Author(s): Suzi Penny

health

Increasingly, as a society, we are becoming aware of and concerned about threats to health, wellbeing and the environment posed by exposure to various chemicals in the food we eat, water we drink, in the workplace and in the environment around us. The wider use of chemicals, media reports on contaminated sites, asbestos, dioxins, timber treatment chemicals and concerns about pesticides combine to bring this to our attention. As we all become more aware of the possible long-term health consequences of work-related and other exposures, it also becomes important to distinguish between real, potential and perceived risk of harm as well as the measures that can be used to reduce these risks. That is the aim of this book. Chapters include: Beliefs, fables and facts Toxic substances and our lungs Lead, mercury and other minerals Highs and lows of solvents Chemical exposures and cancer Pesticides - friend or foe If it's natural it's safe? Who's looking after us and where can we go for more information?