Clarifying the misuse of EC50, IC50, and LC50 in cytotoxicity study of water disinfection byproducts: A critical analysis and perspective

• This study clarifies the precise definitions and appropriate applications of EC 50 , IC 50 , and LC 50 . • This study proposes strategies for advancing the accurate use of EC 50 , IC 50 , and LC 50 in describing the cytotoxicity of DBPs. • This study facilitates a better review of the cytotoxicity of known DBPs. Cytotoxicity serves as a crucial standard for assessing the potential health risks posed by water disinfection by-products (DBPs). The precise use of toxicological metrics, such as EC 50 , IC 50 , and LC 50 , is essential for reliable safety evaluations and effective prioritization of DBPs for regulatory control. However, recent studies have increasingly applied these metrics interchangeably, undermining the accuracy of research findings and hindering meaningful cross-study comparisons, which may even impact public health decision-making and the development of DBP regulatory policies. This paper seeks to clarify the distinctions between these metrics, emphasize their correct application, and propose strategies to promote consistency and accuracy in future research on DBP cytoxicity, ultimately contributing to improved public health protection.