Foetal Attrition
A mother's womb could well be a tomb for the foetus. Studies show that exposure to toxic chemicals during pregnancy interfere with normal growth and development of the foetus resulting in intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Some chemicals affect foetus' growth. There is also a high probability of abortion or peri-natal morbidity. If they survive the ordeal of birth, these babies are more likely to experience poor cognitive development and mental deficiency during childhood.
Even as adults, IUGR babies have increased risk of cardiovascular disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, and related diseases. Certain chemicals, such as methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), have the capacity to produce abnormally small head circumference (microcephaly) because they target the developing foetal brain and interfere with proper, timely, and adequate proliferation and migration of the neural cells and impact the foetal liver, preventing it from detoxifying toxins and cause irreparable brain damage.
Ethanol inhalation and ingestion as in glue or paint sniffin, certain drugs, maternal infection like rubella and radiation are common environmental factors associated with microcephaly.
A study by S Srivastava and his colleagues from the University of Faizabad showed that lead and zinc levels in the blood of pregnant women and their offspring can cause IUGR.