DNA and protein adducts

Application of methods for the measurement of DNA and protein adducts in environmental studies was surveyed. The methods included the 32P-postlabelling assay, immunoassay and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy for DNA adducts. Additionally, methods for detecting excreted urinary RNA and DNA adducts were discussed. The protein adduct techniques included both immunological and chemical assays. The techniques have been applied in occupational and environmental studies, but usually one assay at a time. As specific DNA adducts can now be assayed for, it would be important to use these methods and specific protein adduct assays in the same studies. It is important to develop further specific adduct tests. This can be done with the help of standard compounds, which also allow quantitation in the assays. An international bank of standard compounds would be a major advancement to human biomonitoring.