Product Description

Radiation, radioactivity, radon: these are words that, since Hiroshima, the Cold War and Three Mile Island, have conjured fear and fascination for many Americans. The danger of radon - a colourless, odourless gas that could seemingly strike any home and afflict its residents with cancer, was brought home in the 1980s when whole neighbourhoods were deemed unsafe due to a perceived threat from radon. But how much of a threat does radon really pose? Is the government's aggressive policy warranted. Indeed, is their a legitimate threat at all? These are the questios Leonard A. Code asks in this provocative and fascinating new book, and his answers are ones that all homeowners will want to understand. In clear, non-technical language, Code dispells many of the myths surrounding radon as he makes recommendations for a coherent reasonable environmental policy towards what is, certainly, a dangerous gas. As he carefully traces the development of the US indoor radon policy, Code illuminates the many scientific uncertainties that lie behind it, exposes the policies of those who stand to gain from radon policy decisions made in Washington, and challenges the EPA's risk-cost assessment of radon levels. Thoughtful and timely, ELEMENT OF RISK illuminates one of the most important public policyissues of our time.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2550181 in Books
• Published on: 1995-05-18
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Nature
`Splendid... Cole is so deft in analyzing the science and politics of radon that it is had to know whether to laugh or cry.'

Review
Splendid... Cole is so deft in analyzing the science and politics of radon that it is had to know whether to laugh or cry. (Nature )

About the Author
Teaches in the Program in Science, Technology, and Society at Rutgers University, Newark and is author of the widely acclaimed Clouds of Secrecy: The Army's Germ Warfare Tests Ovr Populated Areas

Customer Reviews

Objective and Useful
A worthwhile book. For those wanting to learn about radon, it is far better than the "dumbed down" publications the EPA provides to the general audience. Presents several points of view as to the possible radon health threat. The book also provides insight into how one U.S. federal standard (the 4 pCi/L "limit") was set. What this book really needs is an updated edition. A lot more data have been collected since this book was published in 1993.