What are some things that might damage genes?

In the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, scientists
have determined that there are many things that can damage the genetic code of a person,
his/her DNA.  Such things as UV light, cigarette smoke, toxic fumes, asbestos, drugs,
alcohol, excessive radiation are among them.

Put rather
simply, what happens when the above-mentioned things are introduced into a person's
system is that proteins in the body can be adversely affected; then, the repair genes of
a person's DNA do not work effectively, and such diseases as cancer can affect a
person.

Alcohol has very detrimental affects upon unborn
children

• when consumed during pregnancy, for
  example, can greatly affect the fetus as it has been shown that alcohol enters the
  amniotic fluid.  The fetus actually swallows some of its amniotic fluid; since the liver
  is still underveloped, it cannot process this alcohol and excrete it fast enough to
  prevent damage to cells.  Babies subjected to alcohol in the womb run the risk of being
  born with congenital heart defect, club foot, kidney defects, mental and physical
  disabilities.

Drugs affect mental
abilities. 

• Marijuana, for instance, affects
  memory, judgment, and the emotions.  It has also been shown to weaken problem solving
  abilities.


• Cocaine can cause loss of interest in life and
  paranoia.  It also reduces the ability to feel physical
  pleasure.


• Inhalants cause diminished mental powers to
  learn, remember, and solve problems as they have an immediate effect upon the brain. 
  Fatty tissues protecting the nerve cells are destroyed by inhaling such things as glue,
  gasoline, paint thinner, and hair spray.


• Steroids can
  impair memory and ability to learn


• LSD and Ecstacy cause
  paranoia, confusion, anxiety, and panic
  attacks.


• Methamphetamine (crystal meth) is extremely
  damaging, causing reduced motor skills and verbal learning, severe dental problems,
  violent behavior, visual and auditory hallucinations and delusions.  Transmission of HIV
  and hepatitis B and C can also come as a result of using Meth if people share needles
  with which to inject the meth.