SaferWorldbyDesign: The ChemFORWARD Alternatives Finder Tool: Identifying LVOC and Safer Solvents

In this session, we present an overview of the ChemFORWARD Alternatives Finder Tool, which is built on a foundation of the ChemFORWARD hazard data repository of chemical hazard assessments (CHAs), providing users with consistent, reliable toxicology information on safer, functional chemical alternatives. Through this first-of-its-kind data repository, which operates on a cost and benefit-sharing model, our platform allows users to identify and eliminate chemicals of concern, avoid regrettable substitutions, and design safer products from the beginning. The ChemFORWARD Alternatives Finder tool allows users to identify chemicals that are potential functional alternatives to an incumbent chemical. This feature allows users to identify potential alternatives based on physicochemical property similarity. To showcase the utility of the tool, we will provide a case study as to how the tool can be used to find low VOC and verified safer solvents that may serve as functional alternatives to an incumbent solvent with hazard concerns.

Speaker: Gabby Rigutto (ChemFORWARD)

Gabrielle Rigutto is the Research & Data Quality Specialist at ChemFORWARD. With a diverse background in chemical hazard assessment, data management, and regulatory communication, Gabrielle has led projects focused on reducing public exposure to harmful chemicals in consumer products and the environment. Her work spans using data-mining approaches to contribute to the development of novel hazard assessment methodologies and promoting scientific literacy across. Gabrielle holds two Master's degrees in Environmental Health Sciences and Environmental Science and Policy, with a focus on toxicology, human health risk assessment, and green chemistry.