and consultants needing fast, regulator-accepted screening for occupational and consumer chemical risk assessments under REACH.
Pricing
Free with registration required
Stoffenmanager
specializedWeb-based model for assessing and controlling occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals.
The proprietary Stoffenmanager® exposure model, which provides reliable risk predictions based on expert-validated algorithms without needing exposure measurements.
Stoffenmanager is a web-based chemical risk assessment tool developed in the Netherlands, designed to evaluate occupational exposure to hazardous substances using scientifically validated models. It helps users identify risks, calculate exposure levels, recommend control measures, and generate compliant reports for Dutch and EU regulations like REACH. Primarily targeted at workplaces, it features a comprehensive substance database and integrates exposure scenarios for quick assessments.
Pros
- Extensive database of over 10,000 substances with pre-defined exposure scenarios
- Validated Stoffenmanager® model for measurement-free risk estimation
- Generates regulatory-compliant reports and prioritizes control measures
Cons
- Primarily optimized for Dutch/EU regulations, limiting global applicability
- Interface can feel dated and requires some training for advanced features
- Subscription model may be costly for small businesses or infrequent users
Best For
Occupational health and safety managers in Dutch or EU workplaces needing quick, compliant chemical risk assessments without on-site measurements.
Pricing
Freemium model with a free basic version; paid Pro plans start at €295/year per user for full features and support.
Toxtree
specializedOpen-source application using decision tree approaches to predict toxic hazards and toxicological endpoints.
Extensive plugin system for regulatory decision trees, including Cramer rules and OECD Toolbox-compatible models for hazard identification.
Toxtree is an open-source Java-based application designed for predicting toxic hazards and toxicological endpoints from chemical structures using decision tree algorithms. It implements predefined rule-based models for regulatory toxicology, such as Cramer classification for skin absorption, mutagenicity, and skin sensitization under REACH and CLP frameworks. The software supports input in SMILES, InChI, SDF formats and offers batch processing for efficient risk assessment of multiple compounds.
Pros
- Comprehensive library of regulatory-compliant decision tree models for key toxicological endpoints
- Batch processing and support for common chemical file formats like SMILES and SDF
- Fully open-source with no licensing costs, ideal for academic and small-scale use
Cons
- Outdated Java Swing interface feels clunky and not intuitive for modern users
- Requires separate Java installation and lacks native integration with contemporary cheminformatics workflows
- Limited to static predefined rules without support for custom model training or machine learning
Best For
Academic researchers or small regulatory teams needing cost-free, rule-based toxicological predictions for compliance screening.
Pricing
Completely free and open-source under GNU LGPL license.
VEGA
specializedOnline platform delivering reliable QSAR predictions for chemical hazard assessment.
Advanced reliability scoring system (high/moderate/low) with applicability domain and mechanistic alerts for trustworthy predictions
VEGA (vega-qsar.eu) is a free, web-based platform providing a comprehensive suite of validated QSAR models for predicting toxicological, ecotoxicological, and physicochemical properties of chemicals. It supports regulatory chemical risk assessment under REACH by offering predictions with reliability indices, applicability domains, and mechanistic plausibility scores. Users input SMILES, InChI, or CAS numbers to generate hazard predictions essential for prioritizing testing and filling data gaps.
Pros
- Extensive library of over 100 validated QSAR models with regulatory acceptance
- Free access with detailed reliability and applicability domain assessments
- Supports batch predictions and consensus modeling for robust results
Cons
- Web-based interface limits advanced workflow integration and large-scale processing
- Predictions focused on hazard identification rather than full exposure-based risk characterization
- Requires chemical expertise to interpret nuanced outputs effectively
Best For
Regulatory toxicologists and chemists performing in silico hazard screening for REACH submissions or prioritization.
Pricing
Free for public use; non-commercial license required for some advanced features.
Advanced Reach Tool (ART)
specializedAdvanced Bayesian model for predicting worker inhalation exposure to chemicals.
