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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Method of Studying Palatal Fusion using Static Organ Culture
Published on: September 19, 2015
Chemical exposure during pregnancy and oral clefts in newborns
Isabel Cristina Gonçalves Leite1, Francisco José Roma Paumgartten, Sérgio Koifman
1Departamento de Epidemiologia e Métodos Quantitativos em Saúde, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21041-210, Brasil. icgleite@bol.com.br
Abstract:
This article presents a literature review on the risk factors for oral clefts (lip and/or palate), emphasizing discussion of maternal exposure to endocrine disruptors. Several studies have identified the risk of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption, use of anticonvulsant drugs, and exposure to organic solvents. A protective effect has been shown for supplementation with folic acid. As with other chemicals, the risk associated with exposure to sex hormones is still obscure, although some authors describe a moderate risk level. New studies addressing this hypothesis need to be conducted, while the population exposed to these endocrine disrupters is increasing.
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