Risks of prenatal exposure to substances

We are exposed to a large number of substances that are present in our environment on a daily basis. In order to prevent or limit as much health damage as possible, these exposure levels are measured or estimated, and acceptable limits are defined. This is all the more important where exposure prior to birth and in very early life is concerned, when vulnerability to lasting health damage is often the greatest. Countless delicate, fundamental developmental processes take place at that time.