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GENOMICS: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Citation:
Gallagher, K, W H. Benson, M. Brody, A Fairbrother, J. Hasan, R. Klaper, D L. Lattier, S. Lundquist, N. McCarroll, G. Miller, R J. Preston, P. Sayre, J. Seed, B. Smith, A. Street, R. Troast, V Vu*, L W. Reiter, AND K Dearfield. GENOMICS: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 12(3):572-590, (2006).
Impact/Purpose:
To illustrate, using activities, the regulatory and risk assessment applications of genomics information
Description:
Genomics information has great potential to enhance assessment of risks to human health and the environment, and consequently, will have significant implications for EPA. Although understanding genomic responses with respect to adverse ecological and/or human health outcomes is not, as yet, established, it is important to consider the likely future impacts of genomics technologies on EPA risk assessment and decision making. Four areas are identified as those likely to be influenced by the generation of genomics information within, and the submission of such information to, EPA: prioritization of contaminants and contaminated sites, monitoring, reporting provisions, and risk assessment. For each of these regulatory and risk assessment applications, representative activities are presented to illustrate the application. Genomics research needs and current EPA genomics research that may aid in addressing the regulatory and risk assessment applications are outlined. Three major challenges for EPA associated with genomics are also identified in the areas of research, technical development, and capacity. EPA's initial activities to address these challenges are discussed. EPA recognizes it must be prepared to use genomics information, and that many scientific, policy, ethical, and legal concerns will need to be addressed. EPA also recognizes it is essential to continue to collaborate with other federal agencies, academia, the regulated community, and other stakeholders in order to benefit from ongoing advances in genomics in the wider scientific and regulatory communities.