Traditional toxicology textbooks tend to be doorstops: tomes filled with important but seemingly abstract chemistry and biology. Meanwhile, magazine and journal articles introduce students to timely topics such as EPA and endocrine disruption or the carcinogenic effects of pesticides, but don't provide the fundamentals needed to understand the science of toxicity. Written by a professor of toxicology, Modern Poisons bridges this gap. This accessible book explains basic principles in plain language while illuminating the most important issues in contemporary toxicology. Kolok begins by exploring age-old precepts of the field such as the dose-response relationship and the concept, first introduced by Ambroise Pare in the sixteenth century, that a chemical's particular action depends on its inherent chemical nature. The author goes on to show exactly how chemicals enter the body and elicit their toxic effect, as well as the body's methods of defence. With the fundamentals established, Kolok digs into advances in toxicology, tracing the field's development from World War II to the present clay. The book examines both technical discoveries and their impacts on public policy. Highlights include studies of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in toiletries and prescriptions, the emerging science on prions, and our growing understanding of epigenetics. Readers learn not only how toxic exposure affects people and wildlife, but about the long-term social and environmental consequences of our chemicals. Whether studying toxicology itself, public health, or environmental science, readers will develop a core understanding of, and curiosity about, this fast-changing field.

Fills need for concise, accessible primer in modern toxicology; Addresses newsworthy issues that are generally only covered in advanced toxicology courses; Clear writing makes key topics understandable for beginning toxicology students and non-major students.

About the Author
Alan Kolok is Director of the Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Interim Director at the Center for Environmental Health and Toxicology, and Professor of Biology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He is the editor of the journal Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.


Book Information
ISBN 9781610913829
Author Alan Kolok
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint Island Press
Publisher Island Press
Weight(grams) 318g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 15mm