Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology

Abstract

This chapter provides a practical overview of reproductive and developmental toxicology, with a focus on considerations for human health risk assessment. It provides a brief overview of normal reproduction and development, as well as examples of how toxic agents may impact these processes. Default assumptions for risk assessment of reproductive and developmental toxicants are discussed, and the types of endpoints typically evaluated in animal toxicology studies and epidemiology studies are summarized. A brief overview is also provided of other data that can be useful for hazard identification of reproductive and developmental toxicants, including mechanistic and new approach methodologies, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, and considerations for the risk assessment of mixtures. Testing procedures and guidelines for reproductive and developmental toxicants (including pharmaceuticals and industrial or environmental chemicals) are summarized.