Rachel Carson

Rachel Carson is known for being an advocate for eliminating harmful chemicals in the environment. Carson's viewpoint on these chemicals have both positive and negative outcomes. One of main toxic chemicals that Carson pushed to be deemed unsafe for use is DDT. DDT is an insecticide that has been used throughout the world to help with some of the harmful insects in the environment. When DDT is sprayed everything is covered with the toxic chemical. Carson knew of the effects of DDT and was outrage when she found the negative side effects. With much determination Carson was able to get the use of DDT banned. On the negative end of the spectrum the use of DDT is no longer allowed in remote locations plagued with malaria. Without the use of DDT people are held captives in their own homes. In some regions people must sleep and live under mosquito nets. I believe DDT is a horrible chemical, but I also believe that it needs to be used under close supervision and in moderation. This chemical could provide a new life to a group of people that deserve to live their life. 

Cancer Statistics

Did you know, most cases of lung cancer death, close to 90% in men, and 80% in women are caused by cigarette smoking? There are several other types of cancer that can be attributed to smoking as well, and they include cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, bladder, stomach, cervix, kidney and pancreas, and acute myeloid leukemia. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, and cigarette smoking causes most cases. In 2003, an estimated 171,900 new cases of lung cancer occurred and approximately 157,200 people died from lung cancer. Reductions in the number of people who smoke cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and other tobacco products or use smokeless tobacco could prevent most of the estimated 30,200 new cases and 7,800 deaths from oral cavity and pharynx cancers annually in the United States.