Concern for environmental mutagens: some personal reminiscences.
This article is a personal, anecdotal account of the early days of concern for environmental mutagenesis. The history of the original National Academy of Sciences Committee on the Biological Effects of Atomic Radiations (BEAR) and its early controversies are reviewed, along with the initial establishment of principles for discovering potential chemical mutagens. Although it emphasizes the great advances in cellular and molecular understanding over the past 35 years, the article ends with a pessimistic assessment of any possibility of quantitative assessment of mutational impacts on future generations.
Crow
J F
JF
Department of Genetics, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706.
D002274:Carcinogens, Environmental; D005826:Genetics, Medical / Q000266:history*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D009152:Mutagenicity Tests / Q000266:history*; D009153:Mutagens; D014481:United States
D002274:Carcinogens, Environmental; D009153:Mutagens