Abstract
Industrial Guide to Chemical and Drug Safety is a comprehensive textbook that in 20 chapters takes a practical look at how chemicals and drugs are used in society and their associated adverse health effects. The textbook is organized in a logical manner, commencing with an introduction to chemical and drug safety and a general review of toxicology. The following chapters are dedicated to specific classes of toxicants including heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, fumigants, solvents, food additives, industrial gases, and drugs. These chapters are similar in format. The authors provide an introductory historical background followed by an extensive listing of compounds within the class along with their use and toxicity. Given this format, one would anticipate this a difficult textbook to read, however, I did not find this to be the case.
The textbook closes with several general chapters including target organ toxicity, disposition of hazardous chemicals, good laboratory practice, methods of safety evaluation, and a chapter on common sense guidelines for workers and students working with hazardous toxicants. There are few black and white photomicrographs throughout the text of acceptable quality. References vary by chapter from adequate to extensive. Moderate numbers of tables support the text, and there is an extensive set of appendices that range from a quick reference of chemical toxicity to a listing of global chemical disasters. A glossary sufficient for the textbook, but not exhaustive, is included.
The textbook has a broad target audience including students, workers, managers, and regulatory personnel. Given the audience diversity, the authors have struck a balance in creating a readable textbook with extensive breath and adequate depth. Readers can use this text to obtain a broad foundation or to use as a quick reference but will need to go to other texts for more extensive material.