This book protests against the widespread use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides in the U.S because of the harm that such chemicals do to the environment and to humans. By giving many examples of the inefficacy of chemical pest control and of human death resulting from poisoning via chemical sprays, Carson makes it abundantly clear that using chemicals to tamper with nature upsets the delicate balance of life and causes a backlash. For example, chemical insecticide sprays kill not only the target insect but also its natural predators, allowing surviving target insects to thrive without restrictions. Chemical sprays also contain poisons like arsenic, which build up in miniscule amounts in the body and cause untimely death in humans. By bringing this fatal reality of chemical sprays close to us, Carson evokes fear in us and effectively turns us against chemical sprays. Her statements in this all-revealing book teach us the importance of knowing the consequences before we take action. - Jikyu K., eighth-grade teen volunteer
Publisher's description:
Discusses the reckless annihilation of fish and birds by the use of pesticides and warns of the possible genetic effects on humans.