Embryotoxicity of broadband high‐frequency noise in the CD‐1 mouse

Abstract

The teratogenic and embryofetotoxic potential of a broad band of high‐frequency (16–42 kHz), high‐intensity (110 dB sound pressure level), temporally uniform noise was evaluated in CD‐1 mice. The frequency band of the noise overlapped the most sensitive region of the mouse's auditory system. The exposure period (d 6–15) included the period of major organogenesis. Decreased fetal weight, pregnancy rate, and increased late‐stage fetolethality were observed in the offspring of exposed dams, but the statistical significance of these effects was low (p < 0.1).