What is a teratogen?

A teratogen is specifically defined as any substance, organism, or physical agent that can cause developmental abnormalities or birth defects in a developing fetus. This places emphasis on the significant impact that certain chemicals, drugs, and environmental factors can have during pregnancy. The term originates from the Greek words "teratos," meaning monster, and "genes," meaning born of or produced by, thus underscoring the potential for such agents to lead to congenital malformations.

This understanding is critical in various fields, including pharmacology, public health, and pest control, where exposure to certain chemicals may pose risks to pregnant individuals and their offspring. While specific agents that can be classified this way may overlap with categories that cause respiratory diseases, skin irritations, or may be used in pest control, the primary characteristic of a teratogen lies in its ability to interfere with normal developmental processes, thus leading to birth defects.