Epidemiology, 4-194 teratogen

Hatch MC, Stein ZA Agent Orange and risks to reproduction The limits of epidemiology. Teratogen Carcinogen Mutagen 6 185-202,1986... 

There appear also to be toxic effects. In animals, nitrous oxide has been shown to inactivate methionine synthetase which prevents the conversion of deoxyuridine to thymidine and thus has the potential for inducing megaloblastic anemia, leukopenia, and teratogenicity (44—46). A variety of epidemiologic surveys suggest positive correlations between exposure to nitrous oxide and spontaneous abortion in dental assistants (47). 

Epidemiological studies of occupationally exposed populations have examined possible carcinogenic and teratogenic effects of chronic exposure to the operating room environment. 

Orioli IM, Castilla EE. Epidemiological assessment of misoprostol teratogenicity. BJOG 2000 107(4) 519-23. 

It must also be realized that much information might already be present in the human population. Epidemiological studies of behavioral teratogenic effects of various substances to which developing humans have already been exposed, can yield much valuable information about the eventual dangers of many old chemicals. In addition, such studies can help to find a reliable way to extrapolate findings in animal studies to risks for human development. 

In 1983, Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc. voluntarily removed Bendectin from the market because of the many product liability suits pending. However, subsequent in-depth analysis of epidemiological and scientific data indicated that the therapeutic use of Bendectin had no measurable teratogenic effects. Nevertheless, despite the overwhelming scientific evidence, a number of jury decisions were rendered against the company (providing an argument for tort reform). 

In animals, ethylene oxide has toxic effects on reproduction and is teratogenic, but the relevance of animal and epidemiological studies to occupational exposure of... 

In an epidemiological study, anesthetists had significantly greater exposure and perhaps more adverse effects than other operating-room personnel (92). Among women, exposure certainly causes an increased risk of spontaneous abortions in the first trimester, although teratogenicity is less clear-cut (93). 

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