Topical problems and basic developmental trends of investigations concerning the embryotoxic and teratogenic effect of environmental chemicals

Assessed is the importance of embryotoxic and teratogenic studies of environmental Chemicals to the development of effective methods to prevent embryo disorders and congenital defects. Adequate methodological approaches for testing the teratogenicity and embryotoxicity of chemical substances must be developed. The criteria for teratogenicity must be broadened; a wider range of biological models should be used; and factors influencing teratogenic activity should be identified.