If Sub A has an LD50 of 0.5 mg/kg and Sub B has an LD50 of 5 mg/kg under the same test, which is more poisonous?

Study for the Utah Aquatic Pesticide Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your certification!

Multiple Choice

If Sub A has an LD50 of 0.5 mg/kg and Sub B has an LD50 of 5 mg/kg under the same test, which is more poisonous?

Explanation:
LD50 is the dose that will kill half of the test population under the same conditions, so a lower LD50 means greater acute toxicity. Here, Sub A needs only 0.5 mg/kg to be lethal for 50% of subjects, while Sub B needs 5 mg/kg. Since Sub A requires ten times less substance to reach that lethal threshold, Sub A is more poisonous. This comparison assumes identical test conditions (same species, exposure route, etc.).

LD50 is the dose that will kill half of the test population under the same conditions, so a lower LD50 means greater acute toxicity. Here, Sub A needs only 0.5 mg/kg to be lethal for 50% of subjects, while Sub B needs 5 mg/kg. Since Sub A requires ten times less substance to reach that lethal threshold, Sub A is more poisonous. This comparison assumes identical test conditions (same species, exposure route, etc.).

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