Environmental pollution and pregnancy: risks and uncertainties for the fetus and infant

Abstract

Numerous environmental contaminants can affect the developing embryo, fetus, or infant. This essay explores such questions as these: What is the importance in mutagenesis and teratogenesis of macroenvironmental pollutants such as the heavy metals, dioxin derivatives, polychlorinated diphenyl compounds, and pesticides? What is the significance of microenvironmental pollutants (or social environmental factors) such as tobacco smoke, alcohol, and pharmacologic agents over which exposed individuals have considerable control? What are some of the ethical and legal implications of these toxins of which clinicians should be aware?