What does low-dose extrapolation involve?

Low-dose extrapolation involves a method where the effects of a substance are assessed at low exposure levels based on data derived from higher doses. This approach is particularly significant in toxicology and risk assessment, as it allows scientists to predict the potential effects of low doses of chemicals on human health or the environment by observing the effects at higher doses and inferring how those effects might diminish or change at lower levels.

This practice is critical because it recognizes the non-linear nature of dose-response relationships for many substances; what occurs at a higher dose may not directly translate to lower doses in a straightforward manner. Therefore, it emphasizes studying the low-dose impacts after establishing a response through higher dose tests, facilitating a better understanding of safety thresholds and risk levels associated with chemical exposure.