The effects of genotoxic agents may be manifest, through genetic damage in somatic or germinal cells, as tumors, malformations, genetic defects, or reduced fertility. The present article discusses the currently available theoretical and practical possibilities for measuring genotoxic exposures and their early effects on the human body. The authors also express their views about the actions necessary in cases of demonstrated occupational exposure to genotoxic chemicals.

Key terms alkylation; biological monitoring; cancer; chemical carcinogen; chromosome aberration; exposure; genotoxicity; mutagenicity; nucleic acid; oncodevelopmental protein; protein; risk assessment; sister chromatid exchange; sperm morphology