A North-East company is using computer modelling to determine whether chemicals are environmentally friendly.

Enviresearch, launched by Newcastle University biology researcher Dr James Garratt, is believed to be the only business of its kind in the region.

Chemicals have to undergo testing, including an environmental risk assessment, before they are deemed safe and can get a sales licence for this country and the EU.

However, many have been in use since before regulations were introduced in 1981 and there is a backlog of tens of thousands of chemicals that need checking.

Risk assessments can be based on laboratory tests or performed using the cheaper, quicker and safer computer modelling. Dr Garratt, who has worked on environmental modelling and research for the past decade, believes his new firm will help smaller, specialist firms that cannot afford their own research.

He said: "We are able to test a wide range of chemicals, including pesticides, paints, detergents and wood preservatives for our clients using a wide range of mathematical models.

"The models - sophisticated computer programmes - carry out a detailed analysis of information we have about particular chemicals and predicts what would happen if they enter the environment.

"The worst case scenario is that a harmful chemical could kill birds and fish and damage the eco-system.