Tobacco smoke teratogenicity

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. 

Very many chemicals are recognized teratogens in animals a significantly smaller subset of these is known or suspected to be developmental neurotoxicants in humans. Some of the more significant of the latter group include ethanol, which causes a constellation of effects ranging from fetal alcohol syndrome to alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder maternal smoking of tobacco (fetal tobacco syndrome) excess vitamins A and D heavy metals, particularly... 

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