Modern Poisons Press Release

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Modern Poisons A Brief Introduction to Contemporary Toxicology

By Alan Kolok Washington, DC (May 5, 2016) — The triple threat of modern toxicology—the spread of chemicals globally, the spectacular increase in chemical diversity, and the complications presented by subtle yet enduring toxic responses—necessitates an understanding of basic toxicology concepts as well as contemporary issues. Written by a longtime professor of toxicology, Alan Kolok, Modern Poisons: A Brief Introduction to Contemporary Toxicology (Publication Date: May 5, 2016) fills the gap between traditional textbooks, popular science, and cutting-edge journal articles.

This accessible book explains basic toxicology principles in plain language while illuminating timely topics such as BPA and the carcinogenic effects of pesticides. Kolok begins by exploring age-old precepts of the field, including the dose-response relationship and the concept that a chemical’s particular action depends on its inherent chemical nature.

Kolok goes on to explain exactly how chemicals enter the body and elicit their toxic effect, as well as the body’s methods of defense.

With the fundamentals established, Kolok digs into advances in toxicology, tracing the field’s development from World War II to the present day. The book examines both technical discoveries and their impacts on public policy. Highlights include studies of toxic chemicals in toiletries and prescriptions, the toxicology of drug addiction, and the emerging science on prions, which are known to cause a number of degenerative brain diseases.

With issues like endocrine disruption, epigenetics, and antibiotic resistance, it is essential ISLAND PRESS | PRESS RELEASE | 1

to understand not only how toxic exposure affects people and wildlife, but also the longterm social and environmental consequences of our chemicals. Whether studying public health, environmental science, or toxicology itself, Modern Poisons offers a core understanding of—and curiosity about—this fast-changing field.

Alan Kolok is Isaacson Professor of Research, Director of the Center for Environmental Health and Toxicology in the UNMC College of Public Health, and Director of the Nebraska Watershed Network at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He is also an Editor of articles focused on aquatic toxicology for the journal, Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.

Modern Poisons Paperback Original Publication Date: May 5, 2016 224 pages | Price: $22.00 ISBN: 978-1-61091-382-9 http://islandpress.org/modern-poisons Founded in 1984, Island Press works to stimulate, shape, and communicate the information that is essential for solving environmental problems. Today, with more than 1,000 titles and some 40 new releases each year, it is the nation’s leading publisher of books on environmental issues. Island Press is driving change by moving ideas from the printed page to public discourse and practice. Island Press’s emphasis is, and will continue to be, on transforming objective information into understanding and action. ###

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