Off to a good start: the influence of pre- and periconceptional exposures, parental fertility, and nutrition on children's health.

The scientific community is developing a compelling body of evidence that shows the importance of the in utero environment (including chemical and hormonal levels) to the ultimate health of the child and even of the aging adult. This article summarizes the evidence that shows this impact begins with conception. Only a full life-cycle evaluation will help us understand these impacts, and only such an understanding will produce logically prioritized mitigation strategies to address the greatest threats first. Clearly, the time for analysis begins when the next generation is but a twinkle in the eye.