Understanding Environmental Pollution systematically introduces pollution
issues to students and others with little scientific background. The first
edition received excellent reviews, and the new edition has been completely
refined and updated.
The book moves from the definition of pollution and how pollutants
behave, to air- and water-pollution basics, pollution and global change,
solid waste, and pollution in the home. It also discusses persistent and
bioaccumulative chemicals and pesticides, and places greater emphasis
on global pollutants. The relationship between energy generation, its use,
and pollution is stressed, as well as the importance of going beyond pollution
control, to pollution prevention. Impacts on human and environmental
health are emphasized throughout. Students are often invited to
come to their own conclusions after having been presented with a variety
of opinions.
This textbook provides the basic concepts of pollution, toxicology, and
risk assessment for non-science majors as well as environmental-science
students.