Toxicants can interfere with normal development through various mechanisms. These include disrupting cellular signaling pathways, inducing oxidative stress, causing DNA damage, or altering hormonal balances. The timing of exposure is crucial, as different stages of development are more susceptible to specific types of damage. For example, exposure to teratogens during the first trimester of pregnancy can lead to structural defects, while exposure later might affect growth or neurodevelopment.
