Teratogen

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).

Current as of: March 16, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah A. Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Siobhan M. Dolan, MD, MPH - Reproductive Genetics