Rachel Carson is Responsible for the Death of Millions‏

In 1962, Rachel Carson published a more than little known book entitled Silent Spring. The book, which summarized the environmental harm caused by chemical agents such as DDT, left the nation abuzz for decades to come. Today, the publication is lauded as a holy book for environmentalists and conservationists alike. While pressing environmental concerns were raised by Carson’s Silent Spring, the scientific valididty of her claims were largely based on limited scientific data. For example, Carson’s assertion that DDT is linked to cancer and a myriad of other possible human malaise, was based on studies which correlated the use of DDT with damaged bird eggs in areas of over spraying. Regions of Canada were over sprayed to combat moth infestations, while the Southern U.S. was laden in DDT to combat accidental importation of its still infamous fire ant population.

It is true that death of plant life and decreased birds were noted in these areas, but no conclusive data was ever produced correlating the use of DDT to cancer or death in humans as a result of such sprayings. Nevertheless, Carson raised a question which still resonates in the global environmental community today:

“Should humans invent and then introduce possibly hazardous chemicals into the atmosphere without complete consideration of costs to humans and the ecosystem?


Well, if you’re the typical white American who is sitting in there air conditioned home or office—free of standing water—while you read this, then you likely conclude no we should not. With so many other possible pesticides, both natural and anthropogenic, you may concur it’s safer to not use a chemical which has been linked to the death of forests and bird life.

However, if you were one of millions of Africans at risk for malaria death, then maybe you would sacrifice a few birds and acres of forests. If U.S. Aid to your country consisted of methods such as mosquitos nets to hang over your beds, and your too poor to afford clean water or food—so much less a bed—then perhaps DDT is suddenly your saving grace. For the thousands who die in African countries each day from malaria, DDT offers great promise. Or more precisely, did offer great promise.

Due to environmental concerns and lobbying by the World Wildlife Foundation, the use and production of DDT in the Western Hemisphere has halted. The chemical is now relinquished to limited production in India and China. Studies have shown that limited sprayings of DDT, as infrequently as twice a year, can have significant impacts on controlling mosquito populations and the spread of malaria. Mosquito populations of Africa are presently thrive, thanks a natural selection process which has conferred immunity to current pesticides in use. Hence, a key component in keeping mosquitoes at bay is to alternate pesticides used. Even one DDT spraying every couple of years could have significant impact int helves of millions of Africans.



While Rachel Carrson may have brought imperative environmental concerns to the forefront of policy practices, perhaps she missed the broader perspective.

Sources and further readings:


http://www.realclearpolitics.com/Commentary/com-12_14_05_JS.html


www.malaria.org