Radioimmunoassays for monitoring exposure to potential carcinogens.

As the numbers and production of environmental pollutants and hazardous industrial compounds increase, the necessity for monitoring the environment and workplace to avoid or to limit human exposure to toxic substances becomes more urgent. In support of the occupational safety program at the National Center for Toxicological Research, very sensitive and specific radioimmunoassays for measuring two known animal carcinogens, 2-acetylaminofluorene and diethylstilbestrol and their metabolites were developed. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) techniques offer unique advantages over ixisting methodologies in the field of toxicology; these include exquisite specificity and sensitivity, simplicity in sample handling and rapid analysis. These RIAs are currently being used for monitoring possible human exposure to carcinogenic compounds.