Traditional toxicology textbooks tend to be doorstops: tomes filled with important but seemingly abstract chemistry and biology. Meanwhile, magazine and journal articles introduce students to timely topics such as BPA and endocrine disruption or the carcinogenic effects of pesticides, but don’t provide the fundamentals needed to understand the science of toxicity. Written by a longtime professor of toxicology, Modern Poisons bridges this gap.

This accessible book explains basic principles in plain language while illuminating the most important issues in contemporary toxicology. Kolok begins by exploring age-old precepts of the field such as the dose-response relationship and the concept, first introduced by Ambroise Paré in the sixteenth century, that a chemical’s particular action depends on its inherent chemical nature. The author goes on to show exactly how chemicals enter the body and elicit their toxic effect, as well as the body’s methods of defense.

With the fundamentals established, Kolok digs into advances in toxicology, tracing the field’s development from World War II to the present day. The book examines both technical discoveries and their impacts on public policy. Highlights include studies of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in toiletries and prescriptions, the emerging science on prions, and our growing understanding of epigenetics.

Readers learn not only how toxic exposure affects people and wildlife, but about the long-term social and environmental consequences of our chemicals. Whether studying toxicology itself, public health, or environmental science, readers will develop a core understanding of—and curiosity about—this fast-changing field.

Alan Kolok is Isaacson Professor of Research, Director of the Center for Environmental Health and Toxicology in the UNMC College of Public Health, and Director of the Nebraska Watershed Network at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He is also an Editor of articles focused on aquatic toxicology for the journal, Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.

"[Kolok] swiftly links toxicological history, basic mechanisms, cases and environmental contexts to an interesting multi-disciplinary text...A motivating, documenting and explicative introduction to a wide range of contemporary aspects in environmental toxicology."

"Kolok...treads the fine line between under explained and exceedingly scholarly wonderfully, filling a necessary void in environmental health and toxicology literature. The major success of this work lies in its ability to impart a fascination in the field while simultaneously situating itself as scientifically grounded."

"Written for laypeople in a Jerry Seinfeld meets environmental activist Rachel Carson 'did you ever wonder' kind of way."

"Most of our current toxicology textbooks overlook the social and political aspects of the field. Kolok ably addresses this deficiency...with engaging, brief overviews of the history of chemical regulation in the U.S., how potentially dangerous compounds are assessed, and some recent scientific developments that are challenging the very foundations of the field...Everyone who cares about healthier environments for our children and families will benefit from reading Modern Poisons."

"Exceptionally and impressively well written, organized and presented, Modern Poisons: A Brief Introduction to Contemporary Toxicology is unreservedly recommended"

"Most of our current toxicology textbooks overlook the social and political aspects of the field. Kolok ably addresses this deficiency...with engaging, brief overviews of the history of chemical regulation in the U.S., how potentially dangerous compounds are assessed, and some recent scientific developments that are challenging the very foundations of the field...Everyone who cares about healthier environments for our children and families will benefit from reading Modern Poisons."

"Kolok...treads the fine line between under explained and exceedingly scholarly wonderfully, filling a necessary void in environmental health and toxicology literature. The major success of this work lies in its ability to impart a fascination in the field while simultaneously situating itself as scientifically grounded."

"[Kolok] swiftly links toxicological history, basic mechanisms, cases and environmental contexts to an interesting multi-disciplinary text...A motivating, documenting and explicative introduction to a wide range of contemporary aspects in environmental toxicology."

"Written for laypeople in a Jerry Seinfeld meets environmental activist Rachel Carson 'did you ever wonder' kind of way."

"Exceptionally and impressively well written, organized and presented, Modern Poisons: A Brief Introduction to Contemporary Toxicology is unreservedly recommended"