Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP) is a monthly journal of peer-reviewed research and news on the impact of the environment on human health. EHP is published by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and its content is free online. Print issues are available by paid subscription.DISCLAIMER
The NIEHS Environmental Genome Project is founded on the sound scientific concept that the genetic makeup of an individual person is a major factor in human disease resulting from exposure to environmental agents. The project is a long-term effort to characterize specific genetic variations, or polymorphisms, that contribute to either resistance or susceptibility to environmentally induced diseases. It is clear that many diseases, such as cancer, asthma, arteriosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis, are influenced by environmental agents. By understanding how genetic polymorphisms in the general population affect individual responses to environmental agents, scientists can better predict health risks and policy makers will have a science-based framework for the development of environmental policies to protect the most susceptible subpopulations.
The Division of Extramural Research and Training has developed a research agenda for the implementation of the Environmental Genome Project. Many laboratories are already at work identifying important variations in DNA sequences, developing new genomic technologies, understanding the biological significance of observed polymorphisms, and improving current mathematical and statistical models to better understand gene-environment interactions. Epidemiologists will then use this fundamental information to identify susceptible subpopulations, ultimately enabling them to determine low-level exposures that affect health. The project will also encourage dialog and frank discussions on the ethical, legal, and social implications of the research, as this will shed new light on people's varying degrees of genetic susceptibility. The NIEHS is committed to advancing knowledge for environmental medicine, thereby equipping clinicians with the tools to prevent, attenuate, and ameliorate human diseases.