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Benchmark Dose Tools

  • Benchmark Dose Software (BMDS)

    EPA software to facilitate applying benchmark dose methods to hazardous pollutant risk assessments. Download and learn more.

  • CatReg

    In June 2017, EPA updated to a Windows-based version of CatReg for categorical regression analysis. Learn more by downloading CatReg.

EPA's Benchmark Dose Software (BMDS) collects and provides easy access to numerous mathematical models that help risk assessors estimate the quantitative relationship between a chemical dose and the test subject’s response.

Sample graph showing the predetermined BMR line, and its intersection with the BMDL and BMD

A specific focus of BMDS is estimating a statistical benchmark dose (BMD). The BMD is a chemical dose or concentration that produces a predetermined change in the response rate of an adverse effect, such as weight loss or tumor incidence.

The BMD is a range, rather than a fixed number. For example, the benchmark dose (lower confidence limit) (BMDL) can be regarded as a dose where the observable physical effect is less than the predetermined benchmark response (BMR).

BMD methods are used by the U.S. EPA and throughout the world for dose-response analyses to support chemical risk assessments and regulatory actions. The primary BMD tools developed by the U.S. EPA for this purpose are the applications BMDS and Categorical Regression (CatReg).

BMDS is consistent with the EPA Risk Assessment Forum's Benchmark Dose Technical Guidance Document (U.S. EPA, 2012) and the technical guidance for choosing the appropriate stage of a Multistage model for cancer modeling.

BMDS 3.2.0.1

  • About BMDS 3.2.0.1
  • Download
  • Download Model Source Code
  • Documentation
  • Frequent Questions
  • Release History
  • BMDS Support

CatReg 3.1.0.7

  • About CatReg 3.1.0.7
  • Download
  • Release History
  • CatReg Support

Related Links

  • Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)
  • Conducting a Human Health Risk Assessment
  • EPA's Risk Assessment Process
  • Basic Information about Risk Assessment Guidelines Development
  • EPA Risk Tools and Databases

Training & Reference

  • BMDS Application History & Peer Reviews
  • BMDS 2.7 Training Webinars -- methods and models
  • Report: Model Averaging Workshop (2015)
  • BMDS Glossary

Models & Tools

  • List of Benchmark Dose Models in BMDS
  • BMDS 2.7 (no longer supported)
  • BMDExpress 
  • Health Assessment Workspace Collaborative (HAWC) 
  • PROAST

Technical Guidance

  • Benchmark Dose Technical Guidance (U.S. EPA, 2012)
  • Choosing Appropriate Stage of a Multistage Model for Cancer Modeling (BMDS Technical Guidance) (U.S. EPA, 2014)
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on June 23, 2022
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