Silent Spring - Debate

Debate

Since its publication, Silent Spring has been subject to much debate among critics and supporters. Today, most controversy surrounds the political repercussions of the book and subsequent political movements that stemmed from its publication — particularly those that have deterred the usage of DDT in and outside of the United States. Public opinion of DDT today is rooted in Carson's work and the popularity of the book. Much of the scientific aspects of the book have been elaborated on, but scientists remain undecided and in disagreement as to whether not the usage of DDT is less harmful or more harmful than emphasized in the book, and there is further debate as to whether or not these harmful effects outweigh the potential benefits of the usage of DDT for specific purposes.