What is an example of a substance known as a teratogen?

Vinyl chloride is recognized as a teratogen, which means it can cause developmental abnormalities in a fetus when a pregnant individual is exposed to it. Teratogens disrupt the normal development of an embryo or fetus, leading to congenital malformations or developmental delays. Vinyl chloride, primarily used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), has been linked to various health effects, including adverse pregnancy outcomes when exposure occurs during critical periods of fetal development.

While lead, asbestos, and formaldehyde also pose significant health risks and can cause a range of serious conditions, they are not primarily classified as teratogens in the same way vinyl chloride is. Lead is primarily known for its neurotoxic effects, asbestos is linked to respiratory diseases, and formaldehyde is recognized for its potential carcinogenic effects and for causing irritation, rather than specifically leading to teratogenic outcomes. Therefore, vinyl chloride stands out as the correct example of a substance that is classified as a teratogen.