[Mutagenic and teratogenic effects of cigarette smoke. A summary of experimental and clinical observations (author's...

The mutagenic effect of compounds in cigarette smoke condensate has been demonstrated by the Ames test. A small percentage of cells is transformed into malignant cells. In animal experiments, evidence was found for the teratogenic effects of the contents of cigarette smoke. Among the published epidemiological statistical observations on the effects on humans are a reduction of the birth weight due to maternal smoking, an increase in perinatal mortality if the father smokes and twice the incidence of deformities in children of fathers who smoke heavily. The knowledge of these connections should be of significance for family planning consultation.