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 medicines, some metals (such as lead or mercury), radiation, and some infectious diseases (such as rubella).
Last Revised: April 4, 2012
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Siobhan M. Dolan, MD, MPH - Reproductive Genetics
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