Genotoxicology and Risk Assessment in the Era of the Human Genome Project

Historically, the field of risk assessment has been forced to rely on numerous assumptions regarding the probable response of any one individual to toxic insult. For example, it is well established that some, but not all, cigarette smokers will develop lung cancer. Assuming that the probability of developing cancer is identical for each individual, epidemiological data can be used in risk assessment calculations. However, it is becoming increasingly obvious that the real risk associated with xenobiotic exposure varies widely between individuals. The ability to predict the susceptibility of a person to adverse effects resulting from exposure to specific toxicants could transform the field of risk assessment.