1. 18 Alcohol is the most common cause of preventable birth defects, including fetal alcohol syndrome.

2. • Almost all First Nations people (96 per cent) say they have also heard of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).

3. These substances can cause birth defects , fetal alcohol syndrome , respiratory problems , low birth weight , and other health problems .

4. Other substances , such as alcohol , drugs , and cigarette smoke can also cross the placenta , with effects including congenital disorders , drug addiction , and fetal alcohol syndrome in the newborn .

5. Facial Abnormalities of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Prenatal exposure to alcohol (ethanol) results in a continuum of physical, neurological, behavioral, and learning defects collectively grouped under the heading Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).