The interaction of certain environmental chemical compounds and cell metabolism may result in genetic changes in DNA structure, affecting one or more genes. These chemical-induced mutations are known as chemical mutagenesis. Many cancers and other degenerative diseases result from acquired genetic mutations due to environmental exposure, and not as an outcome of inherited traits. Chemicals capable of inducing genetic mutation (i.e., chemical mutagenes or genotoxic compounds) are present in both natural and man-made environments and products.

Many plants, including edible ones, produce discreet amounts of some toxic compound that plays a role in plant protection against some natural predator. Some of these natural compounds may also be genotoxic for humans and animals, when that plant is consumed frequently and in great amounts. For instance, most edible mushrooms contain a family of chemical mutagenes known as hydrazines; but once mushrooms are cooked, most hydrazines evaporate or...