Did you know there’s a free tool to facilitate persistence assessments?

If you’ve ever found yourself struggling with the complexity of persistence assessments, you’re not alone. With evolving regulations and growing concerns over persistent chemicals—such as per-and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS; "forever chemicals") and Persistent, Mobile, and Toxic (PMT) substances—chemical professionals are facing increasing pressure to conduct robust, transparent evaluations. That’s where the Persistence Assessment Tool (PAT) comes in.

What benefits are there to using the PAT?

The PAT is a freely available tool designed to help scientists, regulators, and industry professionals assess the persistence of chemicals with greater clarity and confidence. It was developed to provide a structured, step-by-step approach to evaluating the (bio)degradability of substances, making what can be a complex process much more manageable.

With the EU Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation now including new hazard classes for Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic (PBT); very Persistent, very Bioaccumulative (vPvB) substances; Mobile, and Toxic (PMT) and very Persistent; and, very Mobile (vPvM) substances the need for reliable persistence assessments has never been greater. The PAT has even been cited in the latest CLP guidance as a tool for weight-of-evidence persistence data collection.

How does the PAT help?

Persistence assessments rely on a broad range of data from different sources — (Quantitative) Structure–Activity Relationship models ((Q)SARs), abiotic degradation studies, biodegradation screening tests, simulation studies, and real-world environmental monitoring — but not all studies are created equal. Some may have quality limitations due to test design, while others may not be directly applicable to your substance(s). This is where the PAT can provide support in assessing the quality of the data.

The tool collects all persistence data in a structured, easy-to-use format, evaluates the reliability and relevance of each study, ensuring that only high-quality data is used to inform decision-making, and flags difficult-to-test substances including poorly soluble, volatile, or complex materials, ensuring they are assessed appropriately. By combining all available data into a quantitative weight-of-evidence determination, the tool provides a transparent conclusion. It is also customisable to make it applicable to the various regulations across the globe.

Who should be using the PAT?

For those working in regulatory affairs, chemical hazard and risk assessment, or chemical research, the PAT can not only make assessments more efficient, it can also improve the consistency and quality of persistence evaluations. The PAT has wide applicability, so whether assessing simple chemicals or more complex substances, it streamlines the process and adapts to different regulatory requirements.

Getting started with the PAT

The best part? The PAT is completely free to use. Designed for both experts and those new to persistence assessments, it offers an intuitive and accessible interface, clear guidance, and a structured workflow to help users build robust, transparent assessments in line with various regulations.

In a world where persistence assessments are becoming more critical than ever, organisations can take advantage of the tool to simplify processes and strengthen evaluations.

Try the PAT today and see how it can transform your approach to persistence assessments!

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