Teratogenic means relating to or causing developmental malformations. In common parlance, these agents cause birth defects, some minor, some horrific. Many different kinds of agents can act as teratogens. Some examples include:
- Drugs: thalidomide, Accutane, ACE Inhibitors
- Ionizing radiation
- Infections: so-called TORCH organisms (Toxoplama, Syphilis, rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpes Simplex Virus.
Embryonic stem cells are known to cause teratogenic compounds.