Simple user interface

The Rules4Biocides Overview of Alternatives Queries (OAQ) tool has a straightforward user interface – you select:

• a Product Type,
• a substance to substitute,
• the intended user group; and
• the relevant target species.

and followed by a simple click of a button, you are presented with a ranked overview of all actives that fully (or partially) meet your query.

No black box

OAQ is far from a black box though, or an unauditable and uncontrollable self-learning, Artificial Intelligence based tool. ‘Under the hood’ of the application are complex algorithms and an extensive database of substance and PT related information. In this article we want to shed some light on what is happening in the background.

OAQ logic

Our first step in creating OAQ was a thorough study of the Biocidal Products Regulation and its guidance documents. We processed the requirements into logic and appended that with additional logic to rank the actives based on ecotoxicological and human health toxicological endpoints as well as more pragmatic elements like whether the substance requires specific handling procedures (e.g. to meet an Occupational Exposure Limit).

Based on this logic, we identified all the input parameters required to run the logic. And then we started collecting all these input parameters for all (almost 1000!) possible substance/Product Type combinations.

OAQ data

Much of the data comes from publicly available BPC opinions, which contrary to our expectations, were not always easily retrievable from the ECHA website. Naming ‘unconventional’ and the ‘whimsical’ history of BPD and BPR (e.g. backlog substances, REACH-inspired substance identity changes) made the data collection pretty challenging. But we kept at it and to the best of our knowledge completed the database with the current status. Now our efforts continue to be focused on keeping the information up to date in the fast-paced (goalpost) changes under EU BPR.

OAQ robustness

In parallel, the technical build of OAQ was done by a company that specialises in development of web-applications. We thoroughly tested and piloted the solution with potential users. We’re convinced OAQ is a solid system that is rooted in data-rich soil. It’s now ready for you to quickly and easily analyse all potential alternatives for your biocidal product.

OAQ maintenance

We promise to monitor and process any regulatory development to ensure OAQ is kept up to date. So that you can focus your time and attention on finding the most sustainable active substance candidates for your innovation and/or regulatory product compliance processes.