DNA test hope over damages claims

saltwn · #1 (**permalink**) 11-27-2007, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Scientists say a new DNA test may help prove if people have had their health damaged by exposure to chemicals.

BBC NEWS | Health | DNA test hope over damages claims

Quote:

Dr Gillis said the technique - named msds1 - could prove an invaluable way of speeding up such cases, which can often drag on for years.

It can read the specific pattern of changes to DNA triggered by exposure to a chemical.

This unique DNA "fingerprint" can then be compared to samples taken from people making claims.

The most high-profile fight over exposure to chemicals involved Erin Brockovich.

What do you know?

Good news for plaintiffs. Corporate America? Might be good news for them too. Why would they want to settle out of court if they can hire a lab to prove their case?
What do you think?

cnredd · #2 (**permalink**) 11-27-2007, 02:28 AM

It would only work if you had a DNA test BEFORE any claims of exposure...

If you were born with the same characteristics found in the exposure, it may have been from the parents...Therefore, no way to tell if the exposure ame while the person was out of the womb or just born that way...

It sounds absurd, but that's what the defense will be...

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