species sensitivity distribution

Description:

A model of the variation in sensitivity of a species to a particular source of harm (e.g. drought, pest invasion or chemical exposure)

Context:

A species sensitivity distribution (SSD) is a scientific tool used to understand how different species respond to a chemical or contaminant. It shows the variation in sensitivity across many species, helping identify concentrations that could harm the most sensitive organisms.

In food safety, EFSA uses SSDs mainly for environmental risk assessments, such as evaluating the impact of pesticides or contaminants on wildlife, pollinators, or aquatic species. By analysing these distributions, EFSA can set safe exposure levels, guide regulations, and ensure that chemicals used in food production do not cause unacceptable harm to ecosystems.

Chemical contaminants in food and feed Chemicals in food Environmental risk assessment of pesticides Insect pollinator health Pesticides