A framework for using dose as a metric to assess toxicity of fish to PAHs

The effects of PAHs on fish have been described in the literature, but the ability to assess risk to juvenile and adult fish from exposure to PAHs the field is currently hindered by the lack of a predictive dose–response exposure model. The goal of this paper is to present a framework that can be used to convert concentrations of PAHs in environmental media (e.g., water, food, and sediment) to a dose metric that is predictive of adverse effects. Examples of toxicity studies that can be considered within the framework are presented. Additional toxicity studies are needed to establish the potency and range of toxic responses to mixtures of PAHs that fish encounter in the environment.