Toxic Truth: A Doctor and the Battle over Lead

(Beacon Press)  The author chronicles the stories of geochemist Clair Patterson and pediatrician Herbert Needleman as they fought to prove that lead in the environment was poisoning children’s developing brains. These men and their allies redefined how we conceive of disease, contaminants, and public safety.  Their fight, argues the author, offers a lesson on the dangers of choosing corporate interests over public health. Denworth is a former Newsweek reporter and People bureau chief.