Rachel Carson- Silent Spring

     Rachel Carson played a massive role in the field of environmental health.  With Carson’s book, Silent Spring, she exposed the government’s spray practices concerning DDT and other pesticides.  She faced extreme opposition from the government and chemical companies, but ultimately ignited the reversal in national pesticide policies.  Her research exposed the possible environmental effects and human health effects (cancer) associated with the use of synthetic pesticides.  She claimed the chemical industry was knowingly spreading false information regarding pesticides, and government officials were accepting their claims without question.  Upon completion of her research, the government officials eventually ban the use of DDT and other pesticides nationwide.  Her work also inspired the establishment of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.