Probably everyone knows a word like mutagen. This substance, which can have a different nature and differ in the intensity of exposure. They can also harm the environment and humans. But their properties are often used for the benefit in various spheres of life.
What is mutagen
Each person has his own idea of what kind of substance. But in reality, mutagen is a factor that causes a persistent modification in the structure of the body. These changes are usually inherited by subsequent generations.
Mutagens are certain acids, all kinds of compounds, drugs, and even certain types of radiation. They may also be some types of viruses. Mutagen is a universal definition of factors that can cause a mutation in any organism, from bacteria to plants and humans. The intensity of the changes depends on the dosage.
Types of mutagens
Three types of mutagens are known today: physical, chemical, and biological. The first category includes all ionizing radiation. These are x-rays and gamma rays, neutrons, protons, ultraviolet. Interestingly, to some extent, stably high or low temperature also affects changes in the structure of the body, although these modifications are less intense.
Another category is chemical mutagens. These include foreign DNA, alkylating compounds (dimethyl sulfate, mustard, etc.), nitrous acid, pesticides, acridine dyes, formaldehyde, some alkaloids and organic peroxides. This also includes many other drugs, as well as substances whose nature has not yet been investigated. Biological mutagens can be viruses, some plants and genetically modified substances.
Mutagens and humans: risk factors
Scientists often use mutagens for the benefit of society, for example, breeders use them. But their negative influence is much stronger. By purchasing many products, drugs, cleaning products and household appliances, a person exposes himself to the effects of mutagens, causing harm to the body. Most often this happens unnoticed by the person himself and appears only in the next generation. Unfortunately, already today contact with such substances causes new diseases, chronic allergic reactions and tumors. Manufacturers of many goods necessary for a modern person often introduce one or another mutagen into their composition. It can be hair dyes, food, household chemicals, exhaust fumes, industrial waste and much more. All these substances fly in the air, settle on the soil and are absorbed by plants that come into food. In addition, environmental mutagens affect animals and insects, changing their habits, making them more aggressive and vulnerable to disease. It is worth noting that there have been no such changes that would benefit the body.
Food and mutagens
Today, the food industry has permission to use certain products that contain components of genetically modified corn, soy, and oilseeds. They can be found in syrups, flour, butter, starch. It is these bases that are used in large volumes for the production of many products, from biscuits, baby food, sausages to sauces. Perhaps we ourselves will not notice the genetic changes caused by such a diet, but they will obviously be felt by our grandchildren.
In laboratories around the world, experiments with animals that are affected by these mutagens continue to be conducted. Research results show that infertility develops over time, and the frequency of mutations in future generations increases hundreds of times. It is also worth noting that mutagens can form in some spoiled foods. For example, in stale sour cream, oil, eggs, compounds are formed that turn into mutagen. If the meat is cooked in its own juice, this process also occurs.
Security measures
After we learned that our world is full of mutagens, it seems that we are simply powerless. But in reality, this information helps to be more careful when choosing food.
In addition, some recommendations should not be neglected. Never eat spoiled foods; use a mask and rubber gloves when in contact with household chemicals; try to refuse food containing dyes and preservatives; cut down on sweets. Use ginger, parsley, mustard, eggplant, onions, peppers, cilantro, cabbage, apples and green tea when cooking - these products mitigate the effects of mutagens.