"Clastogenicity", "Mutagenicity" and "Teratogenicity" of Rubber Chemicals

Manufacturer: When reading about the toxicity of rubber chemicals, I always come across the terms, "Clastogenicity", "Mutagenicity" and "Teratogenicity". What are they?

John Woon (Senior Latex Consultant): This question had been raised a number of times before in this "forum". Please see below:

1) Clastogenicity - "Clastogen" refers to a general class of chemicals which produce changes or alterations in the cell chromosomes.

2) Mutagenicity - "Mutagens" refer to those chemicals which tend to induce changes in the genetic materials carried by both the male and female reproductive cells. Please take note that mutagenic chemicals are also carcinogens. Hence some cancer tests are actually tests of the mutagenicity potential. 

3) Teratogenicity - "Teratogens" are chemicals which interfere with the normal development of the foetus during pregnancy and hence leading to malformation of the baby.