Median lethal dose is the amount of a lethal substance that will kill 50% of a target population over a set period of time. Median lethal dose relates to substances including poisons, pathogens and ionizing radiation. Median lethal dose is often abbreviated as DL50.
Median lethal dose is used in animal experiments. It s designed to determine how much of a substance can be taken before it becomes deadly. Animal testing is often done with rats. Substances are either fed by mouth, applied on the skin or injected into the veins.
Share this Term
Let's Make Workplaces Safer!
Subscribe to the Safeopedia newsletter to stay on top of current industry trends and up-to-date know-how from subject matter authorities. Our comprehensive online resources are dedicated to safety professionals and decision makers like you.
Latest Articles
By: Addison Moore | Director of Marketing
By: Daniel Clark | Safety and Quality Management System Specialist
By: Scott Cuthbert | CEO & Co-Founder
