Social Sustainability

Teratogen

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Definition

A teratogen is any agent — chemical, physical or biological — that can disturb the development of an embryo or fetus, causing structural malformations or functional deficits. Known chemical teratogens include thalidomide (the historical archetype), certain solvents, lead, mercury and some pesticides; radiation and infections such as rubella and Zika also qualify. Under GHS and EU CLP, such substances are classified as reproductive toxicants, triggering labelling, exposure controls and substitution duties.

References

echa.europa.euBulk import source

Source imported for editorial provenance.

Source organisationSupporting reference

This reference provides supporting context for how “Teratogen” is defined and used.

Overview

How it is used

The concept structures reproductive toxicity classification, workplace risk assessment for women of childbearing age, product safety testing and REACH authorisation.

Why it matters

Teratogens are the reason "safe for the worker" must mean safe for the worker's unborn child — the strictest test occupational hygiene faces.