3 Articles on Teratogens That Affect Prenatal and postnatal Development: The Zika Virus, Lead, and Alcohol Exposure
TITLE
Article #1: Scientists Investigate How Viruses Like Zika Cause Birth Defects
DESCRIPTION
The Zika virus is spread by mosquitoes and is believed to be the cause of thousands of cases of microcephaly around the world. A serious birth defect wherein the infant is born with a significantly small head that affects brain development. (See the url in the link to resource section below.) Exposure during pregnancy by various drugs, chemicals, viruses, and diseases are called teratogens. “The risk that viruses pose during pregnancy came to light in the mid-1900s, when outbreaks of rubella, or German measles, led to waves of birth defects, including microcephaly, cataracts and deformed hearts and livers.” The article discusses the Zika virus and how it affects development in the fetus leading to serious birth defects.
SOURCE
New York Times, February 8.2016, by Carl Zimmer
LINK TO RESOURCE
(shortened URL) http://tinyurl.com/jb3os9n
link to MICROCEPHALY:
http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/symptoms/microcephaly/overview.html
ARTICLE #2
Article #2: What the Science Says About Long-Term Damage From Lead
DESCRIPTION
Also in the news is the lead exposure problem in Flint, Michigan. Due to a change in the water source to the city, lead leached out the water pipes affecting the city’s populations. This is major epidemic that not only affects prenatal conditions but also post natal in children and adults. Lead has been removed from paint and gasoline due to the associated problem it causes. Studies have found that “…high blood lead levels were associated with increased oppositional, hyperactive and bullying behaviors in children. Teenagers who had high lead levels in childhood were more likely to have had sex by 13, be pregnant by age 17 and smoke or drink while in their early teens. There is even some evidence of a connection to crime.” Additionally cognitive problems in lowered intelligence has long been know to be a consequence of lead exposure.
SOURCE
New York Times, February 8, 2016, by Aaron E. Carroll
LINK TO RESOURCE
(shortened URL) http://tinyurl.com/hzcy52u
ARTICLE #3
TITLE
Article #3:
This mother drank while pregnant. Here’s what her daughter’s like at 43
DESCRIPTION
It has been long known scientifically and without a doubt that alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome now called Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). It is a significant major teratogen which can affect prenatal development and cause irreversible life time damage.
“Its effects can include impaired growth, intellectual disabilities and such neurological, emotional and behavioral issues as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, vision problems and speech and language delays. FASD is also sometimes characterized by a cluster of facial features: small eyes, a thin upper lip and a flat philtrum (the ridge between the nose and upper lip).” Students will feel engaged reading this article which is formed loosely around a case study of the mother’s chaotic alcoholism and how it affected her daughter’s life with a serious intense FASD.
SOURCE
Washington Post, January 18, 2016, by Alexandra Rockey Fleming
LINK TO RESOURCE
(shortened URL) http://tinyurl.com/zaepzxw
CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
•What is a teratogen? Why is this of interest to Psychologists?
•What are the effects of teratogens?
•When is a teratogen most influential in prenatal development?
•What are the effects of exposure to alcohol on the fetus?
•What are the effects of exposure to the Zika virus on the fetus?
•What are the effects of lead exposure to a child?
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