Chill out about DDT
Scientist Joe Kaplinsky takes a sober look at the controversial chemical DDT, noting that it is one of the most effective pesticides ever developed and great at combating malaria. He also employs a critical approach to the intellectual legacy of Rachel Carson, author of the famous 1962 book “The Silent Spring”. Kaplinsky takes on the anti-scientific prejudices of Carson and her followers and suggests DDT could be and should be widely used today to save lives.
Recommended links:
- Article by Ceri Dingle: The Great malarial bed-net swindle
- Article by Paul Dreissen: It’s time for all-out war on malaria
- Article by James Woodhuysen: Did Rachel Carson really kill more people than Stalin?
- Article by Yasiin Mugerwa: Uganda: Malaria – 320 die daily
- Article by Lisa Makson: Rachel Carson’s ecological genocide
- Article by Steven Milloy: Rethinking DDT
Related topics: Science & Progress
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Christella said:
I agree and the issue needs to get on the agenda but the so called ‘development’ community hate the stuff and it is their prejudice which is halting its use and killing thousands.
janesworld said:
A welcome intervention on the sorry story of DDT restrictions. Malaria has killed millions of people across the world. Time to break more DDT out of the cupboard and let the mosquitoes worry for a change!