Abuse of Rachel Carson and Misuse of DDT Science in the Service of Environmental Deregulation

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2017 Aug 14;56(34):10026-10032. doi: 10.1002/anie.201704077. Epub 2017 Jun 13.

Abstract

Fake news?? The contact insecticide DDT has been reappraised as a safe, life-saving compound by special interest groups committed to repealing environmental regulations. It is shown in this essay how some specific toxicological data has been misused by those aiming to disingenuously influence public policy. Graphic: Pestroy, a DDT-laced coating marketed in 1946 by Sherwin-Williams Research Laboratories.

Keywords: Carson, Rachel; DDT; environmental chemistry; insecticides; malaria.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Conservation of Natural Resources* / history
  • Conservation of Natural Resources* / legislation & jurisprudence
  • DDT / chemical synthesis
  • DDT / chemistry
  • DDT / history
  • DDT / toxicity*
  • Environmental Policy* / history
  • Environmental Policy* / legislation & jurisprudence
  • History, 19th Century
  • History, 20th Century
  • Insecticides / chemical synthesis
  • Insecticides / chemistry
  • Insecticides / history
  • Insecticides / toxicity*

Substances

  • Insecticides
  • DDT