Teratogen Information
What is a teratogen?
A teratogen is an agent that can cause malformations of an embryo or fetus. This can be a chemical substance, a virus or ionizing radiation. This is closely related to a fetotoxin, an agent that causes poisoning effects on a developing fetus.
Both fetotoxins and teratogens are reproductive toxins, substances which cause damage to one's reproductive and/or endocrine system and/or a developing fetus.
List of Known Teratogens
- Ionizing radiation: atomic weapons, radioactive iodine, radiation therapy
- Infections: cytomegalovirus, herpes virus, parvovirus B-19 (Fifth Disease), rubella virus (German measles), syphilis, toxoplasmosis
- Metabolic imbalance: alcoholism, diabetes, folic acid deficiency, hyperthermia, phenylketonuria, rheumatic disease and congenital heart block, virilizing tumors
- Drugs and environmental chemicals: Accutane, temazepam (Restoril; Normisson), aminopterin, androgenic hormones, captopril, enalapril, chlorobiphenyls (PCBs), Dioxin, coumarin, cyclophosphamide, diethylstilbestrol, diphenylhydantoin (Phenytoin, Dilantin, Epanutin), ethanol (alcohol), lithium (Ebstein Anomalies), methimazole, organic mercury, penicillamine, tetracyclines, thalidomide, trimethadione, valproic acid
The CTIS (California Teratogen Information Service)
They provide free scientifically-based information regarding risks of medications and other substances that may be harmful to an unborn child. Call Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., (619) 543-2131 or 1-800-532-3749. (Note: they do not discuss issues regarding breastfeeding).
OTIS (Organization of Teratology Information Specialists)
They have an excellent web site that covers issues such as medication, food, infectious disease, toxic exposures and more.
Go to http://otispregnancy.org or call 1-866-626-OTIS.
The March of Dimes
The leading non-profit organization for pregnancy and baby health, dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.