Several factors can influence the activation of a substance, including genetic variations in metabolic enzymes, age, sex, diet, and exposure to other chemicals. For example, genetic polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 enzymes can lead to differences in the rate and extent of activation, affecting an individual's susceptibility to toxic effects. Additionally, co-exposure to other drugs or environmental chemicals can induce or inhibit enzyme activity, altering the metabolic fate of a compound.