Is alcohol mutagen

Alcohol itself is not classified as a mutagen, but its metabolite acetaldehyde is considered mutagenic. Acetaldehyde can cause DNA damage, which may lead to mutations. Chronic alcohol consumption can increase the risk of cancer due to these mutagenic effects, particularly in tissues exposed to high levels of acetaldehyde. However, the relationship between alcohol and mutagenesis is complex and influenced by various factors, including genetic susceptibility and the presence of other carcinogens.