Which statement best describes how LD50 relates to toxicity?

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Multiple Choice

Which statement best describes how LD50 relates to toxicity?

Explanation:
LD50 measures the dose of a substance that will kill 50% of a test population. The smaller that dose, the more toxic the chemical is because only a tiny amount is needed to reach the lethal threshold for half the individuals. This is a way to compare acute toxicity between substances. It doesn’t describe chronic effects, nor does it tell you anything about how fast the substance is absorbed into the body—that would be a different measurement. So saying that a lower LD50 indicates higher toxicity correctly captures how LD50 relates to how dangerous a substance is in acute exposure.

LD50 measures the dose of a substance that will kill 50% of a test population. The smaller that dose, the more toxic the chemical is because only a tiny amount is needed to reach the lethal threshold for half the individuals. This is a way to compare acute toxicity between substances. It doesn’t describe chronic effects, nor does it tell you anything about how fast the substance is absorbed into the body—that would be a different measurement. So saying that a lower LD50 indicates higher toxicity correctly captures how LD50 relates to how dangerous a substance is in acute exposure.

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