Poisons and Antidotes: An A-to-Z Guide - Softcover

Turkington, Carol; Mitchell, Deborah

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0816064024 ISBN 13: 9780816064021

Publisher: Checkmark Books, 2009

Synopsis

This is a complete guide to all types of poisons, how they work, and the antidotes that counteract them. Even with all the advances in medical science today, poisons still remain a serious health risk. Every year approximately 10 million cases of poisoning occur, with nearly 80 percent of them involving children under the age of 5. Poisoning is the fourth most common cause of death among children. Because many poisonings are accidental, simple safety measures - such as keeping harmful substances out of reach of children - can help prevent them. "Poisons and Antidotes: An A-to-Z Guide" reflects the most recent developments in the world of toxicology. Nearly 600 up-to-date entries detail poisonous substances ranging from common household items to exotic plants and animals. Entries describe the nature of the toxin, the symptoms it causes, and available antidotes and treatments. Special topics covered include children and poisons, first aid for poisoning victims, food poisoning, and pets and poisons. New and updated entries include: Bisphenol; Common medications; Daffodils; Flunitrazepam; Hormone disruptors; Household plants; Mold; Poison safety at home; Polonium-210; Responding to a poisoning; Recognizing poisonous animals and plants; and, Sick building syndrome. Appendixes include current information about home testing kits, hotlines, organizations, newsletters, regional poison control centers, and more.

About this title

About the Author

Carol Turkington was a medical writer with a degree in journalism and 25 years of professional experience, including three years as medical writer/editor at Duke University Medical Center/Comprehensive Cancer Center. She was also an educational consultant to the national office of the American Red Cross. She was the author of Skin Deep, Third Edition; The A to Z of Autism Spectrum Disorders; The A to Z of Breast Cancer; and The A to Z of Infectious Diseases, all for Facts On File and Checkmark Books. Deborah Mitchell is a freelance writer who specializes in health, nutrition, and medical topics. She has authored, coauthored, and ghostwritten more than 40 books, as well as scores of articles for both print and electronic media. She has served as senior editor for environmental protection for CharityGuide.com and as a feature writer on senior health for Suite101.com.

Review

..."authoritative, well-written...Highly recommended."

..."a tremendous amount of up-to-date information...essential..."

..."clear, comprehensive, and thoroughly researched...Highly recommended..."

..."contains a wealth of information for a very reasonable price and is highly recommended for school, academic, and public libraries."

"Like other books in [this] series, this volume is comprehensive, accessible, and well organized...a valuable tool...strongly recommended."

"This is a unique and welcome addition to most consumer health and public library collections...this work brings it all together in a single convenient volume."

"This is a very good, reasonably priced source for public and consumer health collections...provides a basic understanding of the disease and useful referral information."

..."a current, compact, readily understandable resource...It continues its tradition as a trustworthy guide...recommended for all public library and consumer health collections."

..."this book is a jewel, chock-full of current, relevant information and written in language easily understood by the intended audience...[a] useful, valuable encyclopedia...excellent appendixes...Highly recommended."

Edition details

• Publisher: Checkmark Books
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0816064024
• ISBN 13: 9780816064021
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 324