On 20-24 May 2007, the Conference on Fetal Programming and Developmental Toxicity brought together scientists from the areas of environmental health, environmental chemistry, developmental biology, toxicology, epidemiology, nutrition, and paediatrics, to highlight effects of prenatal and early postnatal exposure to toxicants, and their continued effect on an individual throughout their adult life.

Toxic exposures to environmental hazards are particularly dangerous for early infants and the developing foetus, which show a high degree of susceptibility to chemical pollutants. Toxicant exposures prior to or during pregnancy have been linked to malformations, whilst childhood exposure can lead to an increased risk of disease and disability throughout life.

New research has shown that exposure to hormonally active chemicals such as diethylstilbestrol, tributyl tin. Bisphenol A, and genestin can lead to an increases in: reproductive abnormalities, metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity, and cancer.

For example, low level exposure to Bisphenol A, a plastics ingredient, has been linked to an increased susceptibility of breast and prostrate cancer. Maternal smoking and exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals such as diethylstilbestrol have been associated with an increase in the incidence of testicular cancer, poor semen quality, and cryptorchidism, the absence from the scrotum of one or both testes. Prenatal exposure to vinclozoline, a common fungicide, can also lead to an increased risk of developing cancer. Whilst these substances pose little risk to adults, they are nevertheless hazardous to the developing fetus.

The critical factor when it comes to the risk of disease is the timing of exposure. For example, brain development involves a complex series of steps that must be completed in the right sequence at the right time. Toxic exposures during development can lead to substantial decline in brain function.

In light of these facts, the following recommendations (The Faroes statement) were made by the International Scientific Committee of the conference:
  Studies on the etiology of human disease need to incorporate early development and characterise appropriately the factors that determine organ functions and subsequent disease risks.
  Cross-disciplinary approaches and translation of animal studies needs to be promoted.
  Environmental chemical exposure assessment should emphasise the time period of early development.
  Mixed exposures during development and throughout life need to be considered.
  Prevention efforts against toxic chemicals should focus on protecting the fetus and small child.

A list of the conference conlcusions and reccommendations can be found here .