Book excerpt: Although they are two aspects of the same subject, environmental toxicology and environmental chemistry are usually presented as though they are entirely separate from one another; even their practitioners often seem unaware of the connections. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry is the first text to tie these subjects closely together, demonstrating the immediate relevance of each subject to the other while also providing basic, easily understandable introductions to both areas. This unique work presents their principles and applications through numerous illustrative examples and special topics that highlight current environmental concerns. It provides up-to-date as well as historical examples of both subjects and includes discussions of ecotoxicology, epidemiology, predictive methods, and other topics not covered in similar texts. It also includes invertebrates and nonmammal vertebrates, plants, and microorganisms, as well as humans and other mammals. The first five chapters place chemicals in the environment; the following five provide the biological and toxicological settings; and the remaining six chapters offer examples of specific chemicals, their toxic effects and significance, and predictions of fate and toxicity. Each chapter concludes with a discussion of a related topic of particular public and scientific interest, such as chemical carcinogens, pesticide residues, or hazardous wastes. Ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in environmental toxicology courses, Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry offers a timely, comprehensive introduction to the principles of toxicology as they apply to our environment. It is also useful for professionals and practitioners in a wide range of environmentally related fields and businesses.