Page 19 - Encyclopedia of Chemical Compounds 3 Vols

Reader’sGuide

of the compound to which one is exposed. The safest rule to
follow in dealing with chemical compounds is that they are
ALL dangerous under some circumstances. One should always
avoid spilling any chemical compound on the skin, inhaling
its fumes, or swallowing any of the compound. If an accident
of this kind occurs, one should seek professional medical
advice immediately. This book is not a substitute for prompt
first aid properly applied.

Having said all that, some compounds do pose more
serious health threats than others, and some individuals are
at greater risks than others. Those special health risks are
mentioned toward the end of the ‘‘Common Uses and Poten-
tial Hazards’’ section of each entry.
For Further Information As the name suggests, this
section provides ideas for books, articles, and Internet
sources that provide additional information on the chemical
compound listed.

ADDED FEATURES
Chemical Compounds contains several features to help
answer questions related to compounds, their properties,
and their uses.
• The book contains three appendixes: a list by formula,
list by element contained in compounds, and list by type
of compound.

• Each entry contains up to two illustrations to show the
relationship of the atoms in a compound to each other,
one a black and white structural formula, and one a
color ball-and-stick model of a molecule or portion of a
molecule of the compound.
• A chronology and timeline in each volume locates sig-
nificant dates in the development of chemical com-
pounds with other historical events.
• ‘‘For Further Information,’’ a list of useful books, periodi-
cals, and websites, provides links to further learning
opportunities.
• The comprehensive index, which appears in each
volume, quickly points readers to compounds, people,
and events mentioned throughout Chemical Com-
pounds.

xviii CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS