If a substance affects the hereditary or genetic system, it is referred to as a?

A substance that affects the hereditary or genetic system is classified as a mutagen. Mutagens are agents that can cause changes or mutations in the DNA within an organism’s cells. These mutations can lead to hereditary changes that can be passed on to future generations. Understanding mutagens is crucial in the context of hazardous materials, as they pose significant risks to health, particularly for reproductive health and genetic integrity.

Carcinogens, while also harmful, specifically refer to substances that cause cancer but do not necessarily alter genetic material in a way that mutations do. Teratogens are substances that can cause developmental abnormalities in a developing fetus, and allergens provoke allergic reactions, which is a different biological response. Thus, the terminology distinctly sets mutagens apart in their function and implications for genetics.