Birth defects prevention: Much still needs to be done

Birth defects affect every one out of ten families in this country. Genetics, pollution and malnutrition are among the most common causes. How to minimize such cases?

China's rate of birth defects is five percent, while in developed countries it is three percent. The Ministries of Health, and Science and Technology have assigned an expert team to study the causes. The first cause is environmental degradation.

Zhu Jun, Deputy Director of China Birth Defect Monitoring Center, said, "Birth defects have many causes. Pollution is one. We must improve our environment and protect pregnant women from environmental hazards to minimize the risk of birth defects."

Experts say heavy pollution and radiation could damage chromosomes and even lead to a genetic mutation.

Experts say heavy pollution and radiation could damage chromosomes and  even lead to a genetic mutation.