Basics of Toxicology

Toxicology--the scientific study of environmental factors that are harmful to living organisms--was established more than 400 years ago by the Swiss physician Paracelsus. Yet, despite its long lineage, this fascinating discipline continues to evolve sophisticated new tools and techniques for identifying toxins and the means by which they impair health. This book provides environmental technology students with an enjoyable and effective way to acquire the solid working knowledge of toxicology basics they'll need to make informed decisions as professionals. Features that make Basics of Toxicology an ideal introduction to the subject for two-year and four-year environmental technology students, include: * Acclaimed, user-friendly, modular format found in all the books in the Preserving the Legacy series * Basic anatomy, physiology, and chemistry concepts that help clarify how toxins interact with living tissue * Rapid-learning chapter structure, featuring clear, concise objectives, concept statements, and summaries, as well as practice questions * Helpful sidebars that highlight critical concepts * More than 150 high-quality line-drawings, photographs, diagrams, charts, and tables * Numerous easy-to-perform, skill-building activities * A glossary of more than 800 essential terms * Extensive bibliography of recommended readings in all key subject areas * Basic anatomy, physiology, and chemistry concepts that help clarify how toxins interact with living tissue Its comprehensive scope along with its quick-reference design also makes Basics of Toxicology a handy working reference for practicing environmental technicians.

CHRIS KENT received a B.A. in biology in 1973 from Illinois Wesleyan University, and went on to earn a Master's Degree in Zoology and a Doctorate in Biology from Idaho State University, where his research focused on the accumulation of contaminants in the environment and their effect on fish. Mr. Kent received a National Research Council Postdoctoral Research Associateship, under the sponsorship of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration to continue his investigation of the potential effects of environmental contaminants on fish. Mr. Kent taught at Idaho State University from 1981 to 1984. Since then he has been at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL), where he has been involved in the development and implementation of training to meet the requirements of OSHA's Hazard Communication Law and a basic toxicology course for personnel required to obtain HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations) training. He is currently working as a scientist in support of environmental regulatory compliance and chemical management issues.