Proprietary mechanistic exposure model validated against real-world measurements for tool and spray application tasks
The Advanced Reach Tool (ART) is a free web-based application developed for estimating inhalation exposure to airborne chemical substances during maintenance, cleaning, and similar tasks involving tools in industrial environments. It employs a validated mechanistic model that accounts for variables like substance volatility, droplet size, tool type, and task duration to generate exposure predictions. ART supports chemical risk assessments by providing quick, science-based estimates to inform control strategies under regulations such as COSHH or REACH.
Pros
- Scientifically validated model backed by extensive research and field data
- Free access with no licensing costs
- Rapid generation of exposure estimates for specific inhalation scenarios
Cons
- Limited to inhalation risks from tool-based tasks; no support for dermal or ingestion routes
- Requires user expertise to input accurate parameters
- Lacks integration with broader risk management or inventory software
Best For
Occupational hygienists and EHS professionals focused on inhalation exposure assessments during industrial maintenance and cleaning activities.
Pricing
Completely free web-based tool with no subscription or purchase required.
T.E.S.T.
specializedToxicity Estimation Software Tool for predicting acute toxicity and other endpoints from chemical structures.
Consensus method combining multiple QSAR models for enhanced prediction accuracy and reliability
T.E.S.T. (Toxicity Estimation Software Tool) is a free desktop application developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to predict chemical toxicity using Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) models. It provides estimates for endpoints like acute aquatic toxicity, mammalian oral toxicity, and biodegradation potential through methods such as consensus predictions and nearest-neighbor algorithms. The tool supports batch processing for screening multiple chemicals efficiently when experimental data is scarce.
Pros
- Completely free with no licensing costs
- EPA-validated QSAR models for reliable predictions
- Batch processing capability for high-throughput screening
Cons
- Limited to specific toxicity endpoints, lacking full exposure modeling
- Windows-only desktop application with dated interface
- Predictions less accurate than experimental data for novel chemicals
Best For
Environmental scientists and regulators screening toxicity for data-poor chemicals in preliminary risk assessments.
Pricing
Free download from EPA website; no subscription or fees required.
Derek Nexus
enterpriseKnowledge-based expert system for identifying toxicological liabilities and structural alerts in chemicals.
Hybrid (1A/2A) ICH M7 methodology integrating expert rules and statistics-based profiling for class-leading Ames prediction accuracy
Derek Nexus, developed by Lhasa Limited, is a computational toxicology software specializing in predicting the mutagenic potential of organic chemicals through a hybrid approach combining expert knowledge-based rules and machine learning models. It excels in assessing genotoxicity, particularly for Ames bacterial mutagenicity assays, aiding compliance with ICH M7 guidelines in pharmaceutical development. The tool provides detailed rationale alerts, confidence scores, and coverage assessments to support hazard identification in chemical risk assessment workflows.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate predictions for Ames mutagenicity with extensive validation against proprietary datasets
- Regulatory acceptance for ICH M7 submissions with transparent expert reasoning
- Regular updates incorporating new data and endpoints for ongoing relevance
Cons
- Primarily focused on genotoxicity, lacking broader risk assessment tools like exposure modeling
- Steep learning curve requiring cheminformatics expertise for optimal use
- High licensing costs limit accessibility for small organizations or academics
Best For
Pharmaceutical toxicologists and regulatory affairs professionals conducting in silico genotoxicity assessments for drug candidates.
Pricing
Enterprise or site licenses; pricing available upon request from Lhasa Limited (typically $10,000+ annually per user or negotiated for organizations).
Conclusion
The top 10 chemical risk assessment tools each offer unique strengths, with Chesar leading as the standout choice for its integrated REACH compliance and safety assessment capabilities, while OECD QSAR Toolbox and EPI Suite excel as robust alternatives for QSAR modeling and environmental fate predictions, respectively, suiting diverse professional needs. Together, these tools highlight the importance of specialized software in navigating complex regulatory and analytical challenges effectively.
Don’t miss out on the industry’s top-ranked tool—Chesar provides the integrated, reliable support needed to streamline risk assessments and ensure compliance, making it a must-try for any professional in the field.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison