Application of QSARs and VFARs to the rapid risk assessment process at US EPA

With continued development of new chemicals and genetically engineered microbes as potential agents for terrorism and industrial development, there is a great need for the continued development and application of quantitative structure activity relationships (QSARs) and virulence factor activity relationships (VFARs). Development and application of QSARs and VFARs will facilitate efficient and streamlined use of dwindling resources and assessment of risks associated with exposures to chemical and biological agents. To facilitate the continued development of QSARs and VFARs at US Environmental Protection Agency, a two day workshop was organized June 20-21, 2006, in Cincinnati, OH, USA. This article summarizes the workshop report by highlighting the importance of continued QSAR research, the current state of VFAR science, and the guidance provided to the National Homeland Security Research Center and National Risk Management Research Laboratory by an expert panel for the continued use and development of computational approaches.