Project Summary (1995-2000)

The overall goal of this project is to develop and apply biomarkers in studies of human carcinogenesis. One key aspect of this work is the development of new techniques for characterizing and quantifying complex chemical exposure to individuals and to specific target sites within the body. A principal advantage of this approach is the ability to study metabolism and the ensuing macromolecular damage following exposure to benzene and other chemicals at doses equal to most waste site exposures using the newly developed technique of accelerator mass spectrometry. This research will help in the understanding of the relationship between the amount of Superfund chemicals reaching specific targets and the production of toxicity. Quantifying this relationship is key to improving risk assessment.