Chemical Catastrophes

October 1, 2017
Grades 5-7 If the warning signs, horror-movie font, and photos of people in chemical masks seem frightening, the text is quick to reassure that not all chemicals are bad. Still, this volume in the Unnatural Disasters series adopts a serious tone as it explains the difference between naturally occurring and man-made chemicals. Disasters, it says, often occur because people don't realize how harmful certain chemicals can be (DDT in pesticides; the unanticipated side effects of Agent Orange). Often, too few steps are taken to lessen long-term effects (asbestos in the U.S., the Norilsk nickel mine in Russia). Brief chapters elaborate on global issues, and sidebars give an overview of usage and side effects. The book ends with a time line of disasters and a call to ecoactivism with a chapter that advises young readers on how best to be a change maker.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)