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-countless 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 Hazards 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.

This engaging, nontechnical book discusses 50 health scares that captured the public's attention before fading away, covering real and perceived health threats from long-ago eras to present times. Despite the benefits of advanced technology and modern safety mechanisms, the world around us seems to grow ever more dangerous and fraught with hidden risks. Even in the information age, it is challenging to discern factual, scientific information from sensationalized accounts in the media, "urban legends," or unsubstantiated Internet lore. In 50 Health Scares That Fizzled, award-winning author and researcher Joan R. Callahan examines 50 health scares in 7 distinct categories: medical interventions, infectious diseases, food scares, additives in foods or beverages, other biological hazards, chemical or radiological exposures, and lifestyle choices. With great wit and a light tone, Dr. Callahan alleviates readers' concerns and deftly explains the complex issues, making the subject matter approachable. Provides information about 50 health scares in 7 categories that abruptly surfaced then fizzled, providing a representative sample of similar events over the last half-century Includes sidebar sections highlighting anecdotes or examples A bibliography provides an extensive reading list for each topic chapter and the introduction A glossary defines biomedical and other unfamiliar terms

The changes and significant developments that have accompanied the relatively young field of environmental science are documented in this addition to the "Oryx Frontiers of Science Series." From major causes for environmental concern to possible solutions, "Environmental Science" presents a balanced and comprehensive view of the collective fields of ecology, sociology, demography, and waste management. Special focus is on important environmental events and discoveries that occurred between 1996 and 1999. Additionally, related information is presented on key people, career opportunities, organizations, resources, and more. This is a must-have reference tool for understanding a larger view of environmental science.

An engaging, nontechnical discussion of the infectious diseases and other biological threats that pose the highest risk to humans, presented in the context of relevant environmental and sociological trends. What biological agents should we truly be afraid of? Which have garnered more attention than they warrant? Emerging Biological Threats: A Reference Guide is the antidote for the confusion surrounding the potentially devastating impact of pathogens on the human community. Written by a frontline professional in epidemiology, it is the most authoritative yet engagingly written resource available on the real risks we face, and the countermeasures used to confront them. Emerging Biological Threats provides the information needed to understand significant direct threats to human health, as well as those that impact us indirectly by destroying livestock and crops. Focused primarily on the United States, it offers science-based yet accessible explorations of HIV, influenza, drug-resistant pathogens, tuberculosis, meningitis, and more. In addition, the book assesses current predictions about the future spread of various diseases as a result of climate change and overpopulation. The book concludes with chapters on relevant environmental and sociological trends and a discussion of current public health strategy. Dozens of photographs plus illustrated figures convey important concepts and data 74 case studies demonstrate the real threat of certain biological agents by focusing on true stories Provides section-by-section reference lists, including peer-reviewed journals, press releases, books, and websites