Preparation Teratogens are toxins that affect prenatal development and can be found everywhere in our daily lives. Some examples of well-known teratogens are cleaning supplies, drugs, and alcohol. Use the Capella University Library and the Internet to research teratogens and the effects on prenatal development, in scholarly literature and medically-reviewed websites such as Mayo Clinic and The Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Assessing Sources The websites listed in the Resources for each assessment are reputable sources. When identifying reputable Internet sources, consider the following questions: Who is the author? Is the individual or organization well known in their field? Who publishes the information? Is the publisher the same as the author? Is the source reliable? Does the source have a bias, or intent? Instructions Alcohol and tobacco products are widely known and well-publicized teratogens. For purposes of this assessment, select a teratogen other than alcohol or tobacco. Assume the role in the following scenario: Scenario You are teaching at a local college and want to provide your students with an example of how a specific teratogen affects a critical trimester of fetal development while considering how timing, dosage, duration, and genetics. In a 3–4-page prepared lecture, using relevant and recent references to support your example, explain the implications of a selected teratogen on prenatal development and consider the impact of this teratogen on family and society as a whole as well as ways to minimize the exposure. Be sure to write in a way that is appropriate for your target audience of undergraduate students. Deliverable Write a 3–4-page paper suitable for a lecture to undergraduate students. Explain the implications of a selected teratogen on prenatal development. Consider timing, dosage, duration, genetics, and so on. Think about the associated consequences and costs to families and society. The writing style should be direct and understandable but still include scholarly references. Organize your lecture using the headings provided below. Overview: Provide a brief summary of the teratogen. Identify a specific teratogen and the type or amount of exposure that can harm fetal development. Identify a common product or environmental pollutant that would be a concern for expectant parents (for example, lead-contaminated water). Where is the teratogen commonly (or uncommonly) found? What type, frequency, or amount of exposure is a concern? Developmental Risks: Identify the specific risks to prenatal development. Identify the trimester that is most critical in prenatal development that the toxin affects (for example, heart and lungs). Summarize research that explains how a specific teratogen affects a trimester of prenatal development. Illustrate (explain) how a specific teratogen harms fetal development in a critical trimester. Explain why it is dangerous (for example, drugs cross the blood barrier). For example, if the toxin affects lung development, what are the consequences? Implications of Exposure: Evaluate the potential impact or outcomes to family and society as a result of prenatal teratogen exposure. What are the short-term and long-term outcomes from the exposure? Increased health care costs? Special education costs? Other related costs or consequences as the result of exposure? Minimize Exposure Analyze recommendations from reputable sources for minimizing prenatal or postnatal exposure to a specific teratogen. Analyze the quality of the research and the conclusions in order to prevent a specific teratogen exposure. Identify prevention and intervention options. Consider medical, social, economic prevention strategies. Additional Requirements Length: Submit a maximum of four pages of content in addition to the title page and references page. Written communication: Provide key health information using language and format that is comprehensible to a layperson. Write clearly and logically, with correct use of spelling, grammar, punctuation, and mechanics. Number of references: Cite a minimum of five scholarly references (for example, academic journals). You may include additional references from medically reviewed or professional, reputable websites, such as government sources, the Mayo Clinic, or WebMD. APA formatting: Format references and citations according to current APA style guidelines.