Official Review: Poisoning our Children by Andre Leu

raikyuu · Post by **raikyuu** » 09 Dec 2019, 11:02

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Poisoning our Children" by Andre Leu.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Poisoning Our Children: The Parent’s Guide to the Myths of Safe Pesticides is a non-fiction book that aims to debunk the myths regarding the use of pesticides on our food crops. The book focuses on the effects of these pesticides on children. Based on his extensive research on the subject, Andre Leu brings us a book full of scientific evidence to show the dangers of agricultural pesticides.

The book talks about five myths that justify the use of agricultural pesticides. Each myth is disproven by peer-reviewed studies, all of which suggest that there is little to no scientific basis on establishing that agricultural pesticides are safe. The book identifies problems such as bioaccumulation, gaps of poison-testing methods, and lack of government regulation regarding pesticide production, wherein such problems further discredit the claim that pesticides are safe. Because of these, it is troubling that such pesticides are still being used today despite that children are significantly vulnerable to their negative effects.

I like how the book effectively convinces me of the dangers of pesticides. The author provides well-constructed arguments that show the lack of scientific rigor of regulatory authorities when it comes to testing pesticides. While reading the book, I initially had a lot of doubts about the author’s claims since I believed the myths themselves. An example of this is the myth that “the [poison] residues are too low to cause any problems.” But after reading the book, I am convinced that the myths are simply not true. The author’s extensive research on the subject greatly helps his case against the use of agricultural pesticides.

While I don’t think that it is a problem on its own, sometimes I feel that the issues in the book are overblown by the author. Focusing on the effects of agricultural pesticides on children tends to make the parent readers emotional. I usually don't like books that rely on such techniques to promote their views, but I think that such techniques are necessary for this book. This is because the myths surrounding safe pesticides are too widespread to be ignored. This one time, I would make an exception for this book.

It is rare for a book to change my mind on a particular issue. Overall, Poisoning Our Children: The Parent’s Guide to the Myths of Safe Pesticides is a well-researched book that everyone should read. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. While this book can be read by anyone regardless of his/her educational or political background, I can recommend this book to those who are directly or indirectly involved in agriculture.

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Poisoning our Children
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Anon_Reviewer · Post by **Anon_Reviewer** » 13 Dec 2019, 08:30

I never thought anyone could make a book on pesticides sound this attractive. Great job! I might just check it out!

Miller56 · Post by **Miller56** » 13 Dec 2019, 12:04

This sounds like an interesting and informative book that provides facts on the use of pesticides. I am not sure I want to read this book but thanks for the review.

Frannie Annie · Post by **Frannie Annie** » 13 Dec 2019, 15:37

This sounds like an interesting book. I might check it out because I want to learn more about what's going on in our society.

kperm · Post by **kperm** » 13 Dec 2019, 20:44

This book is very informative and has great delivery. Thank you for your excellent review.

derialist · Post by **derialist** » 14 Dec 2019, 04:23

You could learn a thing or two about the effects of pesticides. Having come across the topic during my environmental studies, this book gives me the chance to explore the topic a little deeper. Thanks for the review I'll check it out

BookPower9 · Post by **BookPower9** » 14 Dec 2019, 08:04

If this Book educate me the true harm of pesticides then, it is worth reading. For me this is a serious matter. Really quite alarming. Using pesticides has been there for so long. Hope we can do something about it to at least reduce it. Thanks for the review,

Amanda Deck · Post by **Amanda Deck** » 14 Dec 2019, 10:08

Is there no end? Humans see a problem - in this case, destroyed crops - and develop a solution. We later discover that the solution is at least as bad as the problem was! Which is worse, no food or poisoned food? What a choice.

PhyllisAnne · Post by **PhyllisAnne** » 14 Dec 2019, 15:29

This is a great review! I imagine it would be hard to make a book about pesticides sound exciting, but I can hear your heart-felt response and that makes it compelling to read. I actually worked at a plant shop for a short while and was initially confused about their "all-natural" approach to gardening as the products were significantly more expensive than the chemically based products you find in your chain stores. It was there that I really started to learn the effects of chemically based pesticides, especially on kids and pets. So I very much promote and recommend a book that seeks to bring greater awareness to this growing problem.

Nisha Ward · Post by **Nisha Ward** » 15 Dec 2019, 10:52

Pesticides are an interesting topic because, on one hand, they have allowed us to get more crops but on the other, they're really rather dangerous. This book could be useful in exploring why that is.

Chrystal Oaks · Post by **Chrystal Oaks** » 15 Dec 2019, 19:47

Before I even read this book, I am already convinced that there is no such thing as "harmless" pesticides and about the deadly ramifications they produce. I've added this book to my reading list. Thank you.

Luckymeonnow · Post by **Luckymeonnow** » 16 Dec 2019, 02:10

The titule si great i will probably buy it.
I will get it for my mum for Christmas.

MustaHarleen · Post by **MustaHarleen** » 19 Dec 2019, 09:38

Governments have failed in regulation of chemicals because all they focus on is the money that trickles in to their moneybags. This sounds like an amazing book that I would love to read and refer others to. Thanks for an insightful review.