Teratogen

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Birth Defects, Congenital & Genetic Disorders


Teratogen Definition by Healthwise:

Teratogen

A teratogen is any substance or process that may interfere with the normal development of a fetus or cause birth defects.

Teratogens include alcohol, many drugs and medications, some metals (such as lead or mercury), radiation, and some infectious diseases (such as rubella).

Author: Jeannette Curtis
Medical Review: Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated: May 25, 2007

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