Rachel Carson: Silent Spring & the Fight Against DDT

   
          Rachel Carson was the woman behind the environmental movement of the 1960s, whose dedication to environmental advocacy allowed the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and even the banning of DDT become a reality in the United States. Although the general health of the nation improved with the "Environmental Revolution" in the late 1960s, the banning of DDT was a huge turning point in American history. So, what is DDT? DDT stands for dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane, and was first developed in the 1940s. Its initial use was to get rid of parasitic bugs and control insects in crops and livestock. It was also used in WWII to kill mosquito populations to control malaria. Other insect borne diseases like the bubonic plague, typhus , and yellow fever was also put in check by DDT. Colorless, odorless, and "harmless", it was often the pesticide of choice by thousands of Americans. What makes DDT dangerous is that it is a organochlorine, which means that it cannot dissolve in water- but can and will dissolve in fats. As a result, DDT can build up in the fatty tissues of animals who have been exposed. For example, when eagles ate fish who had been exposed to DDT, the substance bioaccumulated in their own bodies- prohibiting them from producing adequate eggs. Instead, eagle and bird eggs were lacking strong, calcium based eggshells. When DDT levels in their bodies accumulated, eagles and other birds laid eggs that were incredibly thin, and their babies died before they could even hatch. Bioaccumulation caused for DDT to move up the food chain, going from small organisms like frogs and fish to predatory birds like hawks, condors, and even pelicans. It has also been found that DDT exposure can cause liver damage and potentially cancer, nervous system defects, and even the decline of reproductive health in humans.
        Carson's book, Silent Spring was integral in spurring forward the modern environmental movement. It was in the mid 1940s that Carson became aware of the effects of pesticides, which were being developed since WWII. 4 years of research would go into her novel. During the process, Carson found that dozens of scientists were aware of the physical and environmental effects of pesticides, filling her book with credible sources and other conclusive evidence. Silent Spring referred to the idea that after all the birds died, there would be not even a single sound near a riverbed or a spring. Interestingly enough, the decline of eagle populations because  the United States was killing its very mascot with a synthetic pesticide. Right before the publication of the novel, Carson found a lump in her breast, and proceeded to get a mastectomy. However, it was too late and her cancer was metastasizing. Yet, Carson pushed on, publishing her book after final revisions in 1961 and 1962. In her novel, her main arguments were that pesticides were harmful for the environment, and although they should not be eliminated completely- they should be put under check and reduced. As pesticide use increased, they did not just kill the target pest, but could harm other larger and more complex organisms. Birds were obviously an integral focus of the novel.
      Carson also criticized chemical companies for blatantly lying about their product, as misinforming the public was a major factor of the decline of the bird populations. After publishing her novel, Carson received pushback from major DDT production companies. Companies like DuPont (DDT) and Velsicol Chemical Company were some of the first corporations to respond to the novel. The latter threatened Carson with a legal battle, and even chemists from around the world were critical of her analysis. One man went on to say that "If a man were to follow the teachings of Miss Carson, we would return to the Dark Ages, and the insects and diseases and vermin would once again inherit the earth". Analysing this phrase, the apparent sexism in the American field of science can be seen.
      After her death from cancer, her legacy lived on: "Silent Spring altered the balance of power in the world", said Patricia Hynes. Even posthumously, Carson became the leader of the modern Environmental movement. The 1967 formation of the Environmental Defence Fund was one of the major factors behind the elimination of DDT. They stated that the government had the responsibility to "establish a citizen's right to a clean environment". The Environmental Protection Agency coupled with the 1972 (FIFRA; Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act) also were a part of the domino effect that followed after Silent Spring.

Pictures:
1) Rachel Carson
2) Thin shelled bird eggs
3)DDT being sprayed
4) Questionable US DDT advertisment
5) Lets spray a toxic chemical in our hair!






















Sources:
1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rachel_Carson
2) https://www.nrdc.org/stories/story-silent-spring
3)https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/ddt-brief-history-and-status
4) https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-ddt-history-impacts-1708897