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Book Review
Slow Death by Rubber Duck
How the toxic chem istry of everyday life affects our health
By Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie, Queensland University Press, 2009
Two Canadian 'environmental advocates' wrote this book to expose the dangers of day-to-day toxic chemical pollution. The authors were involved in a project to test Canadians for measurable levels of toxic chemicals in their bodies and extended this to expose and test themselves to 7 chemicals to which we are commonly exposed - phthalates, teflon, PCBs, mercury, triclosan, bisphenol-A and 2,4-D. These chemicals are contained in items such as personal care products, cooking pans and implements, electronics, furniture, clothing, building materials, babies bottles and children's toys. The health effects of chronic low level exposure to multiple chemicals are identified and include several forms of cancer, fertility problems and birth defects, illnesses of the respiratory system such as asthma, conditions of the nervous system including ADHD. The book is written in a chatty style that is entertaining and informative, and is well supported by quality references and sources. It is a book that provides information that people can use to reduce their exposure to these chemicals and improve their health and that of their children. It is a book that offers hope.
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