LC50
LC50
LC50 (pronounced "el-see-fifty"), also known as Lethal Concentration 50, is a term used in toxicology to denote the concentration of a substance that is lethal to 50% of a test population. The term is often used in pharmacology, ecotoxicology, and pesticide regulation.
Etymology
The term LC50 is derived from the words "Lethal Concentration" and "50". The "50" refers to the percentage of the test population that the concentration is lethal to.
Definition
LC50 is a measure of the lethal concentration of a particular substance or chemical in the environment that causes death in 50% of a specific test population. This measure is usually expressed in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L). The lower the LC50 value, the more toxic the substance is.
Calculation
The LC50 value is calculated using statistical methods, often through a process known as Probit analysis. This involves exposing different groups of organisms to different concentrations of the substance and observing the mortality rate.
Related Terms
- LD50: The lethal dose of a substance that kills 50% of a test population.
- EC50: The effective concentration of a substance that gives half-maximal response.
- IC50: The half maximal inhibitory concentration of a substance.
Applications
LC50 values are used in various fields such as risk assessment, environmental science, and regulatory toxicology. They help in determining the toxicity level of substances and in setting safety standards.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on LC50
- Wikipedia's article - LC50
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