Correct option is B
The threshold dose is the level of exposure to a substance below which no adverse biological effects are observed. For non-carcinogenic substances, this is a critical concept as it identifies the safe exposure limits.
· The threshold dose is determined through toxicological studies and is used to set permissible exposure limits for chemicals, drugs, and other substances.
· Below the threshold dose, the body can metabolize or eliminate the substance without harm. Above this level, observable adverse effects begin to occur.
Why Not Other Options?
· Absorption potential (a): Refers to the rate or extent to which a substance is absorbed into the body, not its adverse effect threshold.
· Distribution quotient (c): Refers to the distribution of a substance within biological systems, not its toxic threshold.
· Metabolic quotient (d): Refers to the rate of metabolism relative to energy production, unrelated to toxicity levels.
Thus, the correct term is threshold dose.
Information Booster: 1. Threshold Dose in Toxicology:
· Represents the dividing line between safe and potentially harmful exposure.
· Important for setting occupational exposure limits (OELs).
2. Key Applications:
· Used in risk assessments for chemical safety.
· Helps regulate permissible levels in food, water, and air.
3. No-Observed-Adverse-Effect-Level (NOAEL):
· The highest dose at which no harmful effects are observed, related to the threshold dose.
4. Lowest-Observed-Adverse-Effect-Level (LOAEL):
· The lowest dose at which adverse effects are first observed, just above the threshold dose.
Additional Knowledge: (a) Absorption potential:
· Determines how readily a substance enters the body but does not define harmful effects.
(b) Threshold dose:
· Represents the critical level for toxicological and safety standards.
(c) Distribution quotient:
· Refers to the dispersion of a substance across tissues and fluids.
(d) Metabolic quotient:
· Related to metabolic rates and energy production, unrelated to toxicity thresholds.