Product Description

There is a virtual laboratory of chemicals in the food we eat and the products we encounter every dayat home, at school, and at work. What are these substances and how are they used? How are they helpful? Can they be harmful?

Here are fast, hands-on answers to these and other crucial questions about hundreds of chemical substances we come into contact with on a regular basis. From MSG in food to perchloroethylene in dry cleaning, this AZ guide provides clear, no-nonsense information on the use and health effects of hundreds of chemicals found in food, medicines, cosmetics, cleaning solutions, lawn and garden products, and more. Well-organized and easy-to-use, it gives you the help you need to make smarter choices about the products you choosefor yourself and your family.  Inside 1,001 Chemicals in Everyday Products you'll find:

-Entries listing products, uses, precautions, and synonyms
-Direct answers to over 250 frequently asked questions on everyday chemicals
-Handy product and chemical synonym indexes
-A nationwide listing of Poison Control Centers

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1257508 in Books
• Published on: 1998-10-27
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 400 pages

From the Back Cover
What everyone should know about hundreds of chemicals used in today's products . . .

Olestra(r) in fat-free snacks, aldicarb on potatoes, PCBs in electrical components . . .

There is a virtual laboratory of chemicals in the food we eat and the products we encounter every day—at home, at school, and at work. What are these substances and how are they used? How are they helpful? Can they be harmful?

Here are fast, hands-on answers to these and other crucial questions about hundreds of chemical substances we come into contact with on a regular basis. From MSG in food to perchloroethylene in dry cleaning, this A—Z guide provides clear, no-nonsense information on the use and health effects of hundreds of chemicals found in food, medicines, cosmetics, cleaning solutions, lawn and garden products, and more. Well-organized and easy-to-use, it gives you the help you need to make smarter choices about the products you choose—for yourself and your family.

Inside you'll find:

• Entries listing products, uses, precautions, and synonyms
• Direct answers to over 250 frequently asked questions on everyday chemicals
• Handy product and chemical synonym indexes
• A nationwide listing of Poison Control Centers

About the Author
GRACE ROSS LEWIS is cofounder and Vice President of Lewis Information Systems, Inc., in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Customer Reviews

Top quality, easy-to-use
Very understandable book. As an M.D., I often deal with patients with Asthma, allergies, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, and other health problems caused by the vast amount of chemicals we touch each day. I found this book to be valuable and interesting. Hot current topics such as the safety of antibacterial chemicals, plants that can harm your pets, and dangerous chemical additives and colorings are talked about. Olestra, melatonin and DHEA are discussed, along with fun topics like the chemical components of chocolate.

Interesting!
A very interesting book. Health and nutrition questions are answered, like when does a soap become a drug, what U.S. states are better than others when it comes to 'labeling laws', and what is the most dangerous chemical around the house? What does 'fat free' really mean? Are poisons like sulfur dioxide used on our grapes? What useful chemicals are in garlic? These questions are answered in a very accessable manner. The author did a good job making this important subject accessable to everyone.

Really good and highly accurate
This seems like a book that should be in every grocery store - we are exposed to so very many chemicals in our modern day lives, it's crucial we know what these are doing to us. I was horrified to read a list of common household plants that can harm pets, and realized I had some of those in my home! I use this to look up info on the drugs and things always in the news, like antioxidants, glucosamine, chondroitin, Olestra, and MSG. I also read about the chemicals recommended by physicians for skin rejuvenation!