- A readable and authoritative book on a subject of huge public interest
- Dispels the myth that 'man-made' chemicals are bad and that 'natural' ones are safe
- Examines the issue of food additives and contaminants
- Promotes an appreciation of the real risks from chemicals, and how scientist today assess and manage this risk
- Looks at natural toxins, environmental contaminants, industrial chemicals, household poisons
This is a fascinating and informed work that illuminates the world of toxicology. Using reported disasters and everyday examples, the author examines both natural and man-made chemicals that we are exposed to. He explains how they are toxic and the different reactions that individuals have to them. He debunks the popular belief that 'Natural is good, Man-made is bad' and quantifies the real risks.
Contents/contributors
- 1 Old art, new science: Introduction to toxicology
- 2 What chemicals do to us and what our bodies do to them: The principles of toxicology
- 3 Keep taking the medicine, "But is it safe Doctor?": chemicals we deliberately swallow
- 4 Blood, sweat, and tears: Pesticides, poisons man has designed
- 5 First the cats died: Environmental contaminants
- 6 Natural born killers: Chemicals nature designs to be poisonous
- 7 The Mad Hatter and a bad case of acne: Industrial chemicals
- 8 Under the sink and in the shed: Household poisons
- 9 Rasputin's revenge: Chemicals used to kill
- 10 Ginger Jake and Spanish oil: Food contaminants and additives
- 11 A risky business: The assessment of risk from chemicals
- Glossary
- Bibliography
- Index
- Dispels the myth that 'man-made' chemicals are bad and that 'natural' ones are safe
- Examines the issue of food additives and contaminants
- Promotes an appreciation of the real risks from chemicals, and how scientist today assess and manage this risk
- Looks at natural toxins, environmental contaminants, industrial chemicals, household poisons
This is a fascinating and informed work that illuminates the world of toxicology. Using reported disasters and everyday examples, the author examines both natural and man-made chemicals that we are exposed to. He explains how they are toxic and the different reactions that individuals have to them. He debunks the popular belief that 'Natural is good, Man-made is bad' and quantifies the real risks.
Contents/contributors
- 1 Old art, new science: Introduction to toxicology
- 2 What chemicals do to us and what our bodies do to them: The principles of toxicology
- 3 Keep taking the medicine, "But is it safe Doctor?": chemicals we deliberately swallow
- 4 Blood, sweat, and tears: Pesticides, poisons man has designed
- 5 First the cats died: Environmental contaminants
- 6 Natural born killers: Chemicals nature designs to be poisonous
- 7 The Mad Hatter and a bad case of acne: Industrial chemicals
- 8 Under the sink and in the shed: Household poisons
- 9 Rasputin's revenge: Chemicals used to kill
- 10 Ginger Jake and Spanish oil: Food contaminants and additives
- 11 A risky business: The assessment of risk from chemicals
- Glossary
- Bibliography
- Index