Glossary / Health hazards
Mutagen
A mutagen is a substance that induces mutations, which are permanent changes in the amount or structure of the genetic material in a cell. In the GHS the hazard class is germ cell mutagenicity, aimed at changes that could be passed to offspring.
Explanation
DNA is copied every time a cell divides. A mutagen damages that DNA or interferes with the copying, so the change is carried into every later cell. Most cells repair such damage, but repair is not perfect, which is why mutagenic chemicals are taken seriously even at low exposure.
The GHS class focuses on germ cells, the egg and sperm cells that pass genes to the next generation. Category 1 is for substances known to cause, or regarded as causing, heritable mutations in humans, split into 1A and 1B by the type of evidence. Category 2 covers substances that raise concern based on weaker evidence, such as positive results in certain animal or cell tests.
Mutagenicity and cancer are closely linked, because many cancers begin with DNA damage. Many substances classed as carcinogens are also mutagenic, but the two classes are assessed separately and a chemical can carry one without the other.
Evidence usually comes from laboratory tests on bacteria, cultured cells and animals. Human evidence for heritable effects is rare, so classification often depends on how well those tests predict the effect in people.
What to do and watch for
- Treat a mutagen warning as a reason to reduce all exposure, not only exposure that causes visible symptoms.
- Workers who are pregnant or planning a family should raise concerns with their occupational health provider.
- Use closed systems and ventilation before relying on personal protective equipment.
Where it appears on an SDS
- Section 2: Hazard identification. A germ cell mutagenicity category and the matching H340 or H341 hazard statement appear with the health hazard pictogram.
- Section 11: Toxicological information. Summaries of the genotoxicity tests, such as bacterial and cell assays, explain why the classification was assigned.
SDS content and wording vary by supplier. This page is general reference and does not replace the current SDS for your product.