Biomonitoring of workers exposed to carcinogens: immunoassays to benzo(a)pyrene-DNA adducts as a prototype

A new tool for the study of occupational carcinogenesis is "molecular dosimetry" or biomonitoring to establish the biologically effective dose of carcinogens in workers. Human monitoring of biologically effective dose and preclinical response has the potential to flag the need for protective measures and/or surveillance. Comparable biologically effective dose and preclinical response data in humans and laboratory animals for whom tumor incidence is known can also enhance risk extrapolation between species. This paper will provide a brief overview of biomonitoring methods now under development, including advantages, limitations, applications to date, and research needs. Application to the monitoring of worker populations requires careful thought about the use to which monitoring data will be put.