Toxic Timescapes: Examining Toxicity across Time and Space

Toxic timescapes is an interdisciplinary environmental humanities volume that explores human-environment relationships on our permanently polluted planet. It argues that the difficulty in detecting, defining, monitoring, and coming to terms with toxicity and pollution lies in the struggle to make sense of the intersecting temporal and spatial scales working on the human and more-than-human body. The term toxic timescapes refers to this intricate intersectionality of time, space, and bodies in relation to toxic exposure. It unpacks linear understandings of time and explores how harmful substances permeate temporal and physical space as both event and process. Contributors from various disciplines demonstrate the complex reality of a toxic existence by observing the intersection of multiple times and spaces at diverse locations around the globe.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 16 December 2022
Publisher: Ohio University Press

An interdisciplinary environmental humanities volume that explores human-environment relationships on our permanently polluted planet.

While toxicity and pollution are ever present in modern daily life, politicians, juridical systems, media outlets, scholars, and the public alike show great difficulty in detecting, defining, monitoring, or generally coming to terms with them. This volumes contributors argue that the source of this difficulty lies in the struggle to make sense of the intersecting temporal and spatial scales working on the human and more-than-human body, while continuing to acknowledge race, class, and gender in terms of global environmental justice and social inequality. The term toxic timescapes refers to this intricate intersectionality of time, space, and bodies in relation to toxic exposure. As a tool of analysis, it unpacks linear understandings of time and explores how harmful substances permeate temporal and physical space as both event and process. It equips scholars with new ways of creating data and conceptualizing the past, present, and future presence and possible effects of harmful substances and provides a theoretical framework for new environmental narratives. To think in terms of toxic timescapes is to radically shift our understanding of toxicants in the complex web of life. Toxicity, pollution, and modes of exposure are never static; therefore, dose, timing, velocity, mixture, frequency, and chronology matter as much as the geographic location and societal position of those exposed. Together, these factors create a specific toxic timescape that lies at the heart of each contributors narrative. Contributors from the disciplines of history, human geography, science and technology studies, philosophy, and political ecology come together to demonstrate the multifaceted nature of toxic timescapes and their implications for understanding and addressing environmental harm.

Toxic timescapes are characterized by the complex interplay of time, space, and bodies in the context of toxic exposure. They challenge traditional linear understandings of time and highlight the permeability of harmful substances across temporal and physical dimensions. Contributors from various disciplines contribute to this volume by exploring the historical, geographical, scientific, philosophical, and political dimensions of toxic timescapes.

In the historical section, contributors examine the ways in which toxic substances have been produced, distributed, and consumed throughout history, with a particular focus on the experiences of marginalized communities and the environmental consequences of colonialism and industrialization. They argue that toxic timescapes are not just a modern phenomenon but have deep historical roots that continue to shape our present-day realities.

The geographical section explores the spatial distribution of toxic substances and their impact on human and more-than-human bodies. Contributors discuss the ways in which environmental racism, class inequality, and urbanization contribute to the uneven exposure to toxic substances and the resulting health disparities. They also highlight the role of geographic location in shaping the development and implementation of environmental policies and regulations.

The scientific section examines the biological and chemical mechanisms of toxic exposure and their effects on human health. Contributors discuss the ways in which harmful substances enter the human body, interact with biological systems, and cause various diseases and health conditions. They also explore the emerging field of toxicology and its potential to develop new tools for detecting and monitoring toxic substances.

The philosophical section explores the ethical and philosophical dimensions of toxic timescapes. Contributors discuss the ways in which human-environment relationships are shaped by power, privilege, and social inequality. They argue that toxic timescapes highlight the need for a more holistic and interconnected approach to environmental justice and social inequality.

The political ecology section examines the political and economic factors that contribute to toxic timescapes. Contributors discuss the role of corporations, governments, and international institutions in perpetuating environmental harm and the need for sustainable and equitable development. They also highlight the role of grassroots movements and community-based initiatives in advocating for environmental justice and promoting sustainable practices.

In conclusion, this interdisciplinary environmental humanities volume provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of toxic timescapes. It highlights the complex interplay of time, space, and bodies in the context of toxic exposure and challenges traditional linear understandings of time. By exploring the historical, geographical, scientific, philosophical, and political dimensions of toxic timescapes, contributors contribute to a deeper understanding of environmental harm and its implications for global environmental justice and social inequality.

Weight: 612g
Dimension: 228 x 151 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780821425046