Simulants

Simulants are substances, materials, or agents used to imitate the properties, appearance, or effects of another substance, condition, or object for the purposes of testing, training, or demonstration. They are chosen to reproduce key characteristics while minimizing hazard, cost, or ethical concerns. The concept spans multiple fields and may involve chemical, physical, or behavioral simulations.

In historical pharmacology, simulants sometimes referred to substances that mimic the effects of stimulants, though the more common contemporary term is stimulants. In modern usage, simulants are more often discussed in the context of testing, training, and research rather than as a named class of drugs.

Applications of simulants include safety, security, and detection training; environmental and industrial hygiene; and medical education. In security and law enforcement, simulants are used to evaluate detection equipment and algorithms for drugs, explosives, or chemical hazards and to train personnel without exposing them to real threats. In environmental studies and workplace safety, simulants model the release, dispersion, and exposure patterns of hazardous substances to support risk assessment and emergency planning. In medical education, patient simulants or symptom simulants help learners practice assessment and communication skills in a safe, controlled environment.

Selection of a simulant depends on how closely it reproduces the target’s relevant properties, while remaining nonhazardous, stable, and cost-effective. Ethical and regulatory considerations govern the use, labeling, and disposal of simulants to prevent misuse and ensure safety.