A single known dosage of alcohol responsible for producing the vast range of abnormalities in FAS has not yet been identified, nor is the lowest harmless dose of alcohol known. Evidence suggests that transient, high concentrations of alcohol, like those associated with binge drinking, can be especially devastating. Obviously, women should abstain completely from ingesting alcohol during pregnancy. This article is a comprehensive review of the data as we know it up until the late 1980 s. The worldwide incidence of FAS is 1.9 per 1000 live births.
Incidence rates vary considerably, depending on the region of the world.
They reviewed studies from Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Sweden, Switzerland, and England. The studies from the United States were from Boston, Cleveland, Denver, Loma Linda, Seattle, and the American Southwest. The studies reflect white, Black, Native American, middle class, inner city, and suburban populations. Mental retardation is a major feature of FAS and FAS is now recognized as the leading known cause of mental retardation in the Western world. The economic impact of FAS is staggering.