Genetic Susceptibility Testing for Beryllium: Against

Industries that process or fabricate beryllium are the most compelling real-world example of genetic testing for susceptibility to a workplace exposure. Voluntary employer-sponsored testing programs in which individual results are reported directly to workers in a confidential manner raise fewer ethical issues than do mandatory programs. However, our examination of voluntary programs using ethical and clinical criteria reveals interpretive challenges that limit the utility of the test. Concerns about suggesting a false sense of safety among workers, confidential participation and pressures to be tested also must be addressed. The potential lowering of social barriers to the implementation of mandatory worker screening is an additional concern.