• Question: is there possibility that one can be muteted when come into contact with chemicals

    Asked by aazb246 to Susan, Steven, Rose, Rita, Alex on 26 Jan 2017.
    • Photo: Alex Hinga

      Alex Hinga answered on 26 Jan 2017:


      Hi @aazb246 Do you mean “mutation”? If so, yes contact with some chemicals can increase the likelihood of mutations. Chemicals and other substances that cause mutation are called mutagens. If they also cause cancer, they are referred to as carcinogens. Most mutagens are carcinogens. Examples of chemical mutagens include bromine and nitrous acid. Radiation can also cause mutations and cancer. For instance, in 1986 a nuclear plant in a Ukrainian town called Chernobyl exploded releasing radioactive substances into the environment. Many people died while others developed health problems including cancer. The town was abandoned then and access is restricted even today. This prevents people from coming into contact with chemicals and substances that can cause mutations or cancer.

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