Venomous Earth
How Arsenic Caused The World's Worst Mass Poisoning
by Andrew Meharg
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Longlisted for the Royal Society's Aventis Book Prize
Reviews
"There is much to praise in a book that will hopefully stimulate greater awareness of this tragedy."
Chemistry World
"An accessible book on a complex and intractable problem. Blending science, history, culture, economics and development studies is clearly what is needed to arouse an indifferent Western public"
Times Higher Educational Supplement
This is an excellent treatment of a broad and complex topic, an outstanding piece of scholarship translated into popular science. This book should be read by all environment professionals academics and students. It is an excellent illustration of how to flesh out the bones of scientific fact by integrating it with a wider perception of human existence. Go out and buy it" Journal of Environmental Quality
"A very erudite, colourful and fascinating account of the history of arsenic and its uses. An excellent buy: it is not only as readable as Simon Singh's The Code Book or Dava Sobel's Longitude, but it will also help raise awareness of an important problem that it is within our gift to do something about." Mineralogical Magazine
"Meharg's explanations of the processes by which arsenic ends up concentrating in water-bearing strata are fascinating. He argues for preventive action so arsenic poisoning doesn't become more widespread. His warning is of great importance. It needs to be heeded." Chemical and Engineering News
"A highly recommended pick for both health and public library holdings. An important survey" Midwest Book Review
'Meharg is good on the technological and political challenges of testing water. He is terrific on the wider history of arsenic, in alchemy, industry and interior
decorating.' The Guardian
'Meharg weaves stories of alchemy and toxic cosmetics, early health and safety law and the wallpaper of William Morris into an interesting and concisely told
narrative.' New Scientist
'There is much here to fascinate a general audience.' Nature
'This book makes the scientific issues underlying a major human tragedy accessible to the average
reader.' The Hindu
'FOUR STARS. Well worth reading.' www.popularscience.co.uk
'One of the best books on arsenic one can read, beautifully compiling the science and history of the
element.' Down To Earth Magazine
'Meharg tells the lively and cautionary story of arsenic's misuse over the
centuries' Newsweek International
'The
unfolding arsenic tragedy in Bangladesh and India compels far
greater attention from the international community than it
currently receives. Venomous Earth provides a
fascinating account both of the historical role of arsenic in
our lives, and the horrific impact of what has been called 'the largest mass poisioning of a population in
history'.' - Jonathon Porritt, Forum for the Future
Description
The worst chemical disaster ever could be happening right now. In India and Bangladesh between forty and eighty million people are at risk of consuming too much arsenic from well water that might have already caused one hundred thousand cancer cases and thousands of deaths. Many millions elsewhere in South-East Asia and South America may soon suffer a similar fate. Venomous Earth is the story of this tragedy: the geology, the biology, the politics and the history. It starts in Ancient Greece, touches down in today's North America and takes in William Morris, alchemy, farming, medicine, mining and a cosmetic that killed two popes.
Contents
The Devil's Water
A Natural Disaster
Fool's Gold
The Verdant Assassin
Healing Arsenic
To Frustrate The Aim Of Justice
Nothing Green Met The Eye
The Extraordinarily Protracted Process
Fighting Arsenic
Author Biographies
ANDREW MEHARG is Professor of Biogeochemistry at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland where he studies and teaches on the impact of pollutants on the environment. His particular interest is how arsenic interacts with plants, animals and humans. In this capacity he has advised national and international government and aid bodies. Andrew has published numerous academic papers, book chapters and popular press articles on his research.