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Particles of Truth: A Story of Discovery, Controversy, and the Fight for Healthy Air
A compelling, real-life account of how scientists uncovered air pollution’s deadly impact on human health—and the contentious battles to use key scientific evidence in the critical fight for clean air.
Particles of Truth is a riveting account of the discovery of the critical health effects of air pollution told by Arden Pope and Douglas Dockery, who have been at the forefront of air pollution and health research for four decades. With an insightful foreword by former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, this compelling book provides an inside look at groundbreaking scientific research and ensuing political and public-policy battles. It presents evidence that air pollution is a major contributor to disease and death and that reducing air pollution saves lives. The book also delves into intense efforts to discredit and cast doubt on the science.
Through firsthand accounts, Pope and Dockery bring the scientific discoveries regarding the health effects of air pollution and accompanying controversies to life. They describe the real-world challenges of conducting impactful research when public health clashes with economic interests and politics. Despite these challenges, they and their colleagues persisted, accumulating evidence that supports landmark clean-air legislation and pollution reduction efforts worldwide. More than an inside look at pioneering air pollution research and the hidden health burden of air pollution, Particles of Truth is a story of determination and perseverance by those working to protect air quality and our health; indeed, their efforts have contributed to improvements in public health and an increase in longevity. For anyone interested in public health, environmental quality, or public policy, this is a must-hear book that takes you to the front lines of discovery and controversy.
PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
Particles of Truth is a riveting account of the discovery of the critical health effects of air pollution told by Arden Pope and Douglas Dockery, who have been at the forefront of air pollution and health research for four decades. With an insightful foreword by former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, this compelling book provides an inside look at groundbreaking scientific research and ensuing political and public-policy battles. It presents evidence that air pollution is a major contributor to disease and death and that reducing air pollution saves lives. The book also delves into intense efforts to discredit and cast doubt on the science.
Through firsthand accounts, Pope and Dockery bring the scientific discoveries regarding the health effects of air pollution and accompanying controversies to life. They describe the real-world challenges of conducting impactful research when public health clashes with economic interests and politics. Despite these challenges, they and their colleagues persisted, accumulating evidence that supports landmark clean-air legislation and pollution reduction efforts worldwide. More than an inside look at pioneering air pollution research and the hidden health burden of air pollution, Particles of Truth is a story of determination and perseverance by those working to protect air quality and our health; indeed, their efforts have contributed to improvements in public health and an increase in longevity. For anyone interested in public health, environmental quality, or public policy, this is a must-hear book that takes you to the front lines of discovery and controversy.
PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
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Published July 3, 2025
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July 21, 2025
How do we know that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to adverse health affects?
In PARTICLES OF TRUTH, Pope & Dockery present a detailed account and explanation of the research that shows that exposure to particulate matter is bad for our heart and lungs.
One thing that I learned is that randomized control trials are not ethical or practical for studying the health impacts of long-term exposure to air pollution. Instead, researchers look for "real-world" opportunities to study impact such as a steel mill closing down for a couple of years for example.
Another example is the Huai river policy in China (coal was subsidized to the north of the river but not the south, so coal burning continues to be much higher north of the river).
It is kind of incredible how much work went into proving that particulate matter is bad for your health. And there is still controversy because a lot of corporations are so invested in discrediting this work.
There is an entire section devoted to "how we know this is actually causation" , which is really helpful for me. Some of it is probably obvious (Sample size, reproducibility, effect has to occur after the cause, etc)... but some of the criteria for causation are less obvious like a biological gradient (if the air pollution increases than that should be a worse affect on health).
At times this book was a bit more on the academic side, but I really appreciated learning about experimental design in other fields. It is fascinating!
In PARTICLES OF TRUTH, Pope & Dockery present a detailed account and explanation of the research that shows that exposure to particulate matter is bad for our heart and lungs.
One thing that I learned is that randomized control trials are not ethical or practical for studying the health impacts of long-term exposure to air pollution. Instead, researchers look for "real-world" opportunities to study impact such as a steel mill closing down for a couple of years for example.
Another example is the Huai river policy in China (coal was subsidized to the north of the river but not the south, so coal burning continues to be much higher north of the river).
It is kind of incredible how much work went into proving that particulate matter is bad for your health. And there is still controversy because a lot of corporations are so invested in discrediting this work.
There is an entire section devoted to "how we know this is actually causation" , which is really helpful for me. Some of it is probably obvious (Sample size, reproducibility, effect has to occur after the cause, etc)... but some of the criteria for causation are less obvious like a biological gradient (if the air pollution increases than that should be a worse affect on health).
At times this book was a bit more on the academic side, but I really appreciated learning about experimental design in other fields. It is fascinating!
Displaying 1 of 1 review