Over-two thirds of the U.S. population is allergic to poison oak, poison ivy, or a related plant. These and many other common plants in our homes, fields, and gardens are irritants that cause misery to many. But surprisingly, there has never been a general guide to help raise awareness of them--and to help avoid them. This new book reviews the history, occurrence, classification, toxicity, and health aspects of all the major allergenic and irritant species.

Resulting from a vanguard conference originally held in 1993 at UC Dav is, this new work is divided into three sections that present methodol gies for assessing the health of an ecosystem; the effects of multiple toxicological impacts upon an ecosystem, and which tools are worth us ing to assess these dangers. Environmental scientists, chemists, toxic ologists, risk analysts, and probably the entire membership of SETAC w ill find need for this book, as will wetlands scientists, ecologists, and research biologists.