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The new world of human genetic technologies: The policy environment and impacts of genetic screening tests

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Abstract

Today it is possible to screen for mutated DNA sequences which do not induce any diseases but predispose to develop diseases under certain environmental condition. These latter disorders are called “multifactorial” since they result from the interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Among multifactorial disorders there are job-related diseases whose genetic component can be identified by genetic screening tests. The use of these tests to predict occupational disorders, to cut down on them, and to save costs—in particular for absenteeism, health care, and lawsuits—is of interest to employers and insurers. As for employees, it could entail an extremely deep invasion of privacy, economic problems and, very likely, a jeopardy of the present position of the individual who may be screened even if his/her potential disease is never developed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Logic and Philosophy of Science, INVESCIT/University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain

    Jose Sanmartín

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  1. Jose Sanmartín
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Sanmartín, J. The new world of human genetic technologies: The policy environment and impacts of genetic screening tests. AI & Soc 9, 105–114 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01174482

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01174482

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