Genotoxic
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Genotoxic substances are those chemical compounds capable of causing genetic mutation and of contributing to the development of tumors. Radiation is also considered to be genotoxic.
Typical genotoxins like aromatic amines are believed to cause mutations because they are electrophilic and form strong covalent bonds with DNA, preventing accurate replication.
[edit] References
- Environ Health Perspect 104(Suppl 6):1219-1225 (1996) - The Mechanism of Benzene-induced Leukemia: A Hypothesis and Speculations on the Causes of Leukemia