[Quantification of chemical genetic risk]

Associated with technical advances of our civilization is the possibility of an increase of radiation- and chemically induced germ-cell mutations in man. This would result in an increase in the frequency of genetic diseases and would be detrimental to future generations. It is the duty of our generation to keep this risk as low as possible. In order to achieve this goal it is necessary to identify, evaluate and quantify the genetic risk of chemical mutagens. The possibilities and the shortcomings of the quantification of radiation- and chemically induced mutations are discussed. The discrepancy between the high safety standards for radiation protection and the low level of knowledge for the toxicological evaluation of chemicals is emphasized.