True Warnings and False Alarms

Evaluating Fears about the Health Risks of Technology, 1948-1971

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Technology, Environmental, Nature, Environment, Ecology
Cover of the book True Warnings and False Alarms by Allan Mazur, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Allan Mazur ISBN: 9781136527524
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: September 30, 2010
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Allan Mazur
ISBN: 9781136527524
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: September 30, 2010
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Given time, scientists reach consensus about the truth or falsity of a wide range of alleged hazards. Today, there is broad agreement that CFCs destroy stratospheric ozone. On the other hand, research does not support claims that electromagnetic fields from transmission lines cause a noticeable increase of leukemia. But new allegations continuously arise. Are manufactured chemicals in the environment distorting normal hormonal processes in our bodies? Are genetically modified foods a cause for concern? Addressing one of the most vexing problems in risk policy, Allan Mazur asks how we can tell, at an early stage, how seriously we should take a new warning. To identify hallmarks that could help predict the truth or falsity of an alleged hazard, Mazur analyzes 31 health warnings raised during the 1950s and 1960s about diverse technologies, including fluoridation, DDT, cyclamate, nuclear weapons testing, and birth control pills. Among his considerations are the initial source of an alarm, the biases held by its primary 'sponsors,' and the type of media coverage it receives. With 30 to 50 years of hindsight, he identifies characteristics - apparent from the outset of a controversy - that most effectively distinguish true warnings from false alarms. Early recognition and a timely response to a genuine hazard are important to protect our environment, health, and economic well-being. But if we act quickly and a warning turns out to be false, money is wasted, people are needlessly frightened, regulators lose credibility, and our ability to appropriately handle the next set of risks is compromised. Mazur's findings do not provide certainty about which of today's warnings will prove true and which will prove false. But they do help us to make informed judgments about where it is best and most reasonable to direct our worries and resources.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Given time, scientists reach consensus about the truth or falsity of a wide range of alleged hazards. Today, there is broad agreement that CFCs destroy stratospheric ozone. On the other hand, research does not support claims that electromagnetic fields from transmission lines cause a noticeable increase of leukemia. But new allegations continuously arise. Are manufactured chemicals in the environment distorting normal hormonal processes in our bodies? Are genetically modified foods a cause for concern? Addressing one of the most vexing problems in risk policy, Allan Mazur asks how we can tell, at an early stage, how seriously we should take a new warning. To identify hallmarks that could help predict the truth or falsity of an alleged hazard, Mazur analyzes 31 health warnings raised during the 1950s and 1960s about diverse technologies, including fluoridation, DDT, cyclamate, nuclear weapons testing, and birth control pills. Among his considerations are the initial source of an alarm, the biases held by its primary 'sponsors,' and the type of media coverage it receives. With 30 to 50 years of hindsight, he identifies characteristics - apparent from the outset of a controversy - that most effectively distinguish true warnings from false alarms. Early recognition and a timely response to a genuine hazard are important to protect our environment, health, and economic well-being. But if we act quickly and a warning turns out to be false, money is wasted, people are needlessly frightened, regulators lose credibility, and our ability to appropriately handle the next set of risks is compromised. Mazur's findings do not provide certainty about which of today's warnings will prove true and which will prove false. But they do help us to make informed judgments about where it is best and most reasonable to direct our worries and resources.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Unpathed Waters by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book The Path Of The Actor by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Routledge Handbook of the History of Global Economic Thought by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book A Sense of Wonder Towards Nature by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Jung by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book The British and the Grand Tour (Routledge Revivals) by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book The Artificial Empire by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Sustainability for Healthcare Management by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Menstruation and Procreation in Early Modern France by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Foreign Aid and Foreign Policy: Lessons for the Next Half-century by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Basic Persian by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Film Theory: The Basics by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Learning Futures by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Propaganda and Information Warfare in the Twenty-First Century by Allan Mazur
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy