The No Observed Effect Level and its unsuitability as a summary statistic in ecotoxicology
Conference
·
OSTI ID:33577
- Zeneca Agrochemicals, Bracknell (United Kingdom). Jealott`s Hill Research Station
The No Observed Effect level (NOEL) is one of the most commonly reported summary statistics from sub-lethal (or chronic) dose-response experiments in ecotoxicology. Environmental risk assessments are usually made by comparing NOEL or ED50 values with predicted or measured exposure values. The NOEL is usually determined by means of a significance testing procedure so that it is the highest concentration which does not produce a statistically significant adverse effect relative to an untreated control. This procedure is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of statistical inference yet determination of NOELs is widely recommended in regulatory guidelines. The weaknesses of the NOEL as an estimate of a safe concentration are discussed and alternative methods are reviewed. ED point estimation is recommended as the best of the alternatives. Implementation of the alternative is however not straightforward and recommendations are made for how this can be achieved.
- OSTI ID:
- 33577
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9410273--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Asking the right questions: Ecotoxicology and statistics
Alternatives for the no-observed-effect level
Development of a water quality criterion for chronic toxicity using an alternative measure of the NOEL
Conference
·
Sat Dec 30 23:00:00 EST 1995
·
OSTI ID:201180
Alternatives for the no-observed-effect level
Journal Article
·
Thu Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1992
· Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry; (United States)
·
OSTI ID:6382261
Development of a water quality criterion for chronic toxicity using an alternative measure of the NOEL
Conference
·
Sat Dec 30 23:00:00 EST 1995
·
OSTI ID:212082