What are 4 examples of environmental agents teratogens?

What are 4 examples of environmental agents teratogens?

Teratogenic agents include infectious agents (rubella, cytomegalovirus, varicella, herpes simplex, toxoplasma, syphilis, etc.); physical agents (ionizing agents, hyperthermia); maternal health factors (diabetes, maternal PKU); environmental chemicals (organic mercury compounds, polychlorinated biphenyl or PCB.

What environmental factors can lead to birth defects?

A Sampling of Environmental Agents Studied in Relation to Birth Defects

Agent1,2 Birth Defect(s)
Organic solvents Neural tube, cardiac, limb defects; oral clefts; gastroschisis; developmental disorders
Organochlorine pesticides Cryptorchidism, hypospadias
Ozone Cardiac defects, cleft lip with or without cleft palate

What are 2 examples of environmental teratogens?

Contents

  • 2.1 Alcohol.
  • 2.2 Tobacco smoke.
  • 2.3 Mercury.
  • 2.4 Lead.
  • 2.5 Dioxin.
  • 2.6 Air pollution.
  • 2.7 Pesticides.
  • 2.8 Benzenes.

What are the causes of teratogens?

Teratogens include some medications, recreational drugs, tobacco products, chemicals, alcohol, certain infections, and in some cases, health problems such as uncontrolled diabetes in pregnant people. Exposure to a teratogen can occur through ingestion or environmental exposure during pregnancy.

What factors influence the effects of teratogens?

The effects depend on the nature of the teratogen, the timing at which the exposure occurs and, most likely, the genetic susceptibility of the mother and/or the fetus. Teratogenic agents can be environmental chemicals, maternal metabolic factors, drugs, or infections.

What are four environmental hazards that can affect a fetus?

These chemicals include commonly known hazards such as lead, mercury, and environmental tobacco smoke, as well as some pesticides, solvents, products containing chlorine, and other chemicals referred to as “persistent organic pollutants.” The fetus is particularly vulnerable to environmental chemicals that can disrupt …

What are 3 environmental factors that affect prenatal development?

They reported statistically significant associations between environmental exposures such as environmental tobacco smoke, air pollution and chemicals and pregnancy outcomes.

How do environmental factors like infection and drugs affect birth defects?

How do environmental factors like infection and drugs affect birth defects? Environmental factors can increase the risk of miscarriage, birth defects, or they might have no effect on your baby at all, depending on at what point during the pregnancy the exposure occurs.

Which environmental substances are known to have a teratogenic effect on the developing fetus?

Environmental Factors and Birth Defects Teratogenic agents can be environmental chemicals, maternal metabolic factors, drugs, or infections. A number of environmental chemicals have been linked with birth defects in exposed fetuses including lead, methyl mercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls.

When is fetus most susceptible to teratogens?

The embryonic period, during which organogenesis takes place, occurs between implantation at around 14 days to around 60 days postconception. This is usually the most sensitive period to teratogenesis when exposure to a teratogenic agent has the greatest likelihood of producing a malformation.

When are teratogens most harmful?

Teratogens are substances that could harm a developing fetus by affecting growth and causing birth defects or death. The use of tobacco during pregnancy is dangerous because the smoke causes the blood vessels to constrict.

Why are teratogens harmful?

Types. The impact of teratogens on pregnancy or a fetus depends on several factors.

  • Exposure and Prevalence. About 4% to 5% of birth defects are caused by exposure to a teratogen.
  • Prevention. Sometimes it can be difficult to avoid teratogens altogether,especially if you have a pre-existing health condition or require medication.
  • A Word From Verywell.
  • What are some teratogens that affect the fetus?

    Drugs. Many pregnant people take prescription medications and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

  • Infections. Not all infections affect a developing fetus and pregnancy in the same way.
  • Physical Agents.
  • Environmental Toxins.
  • Maternal Health Conditions.
  • How do teratogens affect development?

    Some medicines

  • Street drugs
  • Alcohol
  • Tobacco
  • Toxic chemicals
  • Some viruses and bacteria
  • Certain health conditions,such as uncontrolled diabetes