The conceptual framework of monitoring mutagens/carcinogens: a critical appraisal

The main theme of this paper is an analysis of the present knowledge and conceptual framework in the field of monitoring for carcinogenic and mutagenic agents. The conclusions of the International Symposium on "Monitoring human exposure to carcinogenic and mutagenic agents" (Helsinki, 1983) were taken as a starting point for a series of considerations; methods suitable for the quantitative treatment of the information were applied to evidence the profile of current research in this area. The analysis indicated that the major underlying paradigms were related to technical considerations, such as chemical specificity, precision, reproducibility or ease of execution, as well as to the concept of mechanism of action of genotoxic agents. On the other hand, the lack of reliable information about the operational relevance of the systems for assessing health effects was dramatically evidenced. As a conclusion, the dangers of relying on a scientific background derived only from the basic research, without a critical re-examination in terms of real, operational performances of the systems, are emphasized.