Customer Reviews

Technological Risk

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Lewis makes the good point here that too often we fear the unlikely while remaining complacent about true dangers. Many, for instance, believe nuclear power plants impose great risks, ignoring the greater threat from automobiles. The public spends excessive money and time looking for ways to bury toxic waste, or eliminate possible carcinogens from food,while overlooking natural health risks. Regulations created to make us safer often have the opposite effect. Citizens should acquire a greater understanding of risk and how it influences our lives.

The book is divided into three sections. The first gives an overview of risk and the issues involved, the second examines the role risk plays in air travel, radiation and pollution, and the third gives the reader a small mathematics lesson in probability.

It should be made clear right from the start this is not the sort of book to curl up with by the fire. It is written to educate, not entertain. One can hear the scientist speaking through the writing, wringing his hands at out ignorance and disbelief. Unfortunately Lewis is likely preaching to the converted. Those who agree with him already may make up the bulk of his readership. Others will likely stop reading about twenty pages in.

An excellent book on the risks associated with modern technology. Looks at the risks of car and plane travel, food additives, nuclear power, and other controversial topics. Lots of interesting examples. Did you know, for example, that the US government measures incoming wine for radiation, and rejects it if it's not radioactive enough