title: Understanding genetics: a primer for occupational health practice.
abstract: Because biologic diversity is essential for life, genes have developed many versions that may be further modified by interaction with other genes and with environmental factors. Polymorphic alterations of genetic material influence drug responses, predisposition or resistance to disease, and susceptibility to environmental toxicity. The occupational health professional should be aware of rapidly changing genetic tests, be able to distinguish between screening and diagnostic modalities, be able to access genetic resources to find the latest protocols, and should consider the ethical, legal, and social implications of genetic testing in the workplace.
authors.affiliation: Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors.forename: Lynette
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wright
mesh_terms: D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D018740:Genetic Heterogeneity; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control; D030661:Genetic Privacy; D005820:Genetic Testing; D014644:Genetic Variation / Q000235:genetics; D005826:Genetics, Medical / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016045:Human Genome Project; D006801:Humans; D040582:Inheritance Patterns / Q000235:genetics; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008967:Molecular Biology; D024802:Nurse's Role; D016272:Occupational Health; D009785:Occupational Health Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D010375:Pedigree; D019683:Penetrance; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics; D017132:Workplace
chemical_list: D004247:DNA