Toxicity data on chemicals, supposed to have a narcotic or polar narcotic toxicological mode of action, have been produced on the luminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri using the Microtox test procedure. Advanced statistical methods have been used to calculate statistically sound values for ecotoxicological endpoints. Simple quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) equations were developed for narcotics and polar narcotics. These equations were compared with those proposed by the European Technical Guidance Document on Risk Assessment for other aquatic organisms (algae, Daphnia, and fish). Similarities and differences are discussed. The need for including the bacterial component in the ecotoxicological risk assessment for aquatic ecosystems is highlighted.