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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 medications, some metals (such as lead or mercury), radiation, and some infectious diseases (such as rubella).

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerSusan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical ReviewerJohn Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Last RevisedJanuary 20, 2010

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: January 20, 2010
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