A Small Dose of Toxicology: The Health Effects of Common Chemicals [Paperback]

Steven G. Gilbert (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 18, 2004

Everyday, we come into contact with many relatively harmless substances that could, at certain concentrations, be toxic. This applies not only to obvious candidates such as asbestos, lead, and gasoline, but also to compounds such as caffeine and headache tablets. While the field of toxicology has numerous texts devoted to aspects of biology, chemistry, and mechanism of action, the need remains for a book that places toxicology within the framework of our daily lives. A Small Dose of Toxicology presents the principles of toxicology by exploring the effects of common chemical agents such as caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. It reviews the fundamentals of dose-response and factors of individual sensitivity in regard to these drugs, and then applies this knowledge to environmental contaminates such as lead, arsenic, pesticides, mercury, and radiation. Chapters discuss neurotoxicology, risk assessment, carcinogenicity, and with a variety of specific toxic agents, with each chapter designed as a self-contained module to allow for flexibility in the selection of personal or academic material. Exploring current toxicology concerns within a human context, this text discusses how toxicology affects our everyday lives while providing insight into the broader issues of public health and disease prevention. Environmental and public health professionals, as well as novices and students requiring a basic foundation in toxicology will find this resource incredibly useful.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The passionate concerns that many of us hold-for protecting animal habitat, water quality, or the health of our most vulnerable people-often are not coupled with a solid understanding of why some substances are harmful. So I was personally delighted to find some of the grounding I needed in [this book]. … The short chapters and straightforward approach present the information with great clarity.
- GenerationGreen.org

I found this book to be a delightful text that reminded me of all the wonderful ways in which toxicology impacts our lives … . It is a great primer for young people considering a career in the field, but, importantly, is also an excellent text for introducing the topic to the general public, something that I feel has historically been lacking. The author should be commended for his efforts in compiling this text.
- BTS Newsletter

We distributed your book to all of our teachers and it was a GREAT hit. Thanks again for writing such a great book for teachers.
- Terry Pittman

About the Author

Stephen G. Gilbert is Director of the Institute of Neurotoxicology and Neurological Disorders and Affiliate Associate Professor at the Department of Environmental Health at the University of Washington, USA.

Product Details

• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: CRC; 1 edition (February 18, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415311683
• ISBN-13: 978-0415311687
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #952,061 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Small Dose- but large information, December 27, 2004

By 

lytfut "lytfut" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Small Dose of Toxicology: The Health Effects of Common Chemicals (Paperback)

Steven Gilbert, Ph.D., DABT has compiled a user-friendly book of toxicology that has utility in beginner and advanced courses of the toxicology field. It is layman friendly and selectively includes toxic product hazards of everyday life. The common chemicals include alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, pesticides, lead, mercury, arsenic, heavy metals, solvents and radiation for starters; all products of human ingestion, inhalation or dermal absorption in everyday life. In simple terms and understandable paragraphs that are digestible, one learns of the dangers to human exposure. The additional reference lists at the end of each subject enhances the ability of one to research issues further. Government agencies that can assist the reader are also presented. Toxicology is literally "the science of poisons" and is often one of the "heaviest" curriculum/ biological subjects. "A Small Dose" allows the reader to enjoy the subject matter and still learn the issues at hand in the new millennium. Dr. Gilbert makes it palatable...Thank you! He was awarded a commendation in 2004 from the British Medical Association Library book competition- a most prestigious award.