Slow Death by Rubber Duck: The Secret Danger of Everyday Things

by Bruce Lourie, Rick Smith, Rick Smith

Book Overview

A look at the chemicals surrounding us that's "hard-hitting . . . yet also instills hope for a future in which consumers make safer, more informed choices" ( The Washington Post ). Pollution is no longer just about belching smokestacks and ugly sewer pipes--now, it's personal. The most dangerous pollution, it turns out, comes from commonplace items in our homes and workplaces. To prove this point, for one week Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie ingested...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1582435677
• ISBN13: 9781582435671
• Release Date: January 2010
• Publisher: Counterpoint LLC
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.32 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A must read for all parents

Okay, this book scared me a bit. I am not convinced that any corporation values my health over their profit margin. This book outlines many of the chemicals found in everyday products. People constantly ask me how I know these things are bad for me. This is a sticky point. I don't know, but I don't see any value in adding them to products. The fact that this stuff is in everything is alarming. I can't get all of it out of my house, but I am trying to eliminate all that I can. This has huge implications for your kids' health and it needs to be looked at. You can disregard the information in this book if you want to, but at least read it and make an informed decision. Don't just decide that it's nonsense and not read it, that is a dangerous path. This book is a must read for all parents and prospective parents. What you do with the information after you read it is up to you.

Everyone should learn this

Everyone should be aware of what is in everything you use and how toxic it is or isn't. If you don't have time to read this book and just want the 'bullet points' and tips check out F is for Face Paint which puts lead in our bodies: An A-to-Z Guide to Make Your Household Healthier.

A positve, empowering book about toxins

Toxins are a common and widespread problem that is even more inconvenient and has even more personal impact than global warming. The topic leaves most people feeling a mix of overwhelm, anger and hopelessness. But as you may have guessed from the title, "Slow Death by Rubber Duck: The Secret Danger of Everyday Things" takes a different approach. What started out as a funny joke and dare between friends actually became an amazing project that will empower consumers. Two Canadian environmentalists exposed themselves to everyday products and watched the toxin levels in their body's skyrocket. Sadly, this experiment is something most of us do unknowingly every day. The authors show how our everyday exposures and product choices impact our toxin levels and health risks. Although I am still shocked by how common the toxins are, I was very encouraged to learn that many of them will leave the body in just a few days after reducing the exposure. Despite the light title, this book is packed with intelligence insights, is backed by research and is fascinating to read. It will help you take actions that will measurably reduce your exposure to harmful toxins. Congratulations to the authors for turning this heavy topic around and pointing to a more positive and hopeful approach that is within our control.

Not just the what and the why but also the HOW

The personal touch that Lourie and Smith employ in explaining just how prevalent chemicals are in our everyday lives, and more important, HOW to reduce our exposure to those chemicals by choosing products in an informed way make this book both readable and useful. Every parent and child care provider should read it to see how to reduce the exposure of our vulnerable young. It does leave you wondering why so many toxins are allowed to be used in our food, cleaners, clothes, and furniture.

QUICK READ FOR SLOW DEATH --and a MUST read

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't let the cute title fool you. This is an important book. I purchased SLOW DEATH BY RUBBER DUCK from the authors at the Green Living show in Toronto on April 26. I am very glad that I did. While reading it, I found myself nervously moving off the overstuffed sofa and Scotchgard-saturated dining room chairs while I realized that my now-past love of tuna sushi led to the early symptoms of mercury poisoning. The chemicals are everywhere, and this book tells you why. It is written in a jolly, anecdotal style that contrasts with the horrific information inside. Everyone should read this book. It should be required reading for all politicians. Buy it and read it often. The first chapter will be a shock, the rest will have your jaw dropping.