Birth defects rise in parts of China: state mediaThe number of newborns with birth defects birth defects, abnormalities in physical or mental structure or function that are present at birth. They range from minor to seriously deforming or life-threatening. A major defect of some type occurs in approximately 3% of all births. in many parts of China is rising rapidly as women have children later in life and environmental pollution takes its toll, state media reported Tuesday Tuesday: see week. . In Beijing, the rate of physical abnormalities -- such as congenital heart defects Congenital heart defects Congenital means conditions which are present at birth. Congenital heart disease includes a variety of defects that babies are born with. Mentioned in: Heart Failure, Heart Surgery for Congenital Defects or cleft lips -- last year was 170 per 10,000 births, nearly twice the rate recorded in 1997, the China Daily newspaper reported. Quoting the Beijing municipal health bureau, the report said the higher rate was the result of better diagnostic techniques and monitoring capabilities, as well as women having children later in life. Environmental pollution could also be contributing to the problem, the report quoted the authoritative Caijing business magazine as saying. "Chemical and toxic emissions impact the health of the parents, so it is likely they also impact the health of an unborn baby," Ren Aiguo, director of the reproductive health Within the framework of WHO's definition of health[1] as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, reproductive health, or sexual health/hygiene institute at Peking University Peking University: see Beijing University. Peking University or Beijing University One of the oldest and most important institutions of higher education in China. , was quoted as saying. The number of birth defects detected in other parts of the country has also increased, the report said. In the southern province of Guangdong, a major industrial hub, the birth defect birth defect Genetic or trauma-induced abnormality present at birth. A more restrictive term than congenital disorder, it covers abnormalities that arise during the formation of an embryo's organs and tissues and does not include those caused by diseases (e.g. rate rose from 186 per 10,000 births in 2003 to 249 four years later. In the eastern province of Zhejiang, the rate nearly doubled during the same period, from 115 per 10,000 births to 208. Nationwide, around four to six percent of the 20 million babies born every year have defects, the report said. 
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