What does tolerable daily intake (TDI) indicate?

Tolerable daily intake (TDI) represents the maximum amount of a substance that can be ingested daily over a specified period without posing a significant risk to health. This value is derived from toxicological studies and is used to assess the safety of exposure to certain chemicals or substances, ensuring that daily consumption remains below levels that could lead to adverse health effects.

The TDI is particularly important in regulatory contexts, as it helps in setting exposure limits for food additives, pesticides, and other chemicals. It ensures that individuals can consume certain substances in their food or environment without experiencing harmful effects, thus providing a safety margin to protect public health.

Understanding the concept of TDI is crucial for risk assessors, as it aids in evaluating potential health risks associated with long-term exposure to various substances, ensuring that risk management decisions are informed and based on sound scientific evidence.