What does the term LD50 measure?

The term LD50 refers to "lethal dose for 50% of the population" and measures the toxicity of a substance, specifically indicating the dose required to kill half of a test population. This metric is critical in assessing the potential risk and danger posed by various chemicals, including pesticides. By providing a quantitative value, LD50 allows for comparisons between different substances regarding their toxicity levels.

Understanding LD50 is essential in pest management and environmental safety because it helps determine how much of a pesticide can be safely used without posing significant risks to non-target organisms, including humans, pets, and beneficial insects. Additionally, it informs regulators and professionals about the potential hazards of different chemicals, guiding safer application practices.