Not just tables of arcane symbols and numbers, but essays for general readers explain the components and their action in such products as soaps and laundry, cosmetics and bathroom, health and medical, baby, cleaning, lighting, common household and lawn, automotive and general repair, and office supplies. Toedt (physical sciences), Darrell Koza (chemistry, both, Eastern Connecticut State U.) and Kathleen van Cleef-Toedt (physiology and neurobiology, U. of Connecticut) also cover such common materials as paper, plastic, cement, and spray paint. The appendix sets out protocols for laboratory exercises.