EMS produces random mutations in genetic material by nucleotide substitution; particularly through G:C to A:T transitions induced by guanine alkylation.

[10] It was suggested that EMS damage to DNA may result in a repair process leading to genetic exchange.

[11] This finding suggests that a recombination process catalyzed by the proteins specified by these six genes is employed in repairing EMS lethal lesions in DNA.

At neutral to acidic pH at room temperature, it has a fairly long half-life of over 1 day.

Protocols call for degradation of EMS in an equal volume of a 0.1M NaOH and 20% w/v sodium thiosulfate "inactivating solution", for at least six half-lives (>24 hours).