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Tobacco and pregnancy.
1Developmental Biology Branch (MD-67), Reproductive Toxicology Division, National Health and Environmental Effect Research Laboratory, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States. rogers.john@epa.gov
Reproductive Toxicology (Elmsford, N.Y.)
|May 20, 2009
Summary
Maternal tobacco exposure, including smoking and smokeless tobacco, profoundly impacts human development from conception through lifelong health. This review highlights the widespread adverse effects of over 4000 chemicals in tobacco smoke on development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Toxicology
- Reproductive Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Tobacco use, encompassing smoking, smokeless tobacco, and environmental smoke, is a global health issue.
- Exposure sources are diverse, with smoking predominant globally but smokeless tobacco significant in certain regions.
- Cigarette smoke contains over 4000 chemicals, including carcinogens and untested developmental toxicants, alongside nicotine and carbon monoxide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology of tobacco exposure's impact on human development.
- To consolidate understanding of the multifaceted adverse effects of various tobacco products.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on epidemiological studies.
- Analysis of data concerning fertility, conception, prenatal development, and postnatal outcomes.
- Examination of the chemical constituents of tobacco and their known or potential developmental toxicity.
Main Results:
- Maternal tobacco exposure adversely affects fertility, conception, and conceptus survival.
- Significant negative impacts are observed across multiple developmental phases and aspects.
- Postnatal survival and health are compromised, with lifelong effects in surviving offspring.
Conclusions:
- Tobacco use poses a critical and ongoing threat to human development.
- The adverse effects span the entire developmental trajectory, from prenatal stages to long-term health.
- Continued focus and intervention are necessary to mitigate the detrimental impact of tobacco on human development.
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