Peng J, et al. - Researchers focused on the non-genetic paternal risk factors for congenital heart defects (CHDs) in this meta-analysis and systematic review. They searched the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library online databases and found 31 studies that met the inclusion criteria. These studies were published between 1990 and 2018. Subgroups of paternal risk factors were defined, and calculation of summarized odd ratios was done. An increased risk of CHDs was evident in relation to advanced paternal age, cigarette smoking, wine drinking, exposure to chemical agents or drugs, and some specific occupations. There is a need for more measures to attenuate occupational and environment exposures. A strong recommendation was also made for fertility at a certain age and establishment of healthy life habits.