As society's awareness of environmental effects on public health has grown, scientists (especially epidemiologists) have been increasingly drawn into the public arena. The design of studies, the manipulation of statistics, and additional risk factors influence the acceptance of "hazards" as clearly causing certain diseases. In addition, the often major economic effects of reducing these health hazards make formulation of public policy concerning their control a fractious business. Environmental scientists, the media, lawyers, and politicians have difficulty dealing with multifactoral disease, and are still learning how the questions should be framed for an informed public debate on the issues raised. Environmental Health Risks and Public Policy compares decision making in Canada, Britain, and the United States, and the impact of different political traditions on the process. The place and limitations of formal risk assessment are discussed.

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David V. Bates is professor emeritus of health care and epidemiology, and formerly Dean of Medicine, at the University of British Columbia. He has published extensively on pulmonary medicine and is a leading figure in international air pollution health effects research.

This is a very readable book that provides a good overview and introduction to the complex world of environmental science and policy. This book is a must read for students of environmental epidemiology.

Revue Canadienne de Sante Publique