What Causes Chemical Birth Defects?

Birth defects (or congenital disabilities) are, unfortunately, a common medical problem in the United States. According to the CDC approximately 1 in 33 babies are impacted annually.

While some congenital disabilities are due to genetics or environmental factors, a growing number are caused by chemical exposure during pregnancy. From prescription drugs to industrial chemicals, numerous toxic substances have been linked to birth defects in newborns.

In this article, we’ll outline what chemicals cause birth defects and situations where you may want to pursue legal action against negligent parties.

Chemical Birth Defects: A Brief Overview

According to the CDC, birth defects are “structural changes present at birth that can affect almost any part or parts of the body (e.g., heart, brain, foot).” 

Even at permissible levels, many chemicals can cause birth defects in pregnant women upon exposure. These are better known as teratogens, an agent that causes malformation following fetal exposure during pregnancy

For example, common teratogens, such as lead and arsenic, can cause physical deformities in developing fetuses. Similarly, exposure to certain prescription drugs and medications has been linked to birth defects, including thalidomide and isotretinoin (Accutane).

Common Chemicals That Cause Birth Defects

Countless chemicals are linked to congenital disabilities in newborns, including industrial chemicals like lead, mercury, arsenic, bisphenol A (BPA), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), phthalates, etc.

Below is a breakdown of the most common toxic chemicals and how they may affect your newborn:

• Lead – Lead is a heavy metal found in many building materials and water pipes. It has long been known to cause physical deformities in unborn babies, including anencephaly (absence of part of the brain) and spina bifida (incomplete closure of the spinal cord).
• Mercury – Mercury is another heavy metal found in certain products and industrial processes. Exposure to mercury during pregnancy can lead to birth defects, including cleft palate and facial deformities.
• Chlorine – Chlorine is a widely used industrial chemical commonly found in drinking water. Exposure to high chlorine levels during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of birth defects affecting the heart, lungs, and digestive system.
• Arsenic – Arsenic is a toxic element found in the environment, as well as in certain foods and industrial processes. Exposure to arsenic during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirths, and birth defects affecting the heart and brain.
• Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) – MEK is a solvent used in many industrial processes and the manufacturing of consumer products. Exposure to MEK during pregnancy may increase the risk of cleft palate, facial deformities, and other physical abnormalities.
• PCBs – Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of industrial chemicals linked to an increased risk of birth defects. PCBs can be found in certain foods, building materials, and other consumer products.
• Cadmium – Cadmium is an element in many industrial processes and consumer products. Exposure during pregnancy may increase the risk of physical deformities, including clubfoot, spina bifida, and facial malformations.
• Chlorinated Hydrocarbons – These chemicals are commonly used in industrial processes and the manufacturing of consumer products. Exposure during pregnancy may heighten the risk of birth defects affecting the heart, lungs, and digestive system.
• Pesticides – Exposure to pesticides during pregnancy may increase the risk of certain birth defects, including cleft lip and palate, as well as physical deformities.

Prescription Drugs That Cause Birth Defects

From antidepressants to acne medications, some prescription drugs have been linked to increased risk of birth defects. Common examples include Benzodiazepines, Accutane, Zofran, Antibiotics, etc. Here is a more comprehensive review:

• Accutane – Accutane is an acne medication that has been linked to a wide range of congenital disabilities, including heart defects, facial deformities, and autism.
• Zofran – Zofran is an anti-nausea drug commonly prescribed to pregnant women. Unfortunately, it has been linked to various birth defects, including cleft palate and heart complications.
• Benzodiazepines – Benzodiazepines are a class of prescription drugs used to treat anxiety. Taking these drugs during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of birth defects, including cleft lip and palate.
• ACE Inhibitors – ACE inhibitors are a medication used to treat high blood pressure. Taking these drugs during pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects, including kidney abnormalities and heart defects.
• Antibiotics – Certain antibiotics can cause birth defects, including deformities of the skull, heart, and limbs.
• Antimetabolite – Antimetabolites are drugs used to treat cancer and other diseases. Taking these drugs during pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects, including cleft palate and brain deformities.
• Dolutegravir – Dolutegravir is a medication used to treat HIV. Taking this drug during pregnancy is linked to an increased risk of neural tube defects and other birth defects.
• Valproate – Valproate is an anti-seizure medication taken by pregnant women to treat epilepsy. Taking this drug during pregnancy is linked to an increased risk of birth defects affecting the heart, brain, and digestive system.
• SSRIs – Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressant medications. Taking these drugs during pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects, including cleft lip and palate.

Can Parents Take Legal Action?

Yes, if your newborn is diagnosed with a congenital disability due to exposure to toxic chemicals or prescription drugs, you may be able to take legal action against the liable parties. 

Here are three common claims you can pursue depending on your circumstances:

Medical Malpractice Claims

Did the doctors prescribe teratogenic drugs without warning you of the potential risks? If so, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim against them.

Product Liability Claims

Were your baby’s birth defects caused by exposure to toxic chemicals in products or water supplies? If so, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer of those products.

Personal Injury Claims

If you were exposed to toxic chemicals in your workplace, you may want to file a personal injury claim against your employer.

Get Legal Help Today

As a parent, it’s heartbreaking when doctors diagnose your child with a congenital disability. If you suspect chemical exposure or medical negligence may have been the cause, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice and explore your options for taking legal action.

Our legal team is passionate about helping victims of negligence seek justice. Get a free case review today to see if our lawyers are a good fit for your cause.