Birth defects are the leading cause of infant mortality in the  United States, accounting for more than 20% of all infant deaths.  Of about 120,000 U.S. babies born each year with a birth defect, 8,000 die during their first year of life.  In addition, birth defects are the fifth-leading cause of years of potential life lost and contribute substantially to childhood morbidity and long-term disability.  Because the causes of about 70% of all birth defects are unknown, the public continues to be anxious about whether environmental pollutants cause birth defects, developmental disabilities, or other adverse reproductive outcomes.  The public also has many questions about whether various occupational hazards, dietary factors, medications, and personal behaviors cause or contribute to birth defects.  

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