Initially released in April 2023 by Ricardo, the PAT software was developed by our environmental chemistry and toxicology experts in conjunction with Concawe and the International Collaboration on Cosmetics Safety. The PAT tool provides a structured and clear methodology to:

• systematically capture and store information on persistence;
• evaluate data quality;
• carry out a robust and transparent weight of evidence determination; and
• assess persistence in line with global regulatory frameworks.

Newly updated with improvements including bug fixes and user feedback, the tool was developed by Ricardo experts with over 50 years of world-leading expertise in chemical safety and legislation to improve the consistency, transparency and robustness of chemical assessments required by global regulations.

Persistence assessments rely on a broad range of data from different sources, 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).

The tool collects all persistence data in a structured, easy-to-use format, evaluates the reliability and relevance of each study, ensuring that only acceptable 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.

The Tool has also been cited in the latest EU Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation guidance as a tool for weight-of-evidence persistence data collection as the regulation now includes 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.

Accessed by over 500 individuals working in regulatory affairs, chemical hazard and risk assessment, or chemical research to date, the free to use tool can be downloaded below, and comes with a user guide to support with using the tool.