Final answer:
Chemicals such as formaldehyde and asbestos are known to cause mutations in human DNA and are considered carcinogenic, leading to their reduced use to protect human health. Due to the evidence of chemicals like formaldehyde and asbestos causing mutations, the correct option in regards to the question is option D: they are capable of causing mutations in humans.
Step-by-step explanation:
Effects of Chemical Mutagens and Carcinogens
Exposure to certain chemicals like formaldehyde and asbestos can result in alterations to the DNA base sequences in human cells. These alterations are known as mutations, which can lead to cancer and other genetic disorders. Various agents like alkylating agents, intercalating agents, and base analogs directly interact with DNA causing these mutations. Formaldehyde is a disinfectant and intercalating agent that can lead to mutations and has also been classified as a carcinogen. As a result of its mutagenic and carcinogenic properties, the use of formaldehyde and asbestos has been greatly reduced to minimize the risk of inducing mutations in humans.
Chemical mutagens like intercalating agents may insert themselves between DNA bases, leading to frameshift mutations, while base analogs can be incorporated into DNA, often with faulty pairing, leading to point mutations or transitions. Substances that cause mutations, known as mutagens, do not always result in cancer. However, those mutagens that do cause cancer are specifically referred to as carcinogens. Therefore, it is vital to limit exposure to known mutagens to protect human health.