The remarkable progress in genetics over the last 50 years has led to the d
evelopment of genetic technologies to identify or alter genes in living org
anisms, and these technologies can be applied to people. This article prese
nts background information on the role of genetics in human disease, outlin
es the technologies, and discusses the sources of the strong push for a gen
etic approach to ill-health and some implications and harmful consequences
of using these genetic technologies. The determinants of most diseases are
complex and are embedded in a social context. To focus on only one strand o
f this web-the genetic strand-because it is one that may be amenable to bio
logical/pharmaceutical treatment, although profitable for industry, does no
t address other important determinants of health and may lead to a harmful
overemphasis on genetic approaches. The author outlines some limitations to
the potential contribution of genetic technologies to population health ac
ross the globe and the need for policy development if these technologies ar
e to have an appropriate place in health care.