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.
