Eco-facts and Eco-fiction

Ozone-friendly, recyclable, zero-waste, elimination of toxic chemicals - such environmental ideals are believed to offer solutions to the environmental crisis. Where do these ideals come from? Is the environmental debate communicating the right problems? Eco-Facts and Eco-Fiction examines serious errors in perceptions about human and environmental health. Drawing on a wealth of everyday examples of local and global concerns, the author explains basic concepts and observations relating to the environment. Removing fear of science and technology and eliminating wrong perceptions lead to a more informed understanding of the environment as a science, a philosophy, and a lifestyle. By revealing the flaws in today's environmental vocabulary, this book stresses the urgent need for a common language in the environmental debate. Such a common language encourages the effective communication between environmental science and environmental decision-making that is essential for finding solutions to environmental problems.

William H. Baarschers is Professor Emeritus of Chemistry and Senior Advisor to the Resource Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, Lakehead University, Canada

Chapter 1 Introduction; Chapter 2 The three Es: earth, ecology, and environment; Chapter 3 Science and the scientists; Chapter 4 Chemistry, chemicals, and the chemists; Chapter 5 How toxic is toxic?; Chapter 6 Cancer everywhere?; Chapter 7 Energy and the Laws of nature; Chapter 8 Air for breathing; Chapter 9 Water for drinking; Chapter 10 Food for eating; Chapter 11 Waste not, Want not; Chapter 12 Organochlorines - killer chemicals?; Chapter 13 Conclusion;