DDT and the American Century

November 1, 2011

Kinkela (history, SUNY at Fredonia) traces the global use of DDT since 1941, particularly in relation to malaria, and examines the pesticide's political and economic implications in this nuanced and accessible study of complicated issues of health and the environment. Rachel Carson is part of this story, including her early advocacy of what is now called integrated pest management. Problems with pesticide poisoning of agriculture workers and insect resistance to DDT preceded the 1972 ban on the use of DDT in the United States. Historic cartoons and photographs included here add insight to this highly politicized and contentious subject. VERDICT Readers interested in the environment, public health, and international relations will find this book particularly timely as the World Health Organization and the Gates Foundation renew efforts for malaria eradication more than 40 years after abandoning eradication as a goal in 1969. Kinkela's recognition that current tools and systems are insufficient for the task and his advocacy of a more integrated effort than past attempts make this book a relevant and useful addition.--Mary Chitty, Cambridge Healthtech Lib., Needham, MA

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.