The report summarizes the state of the art on systems, either existing or conceptual, that can be used or adapted for use to select, assess, and prioritize chemicals for their health or environmental effects. It is found that, while numerous systems can be identified, none have been formulated with sufficient breadth to permit accomplishing all the functions which include: Identification of chemical hazards to man and his environment; selecting chemicals not already in use; assessing potentially hazardous degradation products or synergistic effects; assessing hazards to plants, animals, and the nonliving environment.