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Mutagen
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Definition
A mutagen is a substance or agent that causes an increase in the rate of change in genes (subsections of the DNA of the body's cells). These mutations (changes) can be passed along as the cell reproduces, sometimes leading to defective cells or cancer.
Examples of mutagens include certain biological and chemical agents as well exposure to ultraviolet light or ionizing radiation.
Mutagenesis is the formation of mutations.
Do not confuse a mutagen with a carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer). Mutagens may cause cancer, but not always.
Do not confuse a mutagen with a teratogen (a substance that causes change or harm to a fetus or embryo).
Additional Info
There are many types of mutations, some of which are harmful and others which have little or no effect on the body's function. See DNA and Mutations a clear, multi-page resource at the U of California at Berkeley.
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Mutagens can be identified using the Ames test and other biochemical testing methods.
The hazard classification process detailed in paragraph A.5 of Appendix A of HCS 2012 lists the criteria that are used in evaluating germ cell mutagenicity. Substances that are classified as Categories 1A, 1B, and 2 mutagens are required to have the health hazard pictogram (shown here on the right) on the label and, optionally, the Safety Data Sheet. This classification will also trigger various hazard statements as well as precautionary statements that must appear on both the label and SDS.
Books Available
NOTE: We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links in the following list:
- "Chemical Consequences: Environmental Mutagens, Scientist Activism, and the Rise of Genetic Toxicology", Paperback, 197 pages, 2004. Estimated price $31.95. Info and/or order.
- "Networking of Mutagens in Environmental Toxicology ", Hardcover, 183 pages, 2019. Estimated price $91.56. Info and/or order.
SDS Relevance
Information about mutagenic effects, if known, will be found in Section 11 (toxicological information) of an SDS. However, very few chemicals have ever been tested for mutagenicity, so the absence of information in this section does not necessarily mean that substance is not a mutagen!
If the Safety Data Sheet indicates the material is a mutagen you should consider substituting it with a less hazardous material. If you must work with a known mutagen, Section 8 (exposure controls/personal protection) of the SDS will have recommendations for personal protective equipment (PPE) and workplace engineering controls such as a fume hood to minimize your exposure.
Further Reading
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- Testing the Mutagenicity Potential of Chemicals from J Genet Genome Res 2017, 4(1), 4:029.
- The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)'s Guidance on Information Requirements and Chemical Safety Assessment has extensive information on mutagenicity and carcinogenicity.
- Ethidium Bromide Fact Sheet - this material is one of the most potent mutagens commonly used in laboratories.
- The Environmental Mutagenesis and Genomics Society studies mutagenesis and its applications to genetic toxicology.
- Mutagens and Reproductive Toxins at UC Berkeley is a comprehensive standard operating procedure (SOP).
- Guidance on a strategy for genotoxicity testing of chemical substances from the UK's Committee on Mutagenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment.
- What are Carcinogens and Mutagens? at Ireland's Health & Safety Authority.
See also: carcinogen, clastogen, cytotoxin, teratogen.