Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) can cause facial abnormalities, stunted growth, mental retardation and central nervous system damage in children who have been exposed to alcohol during development in the mother's womb. When a mother consumes alcohol during pregnancy, the effects on the fetus can be very devastating and serious. In recent years, studies have been conducted on genetic and epigenetic involvement in relation to FAS. Epigenetics is the study of functional changes to a gene without affecting DNA order, such as DNA methylation and chromatin remodeling. The study of specific processes that occur during embryonic development, such as X inactivation and gene silencing, also falls under the term epigenetics. There is evidence to suggest that epigenetic mechanisms play a substantial role in a child with FAS. During the developmental stages, the cells of the fetus will undergo differentiation for the formation of organs. If alcohol is consumed during this phase, it can affect biochemical reactions which will cause epigenetic changes. It is important to understand the effects that environmental factors, such as alcohol consumption, have on fetal epigenetics in order to determine the role that epigenetics plays in FAS. There is also evidence to support the hypothesis that certain inherited genes may predispose the fetus to FAS. Given that South Africa has one of the highest rates of FAS in the world, which is still increasing, and health services are under pressure, it is important that research into the etiology of FAS is conducted. Once we understand the exact genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, a way forward will become more possible. Liter's review......half of the paper......in it is relevant and up to date. This article is not from South Africa, which affects its validity, however, the information and findings in this source are not only applicable to the United States. There are no other studies to support this, thus making it invalid, but because it is a scientific breakthrough, the research is supported by the NIAAA and the source is quite reliable, it can be considered valid. The source is very useful. The focus of this research is of great relevance to my topic. Comparisons cannot be made as the research contained in this article is the first of its kind, but as it introduces a new aspect to this field of research it can be considered useful. The limitation of this source is that it is secondary research and therefore the information may have been selected and interpreted in such a way that it is not as accurate as the primary source.