Tests of so-called genetic susceptibility

During the past two decades a number of inherited polymorphic proteins and enzymes have been identified in different ethnic groups. Certain biochemical markers appear to be associated with susceptibility to harmful effects of the environment. This paper reviews the potential for using these markers to determine whether affected persons ought to be excluded from certain jobs or from the environment(s) of specific settings in the workplace. This paper will also attempt to identify the criteria that should be used before it is scientifically and ethically justified to use these markers to "protect" workers and/or persons from harm by not allowing them to work in a specific setting or with specific agents to which they have been deemed to be at special risk for injury.