Benchmark Dose

A Benchmark Dose (BMD) is a scientifically determined level of exposure to a substance, such as a chemical, that is associated with a specific, small increase in the risk of an adverse health effect—like a slight increase in cancer or other problems. It’s calculated based on data from scientific studies and helps regulators set safe exposure limits. Instead of using the no-effect level, the BMD considers the dose-response relationship more precisely, providing a more reliable and consistent basis for protecting public health while accounting for individual variability.