The Poison Paradox: Chemicals as Friends and Foes

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OUP Oxford, 23.06.2005 - 348 Seiten
Every day we are surrounded by chemicals that are potentially harmful. Some of these we take intentionally in the form of drugs; some we take unknowingly through the food we eat, and the environment around us. John Timbrell explores what makes particular chemicals harmful, what their effects are, and how we can test for them. He examines drugs such as Paracetamol and what it does to the body; Ricin, the most toxic substance known to man; Paraquat, a widely available weedkiller; and how the puffer fish, eaten as a delicacy in Japan, can kill. Using case studies from all around the world, such as the Spanish Oil syndrome which made over 20,000 people ill in Madrid, Timbrell uncovers the facts behind chemical scares. He shows how, with a rational, scientific, and balanced approach, risks can be assessed and managed safely.

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Inhalt

Old Art New Science
1
What Chemicals Do to Us and What We Do to Them
11
There are No Safe Drugs Only Safe Ways of Using Them
48
Pesticides
89
Environmental Contaminants
110
Poisonous Chemicals Designed by Nature
145
Industrial Chemicals
165
Household Poisons
184
Toxic Food Constituents and Contaminants
239
Food Additives
269
Assessment of Chemical Hazards and Risks
282
Endnotes
314
Further Reading
322
Glossary
324
Units of Measurement
333
Index
334

Chemicals Used to Kill
213

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Autoren-Profil (2005)

John Timbrell is Professor of Biochemical Toxicology in the Department of Pharmacy, King's College, London. He is the author of two successful toxicology textbooks (Taylor and Francis) and the editor of a major journal. This will be his first publication for a general audience.

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