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Date November 29, 1998 Time 2:00 - 5:00 PM Conference 3rd International Conference on Environmental Mutagens in Human Populations Location Bangkok, Thailand Venue: The Emerald Hotel, Bangkok     There were 45 participants in the workshop most of whom were from Thailand. An initial survey of participants indicated that the great majority were already familiar with the technique but had not used it extensively and were keen to learn more about the method and its scope for application in human biomonitoring. A list of twenty participants who indicated their wish to participate or to be kept informed on the HUMN project was obtained. Program of 2nd HUMN workshop: Chairpersons: Stefano Bonassi and Michael Fenech 1. The HUMN project - a brief introduction (M Fenech, Australia and S Bonassi, Italy) 2. MN assay in human blood cells - current status (M Fenech, Australia) 3. MN assay in human epithelial cells - current status (N Holland, USA) 4. MN assays in population monitoring (WP Chang, Taiwan) 5. Validation of MN assays in human cells (E Zeiger, USA) 6. HUMN Project Plan in detail (M Fenech, Australia and S.Bonassi, Italy)     · Comparison of data bases     · Comparison of techniques & standard protocol     · Prospective studies on the association between MN frequency and degenerative diseases such as cancer 7. Discussion (Chairperson: E. Zeiger, USA)     The points discussed during the workshop are described in detail in the paper titled - "The HUMN Project - An international collaborative study on the use of the micronucleus technique for measuring DNA damage in humans " which has been published as part of the conference proceedings in Mutation Research, 1999. A number of key points emerged from the discussions during and at the end of the workshop: 1. The importance of having a network of scientists world-wide working and developing the micronucleus assay to ensure efficient use of resources, reliable data that are comparable across countries and the easy availability of training opportunities for scientists from developing countries or countries without experience in this technology. 2. Among the questions raised was the issue of how many cells should be scored when comparing groups and how large a difference in the micronucleus frequency should be considered biologically significant. Should the micronucleus test be considered a biomarker of exposure, a marker of biological effect or a biomarker of potential disease outcome? 3. New results were presented showing the increase in micronucleus frequency in buccal cells in association with level of water chlorination; the application of the micronucleus assay in new studies focusing on the effects of urban pollution on genetic damage in children and studies in Taiwan on the kinetics of micronucleus appearance and disappearance during exposure and following cessation of chronic exposure to radiation in radiocontaminated buildings. The importance of considering the effect of life-style factors was emphasised particularly in relation to diet and B vitamins. 4. It was also noted during the course of the ICEMHP meeting in Thailand that the micronucleus assay in lymphocytes represents one of the best available and practical technique to make comparisons of DNA damage rates across countries because of the size of the database, the relatively low cost and the robustness of the technique. The coincidental measurement of micronuclei in human lymphocytes both in vivo and in in vitro genotoxicity testing may provide for direct comparisons on the genotoxic effects of exposure to chemicals in human cells in different settings.     The success of this workshop has resulted in the serious consideration of organizing a 3rd workshop in conjunction with the next ICEM meeting in Japan in 2001. Additionally, the plan is to hold a 4th workshop at a satellite meeting in Shanghai prior to the ICEM 2001.

The HUman MicroNucleus Project