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Analog Identification Methodology (AIM)

Estimating potential hazard (toxicity) of chemicals that have not been experimentally tested is usually done by comparing the untested chemical to analogs (chemicals with similar structures) that have been tested. AIM is an online method (cannot be downloaded) that identifies closely related chemical structures that have experimental (measured) data in a specific set of publicly available databases.

Why Is AIM Important?

AIM was developed to address needs identified by participants in the Sustainable Futures Initiative (SF) that provides the on-line computer-based models that EPA uses to assess new chemicals. Its goal is to help chemical developers predict potential hazards of untested chemicals. Those who have used the SF models often find identifying close analogs difficult. AIM was developed to identify close analogs that have measured data and it points to online sources where those data can be found.

Limitations of AIM

AIM was developed to identify analogs for neutral organic compounds and not for metals, inorganic substances, and organic salts. Although a chemical can be entered and run in AIM, the results should be used with caution after performing a comprehensive analysis for each analog’s potential applicability. Limitations are described in the “methodology” section of the online tool.

Chemical classes (not an exhaustive list) for which AIM is not expected to produce reliable results include:

The AIM methodology is currently unavailable.

AIM uses a static database of chemicals, CAS Numbers and literature resources to identify analogs of chemicals being evaluated. This static database is now out of date. Pending the availability of appropriated funds needed to update the database, an updated version of AIM will be made available. Stakeholders can check this web site to determine if and when an updated version of AIM is publicly available.


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