The Perils of Progress: The Health and Environmental Hazards of Modern Technology and What You Can Do About Them

Clearly written and comprehensive, The Perils of Progress uses the latest scientific research to challenge our society's largely unquestioning commitment to new technologies. While these have no doubt brought many benefits, the authors argue that our confidence in them is seriously misplaced--in some cases dangerously so. The authors consider a vast array of health and environmental issues including: the damaging effects on human health of certain microwaves, including those from mobile phones and television transmission towers; the effects of aluminium in food and other consumer products; the evidence that the trans-polyunsaturated acids formed in most margarines during manufacture may be more detrimental to health than butter. Each chapter ends with a positive and empowering "What You Can Do" section.

John Ashton is Chief Chemist for a leading Australian food company and is an internationally recognized food researcher.

Ron Laura was born in Massachusetts and is currently Professor of Education at the University of Newcastle, U.K.