Thanks for this very instructive blog. I know a lot about that… but I had never heard about the word “teratogens”. From now on, I will be able to put a name of those effects. Cool! Even if I agree those effects cannot be classified as cool.
I have a side-note comment/question with respect to the following.
One of the commonest ways through which people are exposed to teratogens is usually during pregnancy. The pain of childbirth and the quest to treat morning sickness (nausea and vomiting that occurs in women during pregnancy) in the early 1960s made some women use one of the well-known teratogens - Thalidomide.
I imagine that thalidomides were put on the market at a time where drugs were less stress-tested before being released, which contrasts with the present situation. Is this correct?
Have a nice week-end! Cheers!
Absolutely correct sir. Infact I forgot to add that to the body of the work. The aftermath of Thalidomide effects gave rise to the birth of drug toxicity testing, more strict regulations and long term surveillance of potential drugs for any future adverse effects. One of the reason drug discovery and approval is now very difficult to obtain. Once bitten twice shy.
Ooooh "nice" (note the quotes). At least we have learned from the mistakes to make sure they won't be reproduced (at least that easily) in the future.
I didn't know that expression but it definitely suits well to the situation!
PS: I didn't ask my question to see you modifying your post. This was not the purpose. I however agree that this would consist in a good addition.