Answer:
A. teratogen
Explanation:
TERATOGENS:
Teratogens (<em>originates from Greek word for Monster)</em> are substances that may produce birth defects in a baby due to its toxicity. Teratogens are further clasified into four categories:
- Physical Agents (e.g. ionizing radiation)
- Metabolic conditions (e.g. mother with diabetes, malnutrition or thyroid disorders)
- Infections (e.g. viral infections caused by Rubella, Herpes Simplex virus)
- Drugs and chemicals (e.g. alcohol, cocaine, thalidomide)
CRITICAL PERIOD:
It is a time period of development in which an organism is most susceptible to certain environment stimuli, experiences and insult.
It occurs when cell division, cell differentiation and morphogenesis are at their peak.
EXAMPLE:
Critical period of brain development is 3-16 weeks and teratogens may produce mental deficiency during this time.
CARCINOGEN:
It is defined as any substance or agent that promotes carcinogenesis i.e. formation of cancer.
EXAMPLES: Tobacco smoke
BIOHAZARD:
It is defined as any biological substance that poses threat to the health of living beings particularly humans.
EXAMPLES:
Infectious viruses and bacteria
CONGENITAL MALFORMATION:
It is defined as structural defect of an organ, part of an organ, or larger body region that results from abnormal development process.
It is an inherited deformity.
EXAMPLES: Cleft lip
