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Abstract: The sequencing of the human genome revealed that the variation in the genetic material between any two individuals averages approximately one variation for every 1000 base pairs of DNA. Genetic differences in susceptibility provide an important part of the answer of why do some people get sick from certain exposures while others do not. This article examines the implications of recent findings of relatively common genetic variants, known as “polymorphisms,” within the population affecting susceptibility to environmental exposures. In particular, the Article examines the potential applications of such information in toxic tort litigation and environmental regulation. The study of differences in genetic susceptibility to environmental toxicants is sometimes referred to as “toxicogenetics.”
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