NOAEL is crucial in epidemiology and public health for several reasons:
- Risk Assessment: NOAEL is used to establish safe exposure levels for humans. It helps in the risk assessment process, determining the potential health risks associated with exposure to chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other substances. - Regulatory Standards: Regulatory agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), use NOAEL to set exposure limits and safety standards for various substances. - Public Health: Understanding NOAEL helps in formulating guidelines and policies aimed at protecting public health by preventing exposure to harmful levels of substances.