Which delayed effect can harm a fetus developing in the womb?

Which delayed effect can harm a fetus developing in the womb?

• A. Chronic effects
• B. Systemic effects
• C. Acute effects
• D. Developmental and reproductive effects

Answer: (D)

Harm to a fetus developing in the womb that appears later is a developmental toxicity issue. Some pesticides can cross the placenta and affect the growing fetus during critical periods of development, leading to birth defects, growth problems, or later neurodevelopmental or reproductive issues. These are delayed effects because the harm may not be obvious at the time of exposure but shows up as the child develops or in future reproduction. The other options describe different kinds of effects—acute effects happen right away, systemic effects are about distribution in the body, and chronic effects are long-term effects in the exposed individual—none of which specifically capture the delayed impact on fetal development.