mutagenic

/ˌmyutəˈdʒɛnɪk/

Something that makes genes mutate, or change, is mutagenic. Most substances that are mutagenic also cause cancer.

Things that are mutagenic often turn out to also be carcinogenic, or cancer-causing, since genetic mutations so often cause cancer in cells. Some common things that are mutagenic include x-rays, chemicals found in tobacco, metals like arsenic, and even some viruses and bacteria. Mutagenic comes from mutagen, which combines mutation, "action of changing," and -gen, or "thing that produces."

Definitions of mutagenic

1. adjective

   capable of inducing mutation (used mainly of extracellular factors such as X-rays or chemical pollution)