This angry book aims to expose the conspiracy of corrupt politicians, negligent regulators and greedy industry leaders covering up the epidemic of poisoned food, water and air that, the author claims, is filling our hospitals, killing our children and spreading cancer, birth defects, autism and leukemia. A veteran investigative journalist, Schwartz-Nobel (A Mother’s Story
) keeps the human element front and center by illustrating each pollutant with at least one heartbreaking anecdote. Although many of the pollutants the author denounces are proven poisons, others are only suspicious and several may be innocent. Moreover, it’s often not clear from the evidence cited in the book whether a specific toxin was responsible, though the victim and the author have no doubt. Unfortunately, Schwartz-Nobel’s apocalyptic tone and lack of skepticism weaken her case. She quotes scientists, but more often quotes other journalists, popular magazines, newspapers, victims groups, plaintiff lawyers and advocacy organizations like Washington Toxics Coalition and SafeMinds. No one refusing the join the bandwagon escapes her scorn, including pediatricians who express doubt that thimerosal in vaccines causes autism. Environmental pollution needs a champion, but this overheated polemic preaches to the choir. (Aug.)
