Particles of Truth: A Story of Discovery, Controversy, and the Fight for Healthy Air

A compelling, real-life account of how scientists uncovered air pollution’s deadly impact on human health—and the contentious battles to use key scientific evidence in the critical fight for clean air.

Particles of Truth is a riveting account of the discovery of the critical health effects of air pollution told by Arden Pope and Douglas Dockery, who have been at the forefront of air pollution and health research for four decades. With an insightful foreword by former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, this compelling book provides an inside look at groundbreaking scientific research and ensuing political and public-policy battles. It presents evidence that air pollution is a major contributor to disease and death and that reducing air pollution saves lives. The book also delves into intense efforts to discredit and cast doubt on the science.

Through firsthand accounts, Pope and Dockery bring the scientific discoveries regarding the health effects of air pollution and accompanying controversies to life. They describe the real-world challenges of conducting impactful research when public health clashes with economic interests and politics. Despite these challenges, they and their colleagues persisted, accumulating evidence that supports landmark clean-air legislation and pollution reduction efforts worldwide. More than an inside look at pioneering air pollution research and the hidden health burden of air pollution, Particles of Truth is a story of determination and perseverance by those working to protect air quality and our health; indeed, their efforts have contributed to improvements in public health and an increase in longevity. For anyone interested in public health, environmental quality, or public policy, this is a must-read book that takes you to the front lines of discovery and controversy.

C. Arden Pope III is a Karl G. Maeser Distinguished University Professor at Brigham Young University. Widely recognized as a leading expert on the health effects of air pollution, he has advised numerous scientific boards and committees and has received multiple research and teaching awards.

Douglas W. Dockery is the John L. Loeb and Frances Lehman Loeb Research Professor of Environmental Epidemiology, Emeritus, at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. He directed the Harvard–NIEHS Center for Environmental Health Sciences and chaired the Department of Environmental Health.