Chemically Induced Birth Defects

Abstract

More pregnant women are becoming concerned about the adverse effects that might result from exposure to chemicals in the environment. This has resulted in an ever-increasing number of inquiries to physicians about the possible teratogenicity of chemicals and drugs. Unfortunately, few references and few human data are available for use in responding to such inquiries. This book is an excellent and welcome summary of the literature on studies in humans and animals of exposures to drugs and chemicals. The text is organized by categories of drugs and chemicals; an index includes generic names and some of the most commonly used trade names. Each chapter has a detailed summary of the data available from human experience and animal studies. One of the book's most important features is the review of adverse reproductive outcomes related to chemical exposure. An introductory chapter on chemical exposures during pregnancy gives a historical perspective on the