Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
A challenging and important contribution to our understanding of one of the great public health problems of the past two centuries—lead and it's pollution of the environment. Troesken has provided us with new insights, and we should applaud him for it.
—American Scientist—Each chapter is wonderfully written in accessible language, and the author is meticulous with attributions and supporting evidence.
—JAMA—About the Author
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars history, science, policy--what more could you want?
Troesken smoothly integrates several complex topics in a very readable style. If you wondered how lead is so toxic, as well as the surprising level of exposure to it in the past, wonder no more. He carefully establishes how common it was to be exposed to levels of lead in drinking water that were dozens of times higher than the present day EPA maximum. He establishes that public officials were loathe to do anything about it, in large part due to lead's excellent capabilities--it's malleable, strong, and cheap. And ever so toxic. Troesken concludes with a recommendation for further study on an overlooked topic--effects on human health of nonorganic toxins in the past. One more reason I'm glad to be alive now.
3.0 out of 5 stars A little lead won't hurt ya! Look at me
Romans had lead in their pipes--you wanna blame the rise and fall of the Roman Empire on lead pipes? Lead is just a nuissance, ntohing more. Hech, I used to eat lead painat asa a kidd and I don't have any long erm side effects that I'm awarae of.More seriously, the book has an irritating flaw: it keeps comparing old standards of care with modern standards of care in diagnosing lead, and then becomes an apologist for why the old standards were not that bad. Case in point: throughout the book the author points out that in the past people warned about lead in water, but since the mechanism on how lead hurts people was not fully understood (and still isn't, as the author says), these people could be ignored. That's like saying since the exact mechanism for smoking causing cancer is not yet fully understood, at the molecular level, then past attempts to say smoking is harmful are flawed and can be ignored. This point by the author is emphasized throughout and is irritating.Other than that, a decent book, but since the literature on lead is so extensive, I don't really see this book adding anything of value already not known. It also tries too hard to be 'scientific' by discussing a regression analysis, as if that's something radical. Further, the author spends little time on the 'real reason' (IMO) why lead mitigation is ignored: it's not too little scientific data, but rather the huge costs in upgrading municipal water supplies. The same argument is being made even today, not just for lead, as the author points out for Washington, DC, but for other drugs and chemicals found in water.3 stars max.
5.0 out of 5 stars Important History
Having working in lead poisoning prevention for a number of years, this book helped me understand the history of lead pipes and the effect on health and society.
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent histrical expose about the negative inpacts of lead contamination
Troesken(T) has done an excellent job of demonstrating why lead was used in ,and contined to be used in,water pipes over a period of 150 years despite a great deal of scientific and anecdotal evidence linking the lead to numerous physical ailments being available to city planners during this time period.The answer was that decision makers were penny wise and pound foolish.Lead water pipes were very cheap to build,long lasting,and easy to maintain.One area of discussion that should have been more heavily emphasized was the overwhelming connection between lead exposure and lower IQ scores.Lead exposure from birth to age 10 leads to a loss in IQ of from 6-10 points.The major groups impacted are black and Latino -Hispanic Americans getting their drinking water from city-metropolitan water systems.This accounts for about 40% to 67% of the alleged disparity in IQ scores that is supposed to exist between white and black Americans .These facts are ignored by Herrnstein and Murray in their book" The Bell Curve"(1994).
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read!
Werner Troesken presents the history of lead water pipe use without hyperbole. Instead you get scientific analysis mixed with telling anecdotes and then more scientific analysis. You might think the lack of hype would make for a boring read, but this book is truly fascinating. Mr. Troesken gives us a great example of how we don't see things until we believe in them. The copy I read was borrowed from the library, but I am buying my own copy now.
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The Great Lead Water Pipe Disaster (Mit Press)
AED29045
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Visit the MIT Press Store
The Great Lead Water Pipe Disaster (Mit Press)
AED29045
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
This item qualifies for free delivery
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
A challenging and important contribution to our understanding of one of the great public health problems of the past two centuries—lead and it's pollution of the environment. Troesken has provided us with new insights, and we should applaud him for it.
—American Scientist—Each chapter is wonderfully written in accessible language, and the author is meticulous with attributions and supporting evidence.
—JAMA—About the Author
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars history, science, policy--what more could you want?
Troesken smoothly integrates several complex topics in a very readable style. If you wondered how lead is so toxic, as well as the surprising level of exposure to it in the past, wonder no more. He carefully establishes how common it was to be exposed to levels of lead in drinking water that were dozens of times higher than the present day EPA maximum. He establishes that public officials were loathe to do anything about it, in large part due to lead's excellent capabilities--it's malleable, strong, and cheap. And ever so toxic. Troesken concludes with a recommendation for further study on an overlooked topic--effects on human health of nonorganic toxins in the past. One more reason I'm glad to be alive now.
3.0 out of 5 stars A little lead won't hurt ya! Look at me
Romans had lead in their pipes--you wanna blame the rise and fall of the Roman Empire on lead pipes? Lead is just a nuissance, ntohing more. Hech, I used to eat lead painat asa a kidd and I don't have any long erm side effects that I'm awarae of.More seriously, the book has an irritating flaw: it keeps comparing old standards of care with modern standards of care in diagnosing lead, and then becomes an apologist for why the old standards were not that bad. Case in point: throughout the book the author points out that in the past people warned about lead in water, but since the mechanism on how lead hurts people was not fully understood (and still isn't, as the author says), these people could be ignored. That's like saying since the exact mechanism for smoking causing cancer is not yet fully understood, at the molecular level, then past attempts to say smoking is harmful are flawed and can be ignored. This point by the author is emphasized throughout and is irritating.Other than that, a decent book, but since the literature on lead is so extensive, I don't really see this book adding anything of value already not known. It also tries too hard to be 'scientific' by discussing a regression analysis, as if that's something radical. Further, the author spends little time on the 'real reason' (IMO) why lead mitigation is ignored: it's not too little scientific data, but rather the huge costs in upgrading municipal water supplies. The same argument is being made even today, not just for lead, as the author points out for Washington, DC, but for other drugs and chemicals found in water.3 stars max.
5.0 out of 5 stars Important History
Having working in lead poisoning prevention for a number of years, this book helped me understand the history of lead pipes and the effect on health and society.
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent histrical expose about the negative inpacts of lead contamination
Troesken(T) has done an excellent job of demonstrating why lead was used in ,and contined to be used in,water pipes over a period of 150 years despite a great deal of scientific and anecdotal evidence linking the lead to numerous physical ailments being available to city planners during this time period.The answer was that decision makers were penny wise and pound foolish.Lead water pipes were very cheap to build,long lasting,and easy to maintain.One area of discussion that should have been more heavily emphasized was the overwhelming connection between lead exposure and lower IQ scores.Lead exposure from birth to age 10 leads to a loss in IQ of from 6-10 points.The major groups impacted are black and Latino -Hispanic Americans getting their drinking water from city-metropolitan water systems.This accounts for about 40% to 67% of the alleged disparity in IQ scores that is supposed to exist between white and black Americans .These facts are ignored by Herrnstein and Murray in their book" The Bell Curve"(1994).
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read!
Werner Troesken presents the history of lead water pipe use without hyperbole. Instead you get scientific analysis mixed with telling anecdotes and then more scientific analysis. You might think the lack of hype would make for a boring read, but this book is truly fascinating. Mr. Troesken gives us a great example of how we don't see things until we believe in them. The copy I read was borrowed from the library, but I am buying my own copy now.
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Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U0262701251