Chemical teratogens

The widely used chlorophenoxy herbicides are chemical teratogens--as are their byproduct chlorodibenzodioxins. The symmetrical tetrachloro compound TCDD is perhaps the most toxic chemical known. 

Juchau MR (1981) Enzymatic bioactivation and inactivation of chemical teratogens and transplacental carcinogens/mutagens. In Juchau MR ed. The biochemical basis of chemical teratogenesis. New York, Elsevier/North Holland, pp 63-94. 

Sharma RK, Jacobsen-Kram D, Lemmon M, et al. 1985. Sister-chromatid exchange and cell replication kinetics in fetal and maternal cells after treatment with chemical teratogens. Mutat Res 158 217-231. 

Baumann, M. and K. Sander. Bipartite axiation follows incomplete epiboly in zebrafish embryos treated with chemical teratogens. J. Exp. Zool. 230 363-376, 1984. 

Chemical Teratogenic Dose Clinical Dose MOS by Dose... 

The supervisor should at least counsel all female employees about the hazards to a fetus of maternal infection or exposure to chronic doses of low levels of virus or other infectious agent. Exposure to potential chemical teratogens during the first trimester poses an additional hazard. The individual should be given enough information by the supervisor to allow her to make a rational decision according to the doctrine of informed consent. ... 

Teratogenic effects have been noted with 2- and 4-aminophenol in the hamster, but 3-aminophenol was without effect in the hamster and rat (129,130). 4-Aminophenol is known to inhibit DNA synthesis and alter DNA stmcture in human lymphoblasts (131,132) and is mutagenic in mouse micronuclei tests (133). The aminophenols have been shown to be genotoxic, as evidenced by the induction of sister chromatid exchanges (134,135), but they also exert a protective effect against DNA interaction with other noxious chemicals (136). After assessment of available data a recent report stated that the aminophenols were safe as cosmetic ingredients in their present uses and concentrations (137). 

Health and Safety Factors. MSA is a strong toxic acid and is corrosive to skin. The acute oral toxicity of the sodium salt in mice LD q is 6.2 g/kg. The 1976 edition of the NIOSH Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances Hsts certain reaction products of MSA as having suspected mutagenic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic activity (410). 

Are there any chemicals used that are known or suspected carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens, etc ... 

Late Toxicity - Where there is evidence that a chemical can cause cancer, mutagenic effects, teratogenic effects, or delayed injury to vital organs such as the liver or kidney, a qualitative description of the chemical is given. The term implies long-term or chronic effects due to exposure to the chemical. 

FAS is normally characterized by growth retardation, anomalies of the head and face, and psychomotor dysfunctions. Excessive consumption of ethyl alcohol may lead to malformations of the heart, extremities, and kidneys. Since consumption of ethyl alcohol is socially acceptable and prevalent even in pregnant women, the risks associated with the use of ethyl alcohol are remarkable. However, it should be kept in mind that there are several chemical compounds in tlie occupational environment that may also cause malformations even at low doses. The oc-cupationally-important known human teratogens include methyl mercury, ethyl alcohol, PCB compounds, tobacco smoke, lead, TCDD, 2,4,5- F, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, gasoline, and fluoride. 

A teratogen (the word is of Greek origin, meaning the induction of a monster) is a chemical, physical or viral factor causing birth defects. Exposure to teratogens can result in a wide range of structural abnormalities. 

Teratogen—A chemical that causes structural defects that affect the development of an organism. 

FMC. 1972. Teratogenic study with thiodan technical in albino rats. Conducted for Food Machinery and Chemical Corporation, Niagara Chemical Division. Industrial Bio-Test Laboratories, Inc., Northbrook, IL. 

NCI. 1968. Evaluation of carcinogenic, teratogenic and mutagenic activities of selected pesticides and industrial chemicals. Volume I Carcinogenic study. Prepared by Bionetics Research Labs, Inc., Bethesda, MD National Cancer Institute. NCI-DCCP-CG-1973-1-1. 

TERATOGEN A chemical or physical agent that can cause defects in a developing embryo or foetus when the pregnant female is exposed to the harmful agent. 

---