Birth Defects

Most birth defects are thought to be caused by a complex mix of factors, including a person’s genes, behaviors, and things in the environment.

Birth defects are common, costly, and critical conditions that affect 1 in every 33 babies born in the United States each year.

Exposure to hazards in the physical environment—secondhand smoke, lead, mercury, air pollution, pesticides, and other toxins—may increase the likelihood of poor reproductive health outcomes.