I don't mean to create a cheap synthesis of this week's two big DNA stories, but several of the posts I've reading regarding the "DNA Defense" make the point that it's the criminal actions are harmful not the DNA themselves, and that certain genotypes are not (yet) predictive of future behaviors, so I had to pose a thought question:

What if we provided a battery of genetic tests for behavior-related genes to individuals in adolescence, giving them warning/reassurance of their potential aggression, anxiety, intelligence, emotional stability, etc?

Even Richard Dawkins says that we have the ability overcome or resist our genetic propensities. However, free will (if it exists) can only act if we have enough information on which to make a thoughtful decision. Traditionally, we relied on advice from friends, introspection, or psychotherapy to identify behavioral traits, so wouldn't having DNA test results help us in determining our own behavior?

This wouldn't be viable today, since the science is still developing; however we are still discovering new genes involved in behavior, especially in mice. While there is the obvious caveat that mice are not men (or women), etc., there is incredible genetic similarity between the two species and it is ludicrous to assume that humans contain some vital mechanism endowing us with decision-making systems that are beyond the ability of science to ever fully characterize and explore.

We forget about DNA that is influenced by outside sources like chemicals that can turn on or off the coding of our cell's, thus effecting how our cells change even in the adult years. Chemicals in our environment can effect our chemical make up of our brain and effecting behavior patterns as well. DNA can have direct effects but we must not forget the out side influences upon the DNA or our chemical mix that can effect behavior from pollution.

The EPA approves 90% of new compounds w/o restrictions – 82,000 chemicals in use have ever been tested for toxicity out of nearly One Million. CDC Study from 2005 found 148 chemicals in blood of Americans some as high as 400 or more. Study of blood from umbilical cords of newborn babies showed as many as 400 compounds. What if the weapon of mass destruction is right in our cabinet? What if the chemical weapon were in the products we buy every day? What if, unknowingly, the greatest scientific experiment ever conducted was our water, air, soil, and blood stream? What if nobody thought about how all these chemicals or compounds interact with each other in the real world? What about the fact that testing is only limited to the substance its self and possible interactions with a couple of other compounds? Why has the public safety and nation security not been thought about when it pertains to how all the One Million human created compounds interact with each other? Eco-Logical toxic collapse would not be healthy for national security nor would it be healthy for life in general. Would the answer make us bitter? Would the fact that cost and profit dominate the depth and thoroughness of scientific testing mean that greed or ignorance has put us all in jeopardy? I should not have to answer these disturbing questions because industry should not have reached this point. I have seen some limited news coverage, but it has been lacking in the depth of coverage. While there has been coverage the opinions have been from some researchers and industry apologists. While the chemical industry and industry attempt to place doubt on the topic in order to evade responsibility or further monetary expenditures we suffer the cost of life in a chemical world. Dibutyl phthalate DBP, Phthalates, Di(2-Ethylhexyl)DEHP and Mono (2-Ethylhexyl), Bisphenal A or BBP, PVC, Linuron, Butyl Benzene, Penta and Octa Brominated Diphenyl or PBDE, PCB, DDT, all have mutagenic(mutation) or endocrine disruptive properties or interactive chemical behavior characteristics. Some of these compounds are in cosmetics, clothing, plastic, children's toys, and many other products we buy. Opposition to FDA oversight is rampit by the chemical and cosmetics industry. CTFA a so-called self police force funded by member companies is like having the energy industry police Global Warming or pollution. There are over 10,500 compounds in cosmetics many of which have not been tested for toxic effects. Asbestos, Deca BDE, Dioxins, DBC, Methyl Mercury, Cadmium, Lead, Polybrominated biphenyl or PFA flame retardant are used in many industries and in consumer electronics. The EPA per yr. Reviews approx. 1,700 new compounds. The 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act requires only testing for “ill effects” only upon evidence of “potential harm.” If you do not provide any evidence you do not have to test for toxic properties. This wording of the 1976 TSCA has no bite and can be easily avoided. From 1996-2006 Chem. Indus. Spent 35 mill. to Fed Campaign organizations and 2 to 5 million was spent on lobbying –Cent. for Responsible Politics. This threatening blindness to a very real threat is something that requires all of us to realize that true family values begin at the molecular level. Sources: (Exposed the book by mark Schapiro) and (Shanna H. Swan Environ. Health Perspectives vol. 113 no. 8, Aug, 2005) and (Toxicological Sciences, vol.58 Dec.2000 L. Earl Gray // Susan M. Duty Environmental Health Perspectives Dec.2002) and (National Geographic Oct.2006 David Ewing Duncan)

When you refer to these large numbers of compounds, do you mean to refer to synthetic compounds? After all, water is a chemical compound. Vitamins, proteins, every bit of matter we encounter is either an element or a chemical compound. H2O is just as much a chemical as KCN, HCl, and any number of other substances that you wouldn't want to be putting into your body.