How is toxicity measured in relation to pesticides?

Toxicity in relation to pesticides is often measured using a lethal dose scale, which quantifies the amount of a substance needed to cause death in a specified percentage of a test population. This measurement is commonly represented as LD50 (lethal dose for 50% of the population), which indicates the dose required to kill half of the test subjects, usually laboratory animals. The lower the LD50 value, the more toxic the substance is considered, enabling a clear comparison between the toxicity of different pesticides.

This approach provides standardized metrics for toxicity that are critical for regulatory assessments, safety evaluations, and informing users of the risks associated with pesticide application. Understanding the lethal dose scale is crucial for pesticide manufacturers and users alike, as it helps guide safe handling practices and usage limits to minimize harm to humans, non-target organisms, and the environment.