Harmful Natural Chemicals and Radiation in the Environment

Stories, History and What You Need to Know

This unique volume provides in layman's terms, without sacrificing scientific facts, the health hazards and potential dangers of naturally occurring substances that are around us everyday. The comprehensive coverage includes compounds (e.g. arsenic, lead), gases (e.g. hydrogen sulphide, ozone) and all forms of natural radiations (e.g. heat, radon). Readers will find this book both informative and entertaining because facts and important data are introduced and interpreted in the form of history, stories and scientific summaries. Each chapter concludes with a practical guide that readers will find useful.

Harmful Naturally Occurring Substance and Radiation, which is fully referenced with up-to-date articles, may be used as a textbook for undergraduates and as an introductory textbook for post-graduates in biochemistry, environmental science, toxicology, medical science, and health care. People interested in personal and public health and earth issues will find this book a thought-provoking and revealing read. The book may also be a source of information for policy makers, public health officials, city planners and environmental engineers.

Contents:

• Aluminum
• Arsenic
• Copper
• Ethylene
• Lead
• Mercury
• Nitrate
• Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen
• Toxic Gases of Nature
• Hardness of Water
• Fundamentals and History of Radiation and Radioactivity
• Effect of Ionizing Radiation on Health
• Ultraviolet Radiation
• Heat

Readership: Undergraduates and graduates, general public, professionals, others (policy makers, public health officials, urban planners, environmental engineers).
Key Features:

• This is the only book that addresses a broad selection of natural occurring substances as well as the full range of radiations
• The book combines history, stories and science fact to present all facets of health hazards to readers
• As an experienced environmental health science researcher, Dr Poon is able to provide refreshing observations and raise criticisms wherever it is justified