What everyone should know about hundreds of chemicals used in today's products . . .

Olestra(r) in fat-free snacks, aldicarb on potatoes, PCBs in electrical components . . .

There is a virtual laboratory of chemicals in the food we eat and the products we encounter every day--at home, at school, and at work. What are these substances and how are they used? How are they helpful? Can they be harmful?

Here are fast, hands-on answers to these and other crucial questions about hundreds of chemical substances we come into contact with on a regular basis. From MSG in food to perchloroethylene in dry cleaning, this A--Z guide provides clear, no-nonsense information on the use and health effects of hundreds of chemicals found in food, medicines, cosmetics, cleaning solutions, lawn and garden products, and more. Well-organized and easy-to-use, it gives you the help you need to make smarter choices about the products you choose--for yourself and your family.

Inside you'll find:

* Entries listing products, uses, precautions, and synonyms

* Direct answers to over 250 frequently asked questions on everyday chemicals

* Handy product and chemical synonym indexes

* A nationwide listing of Poison Control Centers

You'll never eat bacon again. You'll never wash your hair again either, or use lipstick, after reading this encyclopedia on the use and health effects of chemicals found in food, medicines, cosmetics, cleaning solutions, and lawn and garden products. Entries are organized alphabetically by chemical name, and list products, uses, precautions, and synonyms. Includes answers to 250 frequently asked questions on common chemicals, and a list of US and Canadian poison control centers. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

What everyone should know about hundreds of chemicals used in today's products . . .

Olestra(r) in fat-free snacks, aldicarb on potatoes, PCBs in electrical components . . .

There is a virtual laboratory of chemicals in the food we eat and the products we encounter every day— at home, at school, and at work. What are these substances and how are they used? How are they helpful? Can they be harmful?

Here are fast, hands-on answers to these and other crucial questions about hundreds of chemical substances we come into contact with on a regular basis. From MSG in food to perchloroethylene in dry cleaning, this A— Z guide provides clear, no-nonsense information on the use and health effects of hundreds of chemicals found in food, medicines, cosmetics, cleaning solutions, lawn and garden products, and more. Well-organized and easy-to-use, it gives you the help you need to make smarter choices about the products you choose— for yourself and your family.

Inside you'll find: Entries listing products, uses, precautions, and synonyms Direct answers to over 250 frequently asked questions on everyday chemicals Handy product and chemical synonym indexes A nationwide listing of Poison Control Centers

GRACE ROSS LEWIS is cofounder and Vice President of Lewis Information Systems, Inc., in Cincinnati, Ohio.