What does dermal LD50 measure?

The dermal LD50 measures the dose of a pesticide that is lethal to 50% of test animals when the pesticide is absorbed through the skin. This value is important in assessing the toxicity of pesticides, particularly for workers who may come into contact with these substances during application or handling. Understanding the dermal LD50 helps safety professionals gauge the potential risk associated with skin exposure to specific pesticides, allowing for the implementation of appropriate protective measures to minimize harm.

In contrast, the other choices refer to different testing methods or concepts that do not apply directly to dermal exposure. The first choice pertains to oral ingestion toxicity rather than skin absorption, while the third option focuses on the efficacy of pesticides against skin diseases rather than their toxicity levels. The fourth option deals with exposure limits rather than a specific lethal dose measurement.