Embryotoxicity of broadband high-frequency noise in the CD-1 mouse.

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 fetal mortality were observed in the offspring of exposed dams, but the statistical significance of these effects was low (p less than 0.1).