Impact of Environmental Mutagens on Mental Health

Summary

The effects of mutagens have been seen in the increase of birth defects in the general population as well as in children whose parents were exposed to mutagens in the workplace. Due to the well-known fact that at least half of genes are related to the mental functions, behavioural changes resulting from exposure to mutagens should be expected. There are three important areas of interest:

• a) alcohol;

• b) drugs, combined with environmental pollution, and

• c) the effect of antioxidants which may suppress free radical action in aging.

The effects of environmental mutagens on behavioural changes should be studied to determine whether mutagens in polluted regions may also increase neuropsycho-behavioural abnormalities in local populations and, in the long run, impair the mental health of society as a whole.