This week students learned about teratogens which can contribute to birth defects. This exercise will require students to think about possible exposures in their daily life and the defects or damage that may occur from them.
Directions
1. Read the section on Teratogens in your textbook beginning on page 47.2. Think about the exposures you have had in the past forty-eight hours to substances that fall in each of the following categories:
a) Virusesb) Prescription or Nonprescription Medicationsc) Alcohol, Nicotine and Other Drugsd) Other possible teratogens (food additives, environmental toxins, etc)
3. Make a list. For each substance:• Specify the substance and information about the extent of the exposure.• Discuss whether or not it is a teratogen.• Verify its possible teratogenic effects whenever possible by checking your textbook, the web, or the bottle or labels that contained the substance.
Make sure you cite your sources. Remember that agents that can damage fetuses may be perfectly safe and appropriate for individuals who are not pregnant.
4. Examine the total impact of exposure to teratogens. What kind of damage (if any) would likely result if your exposures were experienced by an embryo? by a fetus?