Biological Hazards: An Oryx Sourcebook

(Hardback)

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Description

Disease-causing viruses and bacteria, harmful insects, poisonous plants, dangerous animals, and other types of living threats to human life are covered in this compact handbook. Anthrax is only one of many biological threats. We read and hear about the others in the news: mad cow disease, shark attacks, killer bees, the West Nile virus, polluted wells-countiess stories of biological hazards in the U.S. and around the world. This compact reference handbook covers everything from disease-causing viruses and bacteria, to harmful insects, poisonous plants, dangerous animals, and other types of living threats to human life. Readers will learn the nature of these hazards, the associated risks, and where to find information for further study and research. Topics include: Human Pathogens in Water; Human Pathogens in Food; Human Pathogens in Air; Human Pathogens Transmitted by Contact; Crop and Livestock Pathogens and Pests; Toxins and Allergens; Predators and Other Biological HazardsBL Hazard and Controversy; In each category, the author presents the current scientific knowledge on causes, preventive measures, costs, outlook, and other topics of interest. Historical contexts are also provided. Every chapter ends with an anecdote illustrating its major themes. Primary source documents, statistical information, and a glossary are added features that make this resource the ideal starting point for anyone interested in biological hazards.

Reviews

.,."a fascinating exploration....presentation is balanced, serving the student well by illustrating historical and current scientific outlook, debunking myths, and updating current thought....Although earmarked for the reference section in many college and university libraries, placing this book in public and high school libraries in both the reference and circulating collections will allow use for homework assignments as well as generic reading....an outstanding reference resource, it is amazingly entertaining."-VOYA
...a fascinating exploration....presentation is balanced, serving the student well by illustrating historical and current scientific outlook, debunking myths, and updating current thought....Although earmarked for the reference section in many college and university libraries, placing this book in public and high school libraries in both the reference and circulating collections will allow use for homework assignments as well as generic reading....an outstanding reference resource, it is amazingly entertaining.-VOYA
All types of libraries should consider this addition to their collections because of the accessible writing and the lists of both technical popular resources for further information.-Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin
Biological Hazards is recommended for general collections.-E-Streams
Biological Hazards provides an excellent and highly readable introduction to many aspects of the subject and extensive suggestions for further research....covers a much broader range of topics within its scope than anything else I have seen. I recommend this volume highly for high school, public, and academic libraries.-Reference & User Services Quarterly
This excellent reference of diseases and the dangers lurking in our environment far surpasses a typical medical dictionary because it offers so much more. Recommended.-Library Media Connection
"All types of libraries should consider this addition to their collections because of the accessible writing and the lists of both technical popular resources for further information."-Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin
"Biological Hazards is recommended for general collections."-E-Streams
"Biological Hazards provides an excellent and highly readable introduction to many aspects of the subject and extensive suggestions for further research....covers a much broader range of topics within its scope than anything else I have seen. I recommend this volume highly for high school, public, and academic libraries."-Reference & User Services Quarterly
"This excellent reference of diseases and the dangers lurking in our environment far surpasses a typical medical dictionary because it offers so much more. Recommended."-Library Media Connection
..."a fascinating exploration....presentation is balanced, serving the student well by illustrating historical and current scientific outlook, debunking myths, and updating current thought....Although earmarked for the reference section in many college and university libraries, placing this book in public and high school libraries in both the reference and circulating collections will allow use for homework assignments as well as generic reading....an outstanding reference resource, it is amazingly entertaining."-VOYA

Author Bio

Joan R. Callahan is the award-winning author of numerous biological journal papers, environmental science documents, science and engineering books, and magazine articles.