When a new technology makes people ill; how high does the body count have to be before protectives steps are taken? This disturbing book tells a dark story of hazardous manufacturing; poisonous materials; environmental abuses; political machinations; and economics trumping safety concerns. It explores the century-long history of ldquo;fake silk;rdquo; or cellulose viscose; used to produce such products as rayon textiles and tires; cellophane; and everyday kitchen sponges. Paul Blanc uncovers the grim history of a product that crippled and even served a death sentence to many industry workers while also releasing toxic carbon disulfide into the environment. Viscose; an innovative and lucrative product first introduced in the early twentieth century; quickly became a multinational corporate enterprise. Blanc investigates industry practices from the beginning through two highly profitable world wars; the midcentury export of hazardous manufacturing to developing countries; and the current ldquo;greenwashingrdquo; of viscose as an eco-friendly product. Deeply researched and boldly presented; this book brings to light an industrial hazard whose egregious history ranks with those of asbestos; lead; and mercury.
2009-01-01 2009-01-01File Name: B01M3V2O22
Review
