Everyday chemicals : understanding the risks / Gerald A. LeBlanc.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

LeBlanc, Gerald A., (author).

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Chemicals--Safety measures.

Chemicals.

Chemicals--Health aspects.

Environmental toxicology.

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Place of Publication:

New York : Columbia University Press, [2023]

Summary:

"What is the likelihood that common chemicals such as bisphenol-A, which is found in plastic water bottles, are harming us? Should shoppers be concerned about pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables in the supermarket produce aisle? Are we risking adverse health effects when we use insect repellent that contains DEET or slather on sunscreen? Modern life requires us to navigate an endless sea of chemicals. How do we know whether we need to worry about them? This book is a layperson’s guide to understanding chemical risk. The toxicologist Gerald A. LeBlanc offers a nontechnical overview of the key factors in evaluating whether exposure to chemicals in our daily lives could be harmful. He leads readers through the basic concepts of risk assessment using real-world examples. LeBlanc emphasizes that chemical hazard depends on the level of exposure and provides practical strategies for sensible decision making. The book features a series of accessible case studies describing how we all can reach rational conclusions about the danger of typical chemical exposures we experience every day. Giving nonexpert readers the tools to understand chemical risks, this book shows how critical thinking and science literacy can help us live with less fear and anxiety and make reasonable choices when confronted with potential hazards." -- Publisher's description.

Contents:

The Chemical Paradox

Lessons from the Past

Elements of Risk

Coping with Uncertainty and Variability

Assessing Risks

Susceptible Populations

A Cumulative Risk Assessment: Chemicals on the Produce Shelf

Assessing Risks: Pharmaceuticals

Assessing Risks: Herbal Supplements

Assessing Risks: Chemicals in Our Water

Assessing Risks: Chemicals in Our Food

Assessing Risks: Chemicals on Our Skin

Assessing Risks: The Curious Case of BPA.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 251-278) and index.

Other Format:

Print version: LeBlanc, Gerald A. Everyday Chemicals

ISBN:

023155625X

9780231556255

OCLC:

1355221362