Each day we are exposed to a myriad of natural and human-made chemicals in our food, drinking water, air, soil, at home or at the workplace--pesticide residues, food additives, drugs, household products--but how can we gauge the human health risk posed by these chemicals? Should we believe the somber headlines that depict a serious threat for humans and the environment, or should we follow the reassuring voices of others who claim that the angst is totally unfounded? Why the Dose Matters: Assessing the Health Risk of Exposure to Toxicants uses a rational, science-based approach to explain in plain language that a quantitative view is key for understanding and predicting potentially toxic effects of chemicals. Key Features: ? Explains the basics of toxicology in easily understandable terms. ? Includes numerous examples. ? Clears up common misconceptions and dispels myths. ? Provides take-home messages for each chapter.