Synopsis
Charts both individual and global episodes of toxicity and discusses the myths that have perpetuated them
Reviews
Lappe, professor of Health Policy and Ethics at the University of Illinois, here examines the public health crisis brought on by the proliferation of chemicals in the workplace, in agriculture and in medicine. Challenging a number of toxicological dogmas, he addresses the risks of carcinogens and teratogens (substances that adversely affect the fetus), delayed effects of exposure and the body's natural defenses. Lappe discusses the toxicity of heavy metals, solvents, radiation; environmental pollution caused by CFCs and carbon dioxide. He surveys drugs with toxic side effects--DES, thalidomide, oral contraceptives, steroids. He reminds us that contaminated drinking water is also a major concern. He argues that the ability of the planet and its people to cope with toxic substances has been overestimated. The material is fairly technical but the message is clear: we are all at risk.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
In this exploration of the health risks arising from the modern chemical revolution, concerned public-health specialist Lapp‚ (The Broken Code, 1985, etc.) reports not only on what the dangers are (they include agricultural pesticides, benzene in the workplace, chlorinated solvents in drinking water, ``nonreactive'' chemicals such as silicone in breast implants, and ``natural'' chemicals such as estrogens in contraceptive pills), but also on what we know; how we can know given the complexity of multiple exposure, cofactors, interactions, and delayed effects; and the policy implications of the findings he cites and the reasoning he applies. (Like Barry Commoner and others serious about the subject, Lapp‚ insists that control of the chemicals' production, not just their use and disposal, is essential.) Much of the book takes the form of an argument against those who would dismiss or deny the risks, as Lapp‚ devotes each of ten chapters to combating a particular ``myth'': that ``the body's defenses are adequate''; that ``naturally occurring substances cause most cancer''; that there is a ``safe threshold'' of toxicity, etc. He ends with a list of recommendations for hard-and-fast environmental regulations that would be hard to fault but gives no suggestions as to how to achieve them politically. There have been many books alerting the public to these dangers, yet the offenses continue. Still, Lapp‚'s knowledgeable critique of the pro-chemical arguments at least provides debating ammunition for serious nonscientists who share his concern and who can tolerate his far-from-punchy prose. -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
A renowned health policy expert, Lappe is concerned about the effects of toxic substances on living things and also the public health crises that result when toxic substances are misused. In this book, he debunks ten widely believed myths (devoting a chapter to each) about the body's ability to withstand toxic substances, for example: "The body's defences are adequate"; "The fetus develops out of reach of toxic danger"; "The body's own chemicals are safe"; and "If it comes out of the tap, it's safe to drink." Each chapter features specific and frightening examples of the results of human exposure to toxic substances. Unlike D.W. Schnare and M.T. Katzman's Chemical Contamination and Its Victims (Quorum Bks., 1989), which stresses the legal aspects, this book concentrates on the human side of the problem. Well written and well documented, it is highly recommended for both public and academic libraries.
- Eugenia C. Adams, Univ. of Houston-Downtown Lib.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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