| The Environmental Genome Project: Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications Richard R. Sharp and J. Carl Barrett Office of the Scientific Director, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA Abstract
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences is supporting a multiyear research initiative examining genetic influences on environmental response. Proponents of this new initiative, known as the Environmental Genome Project, hope that the information learned will improve our understanding of environmentally associated diseases and allow clinicians and public health officials to target disease-prevention strategies to those who are at increased risk. Despite these potential benefits, the project presents several ethical and social challenges. Of immediate concern is the protection of individual research participants. Other ethical issues relate to the application of research results and how study findings could affect social priorities. Clarifying these emerging areas of concern, many of which have not received adequate attention in the existing bioethics literature, is an important step toward minimizing potential research-related risks and defining research needs. Key words: Environmental Genome Project, environmental genomics, ethics, genetic susceptibility, human subjects research, informed consent. Environ Health Perspect 108:279-281 (2000) . [Online 14 February 2000] http://ehpnet1.niehs.nih.gov/docs/2000/108p279-281sharp/ abstract.html Address correspondence to R.R. Sharp, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, PO Box 12233, 111 Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2233 USA. Telephone: (919) 541-3489. Fax: (919) 541-5465. E-mail: sharp@niehs.nih.gov Received 19 August 1998 ; accepted 14 October 1999.
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