Toxic Equivalency Factor (TEF)

Toxic Equivalency Factor (TEF) is a way scientists compare the toxicity of different similar chemicals, such as dioxins and related compounds. Since these chemicals vary in how harmful they are, TEFs assign each a number reflecting its toxicity relative to a reference chemical, usually the most toxic one. By multiplying the amount of each chemical in a sample by its TEF, experts can estimate the overall toxicity of a mixture. This simplifies assessing health risks and helps in regulation, ensuring safety by considering the combined effects of multiple related toxins.