What is the primary objective of toxicity tests?

The primary objective of toxicity tests is to establish dose-response curves. This involves determining the relationship between the dose of a substance and the biological response it elicits. Dose-response curves are essential in toxicology as they help scientists and researchers understand the effects of different concentrations of a substance on organisms, including both the magnitude of effects and the threshold levels at which adverse effects begin to occur.

Creating dose-response curves is crucial for identifying safe exposure levels, regulatory standards, and risk assessments related to chemicals or pollutants. These curves facilitate comparisons across different studies and substances, allowing for informed decisions in environmental management and public health.

While assessing environmental impact, evaluating human exposure, and identifying chronic health effects are important aspects of toxicity testing and environmental health studies, they hinge upon a solid understanding of the dose-response relationships established in toxicity tests. Consequently, establishing these curves serves as a foundational objective within the broader context of toxicity testing.