24 - Teratogens

Abstract

Endocrine-disrupting and non-endocrine-disrupting chemicals and mixtures of chemicals have been shown to be teratogenic. Teratogenic effects are those that cause malformations in the developing fetus and children. Numerous single chemicals have been identified as known or suspected developmental toxins. Teratogenic effects can result from paternal as well as maternal exposures to toxic chemicals. It has been recently reported that paternal exposures to teratogenic effects can be transgenerationally transmitted. It has long been known that certain maternal occupational chemical exposures during pregnancy are associated with increased risks of congenital malformations in their offspring. Teratogenic effects can be transmitted to the human fetus by maternal exposure, paternal exposure, and even transgenerationally. The mechanisms for the actions of teratogenic mixtures remain largely unknown. Endocrine-disrupting and non-endocrine-disrupting chemicals and mixtures of chemicals have been shown to be teratogenic. Single chemical and chemical mixture teratogens are overviewed here. It has been recently reported that paternal exposures to teratogenic effects can be transgenerationally transmitted. This effect is illustrated with examples.