What is the difference between mutagenicity and genotoxicity?

Mutagens cause direct or indirect damage to DNA that results in mutations, which are changes in the DNA sequence that are retained in somatic cell divisions and passed onto progeny (a descendant or the descendants of a person, animal, or plant; offspring) in germ cells. Mutagenicity refers to a chemical or physical agent’s capacity to cause mutations (genetic alterations).

Genotoxic agents are those that damage DNA causing lesions that result in cell death or mutations.

All mutagens are genotoxic, but not all genotoxins are mutagens as they may not cause retained alterations in DNA sequence.