I was fortunate to see a preview copy of this book. I think it's a fantastic reference guide. If you're looking after young children, or even if you're simply interested in cutting through the media hype surrounding chemicals, this book will be ideal.

At the very beginning Teddy Vincent Angert explains what the often-misused word "chemical" really means, saying "every single thing that has mass is by definition a chemical". She also explains why long names aren't necessarily to be feared and provides simple first-aid advice for ingestion, oral, eye and skin exposures.

At this point I need to say that this is a book aimed at American audiences, and so at various points carers are advised to call (the American) Poison Control, or to go to "the ER" or call 911. Obviously if you live in the UK, you'll need to switch those numbers for NHS 111 or 999 in emergencies, and for ER read "Casualty Department" or "A&E". If you live in another country, you'll need to check the specifics for your location.

Spellings and phrasings are also, not surprisingly, American, and so we have "mold" (instead of mould), "sunscreen" (where most Brits would say sunblock), "lice treatments" (instead of head lice treatments) and "gasoline" (instead of petrol). These are fairly minor differences, but could make it more difficult to find what you're looking for in some circumstances. I've not reduced my rating for this as this IS an American book, but Brits will need to be aware.

Angert then lists each potential household poison alphabetically, starting with acne treatments, passing through magnets, silica gel and toilet bowl cleaners, and ending with witch hazel. Each page has a handy summary at the top which tells the reader at a glance how toxic the substance is, and how dangerous it might be if swallowed, on the skin, in the eyes, or inhaled. This is the bit that will probably be most useful to the panicked caregiver! The page then goes on to talk about common ingredients, some of the history of the history of the substance and (where relevant) other interesting bits and pieces such as botanical information and "uses for..." and "how to..." sections.

There is also a detailed index at the back, listing substances by various different names, which should allow most chemicals to be located pretty quickly.

All in all I think this is a great reference book: its calm, fact-based, approach will be very reassuring for nervous parents, and it will make an interesting "dip in and out" read for anyone curious about the substances in our homes.

This book is a gold mine of information about so many cool things. I am glad I have it on hand to look things up for emergency situations, but it’s way more than a reference guide for emergencies. I learned a lot of practical tips for everyday living, and also about making choices when shopping for products. I do have the regular list of products I buy just because I have always bought them, but a few ideas came up in the book that will help me be a bit more of a conscious consumer.

What struck me the most about the book is how extensive it is, there is information on a wide range of subjects that I never even thought of before, but I can definitely use the information not just as a parent, but as a homeowner. I like information well organized and the author has done that, each page has the same structure so it feels easy to find the information and the topics are in alphabetical order. There is enough science without being too much and it’s easy to read and understand.

I wish I had this book many years ago when my children were young. It is very clear and well written. For a parent wanting fast information there is a section at the top of the page for every item that tells you whether it is toxic. If it is you can see by which method of contact (i.e. injection, breathing, etc.) how toxic the item is. This is a great help for a parent who is panic mode to get quick information. Then each topic will go on in depth about the product for those who want more information. What I thought was an exceptionally nice addition with toxic 800 hot line at the bottom of every page. A great useful gift for a new parent.

What are parents to do if, say, their child takes a bite out of an air freshener? The answer, according to Angert, is to rinse out the kid's mouth with water. The adults should also not panic too much, a major theme throughout the book, which is presented as a go-to resource when common products are used inappropriately. The author delivers advice on items ranging from acne treatments to witch hazel. Background information is provided on each substance as well as the potential for toxicity if brought into contact with skin (or inhaled, consumed, or simply placed in the mouth). There are also practical tips and remedies. For instance, if someone swallows gasoline and throat irritation results, drinking milk may alleviate the burning sensation, though vomiting should never be induced. Beyond such suggestions, the guide features intriguing tidbits as well as home recipes. For example, the entry on gasoline includes the meaning of octane and a brief history of ethanol fuel. There are sections on how to make fabric softener, clean up an antifreeze spill, and determine whether certain moldy foods can be eaten or should be thrown away. The text often has a folksy tone that wouldn't be out of place in a Mother Jones article. Angert nimbly explains that the manufacturer of Bitrex (which is used as an additive to nail polish remover to make it unpalatable) offers taste-test kits so consumers can "discover just how awful it is." The pointers here are immensely useful, though some of them can be oddly placed. Mosquito prevention recommendations follow a passage on the toxicity of Tiki torch fuel. The two topics are not entirely unrelated, though it seems that someone concerned about accidental citronella oil consumption may not be in the mood to discover new ways to keep mosquitoes out of the backyard. Nevertheless, the manual is illuminating and concise. Readers, whether they are distressed because their pets ate ant poison or they simply want to make their own deodorant, are likely to learn something valuable in these pages. A helpful, easy-to-read guide to poisons.

-- Kirkus Reviews