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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.
Preface
List of Abbreviations
1. The Chemical Paradox
2. Lessons from the Past
3. Elements of Risk
4. Coping with Uncertainty and Variability
5. Assessing Risks
6. Susceptible Populations
7. A Cumulative Risk Assessment: Chemicals on the Produce Shelf
8. Assessing Risks: Pharmaceuticals
9. Assessing Risks: Herbal Supplements
10. Assessing Risks: Chemicals in Our Water
11. Assessing Risks: Chemicals in Our Food
12. Assessing Risks: Chemicals on Our Skin
13. Assessing Risks: The Curious Case of BPA
Epilogue
Notes
Bibliography
Index
Gerald A. LeBlanc is a professor of toxicology in the Department of Biological Sciences at North Carolina State University. He has served on numerous federal and international science advisory committees, panels, and boards, including the National Research Council's Committee on Ecological Risk Assessment and as chairman of the USEPA Endocrine Disruptors Methods Validation Advisory Committee.
"Everyday Chemicals makes an essential yet fairly nuanced topic both intelligible and engaging. LeBlanc's narrative voice, humor, and good wit help readers navigate information and decision making regarding personal choice around toxicological risk."
– James C. Zimring, author of Partial Truths and What Science Is and How It Really Works
