
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This powerful book does a fine job explaining the risks that children face in industrial society. It also discusses how scientific evidence is used in making policy and how the values of researchers and policy makers are intrinsically part of such decisions. By exploring these connections, Moore raises important questions about how science is used in society, how values need to be an explicit part of decision making, and our stewardship of the environment. Despite the serious nature of these issues, the book often reads like a historical detective story as it chronicles the efforts of pioneering researchers in environmental science.
Parents will be particularly interested in this book because of its focus on children and its practical advice on how to protect them from environmental toxins. The tone is not alarmist, but cautionary and balanced. Parents need to understand how lead, PCBs, pesticides, and other potential toxins were (and are) evaluated prior to their use.
Even seasoned scientists will find much worth considering in Moore's careful and accessible analysis of scientific evidence and values. While clearly written for a lay audience, the volume also contains some startling examples of science gone wrong. Highly recommended!
Click Here to see more reviews about: Silent Scourge: Children, Pollution, and Why Scientists Disagree
How does pollution impact our daily quality of life? What are the effects of pollution on children's development? Why do industry and environmental experts disagree about what levels of pollutants are safe?In this clearly written book, Moore traces the debates around five key pollutants--lead, mercury, noise, pesticides, and dioxins and PCBs--and provides an overview of the history of each pollutant, basic research findings, and the scientific and regulatory controversies surrounding it. Moore focuses, in particular, on the impact of these pollutants on children's psychological development--- their intellectual functioning, behavior, and emotional states. Only by understanding the impact of pollution can we prevent future negative effects on quality of life and even pollution disasters from occurring.
No comments:
Post a Comment