The toxicity of ethanol. A tentative risk evaluation.
A substantial knowledge has been collected on the dose-dependent toxic effects of ethanol. Whereas ethanol probably is the chemical substance exerting most toxic effects in many populations, a quantitative estimate of the upper limit of long term safe consumption from a toxicological and public health standpoint has not earlier been performed. It may be summarized that the toxic range of ethanol consumption is 35-200 g per day. Based on the available data we would propose an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for ethanol of 7 g per day. The practical consequences are discussed.
D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D000437:Alcoholism; D002273:Carcinogens; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000209:etiology; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000139:chemically induced; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D009420:Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects; D012306:Risk; D013723:Teratogens; D013997:Time Factors
D002273:Carcinogens; D013723:Teratogens; D000431:Ethanol