“This is one of the best, if not the best, textbooks on the market on the subject of Global Environment Health.” — Paul Rosile, The Ohio State University

“The text works well for a broad audience of students—those new to environmental sustainability and for those with growing expertise in environmental issues.” — Rebecca Sommer, University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point

"I have used previous editions of this text continuously for each of the past 16 years. It is, hands down, the best, most comprehensive and current overview and introduction to the field of environmental health that I have found. Students really appreciate the Study Guide that accompanies the text, and as an instructor, I have found the Instructor’s Manual to be extremely helpful.” — Stephen D. Arnold, New Mexico State University

“An excellent, comprehensive look at environmental health using examples that are relevant to students’ daily lives. I really enjoy the global perspective.” — Mellissa Withers, California State University, Los Angeles

“This remarkably readable and well-edited text focuses on concrete examples of the changing field. The student and instructional materials were well developed. This would complement my undergraduate or graduate seminar.” — Edwin Tjoe, Stony Brook University

“I have used this text as the primary required reading in my graduate class in environmental health for the past 11 years. I find it very appropriate because of its global approach to the concept of the environment and its impact on human health and development. Students have also accepted it well as a useful text for a solid training in public health! Thank you!” — Kwesi Dugbatey, St. Louis University

“I have used this book for environmental health classes for several years. In my opinion it is the best textbook available that deals with environmental health issues. I appreciate the author keeping the book up to date.” — J. David Dunn, Western Kentucky University

“I am very happy with the text. It is exactly what I was looking for. It will be perfect for our students pursuing a career in Public Health who need more exposure to the natural sciences.” — Kim Van Scoy, University of the Ozarks

“This text is used at the graduate level at my alma mater, and I use it in a freshman-level science course that I teach. The information is important regardless of one’s educational level, and it’s relevant to us all. Congratulations on an excellent textbook!” — Christopher Harvey, Florida Institute of Technology

Part I: PEOPLE, PROGRESS, AND NATURE: Is Conflict Inevitable?

1. Introduction to Ecological Principles
Ecosystems / Biotic Community / Ecological Dominants / Biomes / Ecological Niches / Limiting Factors / Limits of Tolerance / Energy Flow through the Biosphere / Biogeochemical Cycling / Change in Ecosystems

2. Population Dynamics
Population Attributes / Population Growth Forms / Human Population Growth / Population Explosion / Urbanization / Population Projections / Efforts to Limit Population Growth / Birth Control—Its Health Impact / Family Planning in Low- and Middle-Income Countries / Population Policy: Moving Beyond Birth Control

3. The People-Food Predicament
Food Supply / Factors Influencing Food Demand / Extent of Hunger / Causes of Hunger / Health Impact of Hunger / Prospects for Reducing World Hunger

4. Impacts of Growth on Ecosystems
Degradation of Land Resources / Loss of Biodiversity

Part II: OUR TOXIC ENVIRONMENT: Does Everything Cause Cancer?

5. Environmental Disease
Mutation / Environmental Epigenetics / Birth Defects / Cancer

6. Toxic Substances
Assessing Toxicity / Assessing Health Risk / Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) / Dioxin (TCDD) / Asbestos / Lead / Mercury

7. Pests and Pesticides
What Is a Pest? / Problems Caused by Pests / Pest Control / Environmental Impact of Pesticide Use / Hazards to Human Health / Alternatives to Chemical Pest Control

8. Food Quality
Food Contaminants / Food Additives / Foodborne Disease: Natural Toxins in Food / Foodborne Disease: Microbial Contamination / Preventing Foodborne Disease

9. Radiation
Ionizing Radiation / Ionizing Radiation and Nuclear Power Generation / Ultraviolet Radiation / Depletion of the Ozone Layer / Microwaves / Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)

Part III: ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION: How We Foul Our Own Nest

10. Climate Change, Public Health, and Renewable Energy
Introduction / Composition of the Atmosphere / Climate Change Science / The Greenhouse Effect / The Albedo Effect / Warming Ocean Waters / Rate of Global Warming / Public Health Impacts of Climate Change / Prevention, Mitigation, and Adaptation Strategies / Clean Energy and Climate Change / Energy Efficiency / Alternative Energy Technologies / Future Outlook

11. Air Pollution
Sources of Air Pollution / Impact of Air Pollution on Human Health / Pollution Control Efforts—The Clean Air Act / Global Air Quality Trends / Acid Deposition / Indoor Air Pollution

12. Noise Pollution
Sources of Noise / Noise as a Nuisance / Nature of Sound / Noise and Hearing Loss / Other Effects of Noise / Noise Control Efforts

13. Water Resources
Hydrologic Cycle / Water Quantity and Health / Water Supply: Our Next Crisis? / Groundwater / Water Management: Increasing Supply versus Reducing Demand

14. Water Pollution
Controlling Water Pollution: The Clean Water Act / Sources of Water Pollution / Municipal Sewage Treatment / New Approaches to Wastewater Treatment / Septic Systems / Industrial Discharges / Water Pollution and Health / Looking Ahead

15. Solid and Hazardous Wastes
Waste Disposal—A Brief History / Municipal Solid Wastes (MSW) / Current Waste Disposal Alternatives / Hazardous Wastes / Hazardous Waste Management Legislation: RCRA