Ethical issues in the use of genetic markers in occupational epidemiologicresearch

This review was conducted to characterize the nature of contemporary occupa tional epidemiologic research involving genetic markers, consider how genet ic information is unique with regard to its social applications, and examin e some of the ethical dilemmas that may arise over the course of studies. S ire have reviewed the literature and the lessons from our experience in con ducting occupational epidemiologic research involving genetic markers, This review describes how, occupational epidemiologic studies differ from other epidemiologic studies on issues of participation, confidentiality, and the history of including genetic markers. Of primary concern in occupational s tudies are genes that have multiple alleles and are sometimes referred to a s "metabolic polymorphisms." They generally do not confer risk on their own but rather only in combination with a specific exposure. There is a need f or a clear policy and guidelines for the conduct of occupational epidemiolo gic studies using genetic material. This policy should address all of the s teps in study design, implementation, interpretation, and communication of results.