Biological Hazards: An Oryx Sourcebook

by Joan R. Callahan

Overview

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.

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781573563857
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	06/30/2002
Series:	Sourcebooks on Hazards and Disasters
Pages:	400
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.88(d)

About the Author

JOAN R. CALLAHAN is the award-winning author of numerous biological jourbanal papers, environmental science documents, science and engineering books, and magazine articles. She received her doctorate in zoology from the University of Arizona and has worked as a consultant and researcher, most recently with a grant from the USGS Biological Resources Division. Her latest book is Recent Advances and Issues in Environmental Science (Oryx Press, 2000).

Table of Contents

Preface
Overview: The Nature of Hazards
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
Other Statistics and Primary Sources
Other Print Resources
Nonprint Resources
Organizations
Glossary
Index

Editorial Reviews

For general readers with a range of backgrounds, biologist and environmental scientist Callahan surveys dangers—or at least annoyances—the biological world presents to humans. She begins with microbial pathogens, then moves to pathogens and pests of crops and livestock, and works up to poisonous animals and predators. There are a few black-and-white illustrations. Supporting material includes lists of primary sources, print and nonprint resources, and organizations; and a glossary without pronunciation guides. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR