Silent

Spring
THE
EXPLOSIVE
BESTSELLER
THE WHOLE WORLD
IS TALKING ABOUT
RACHEL
CARSON
Author of THE SEA AROUND US
SILENT SPRING, winner of 8 awards*, is !e !isor" #a$in% &esse''er
!a s(nned !e wor'd wi! is errif"in% re)e'aion a&o( o(r *ona#inaed
+'ane, No s*ien*e- fi*ion ni%!#are *an e.(a' !e +ower of !is a(!eni* and
*!i''in% +orrai of !e (n-seen desro"ers w!i*! !a)e a'read" &e%(n o *!an%e
!e s!a+e of 'ife as we $now i,
/Si'en S+rin% is a de)asain% aa*$ on !(#an *are'essness, %reed
and irres+onsi&i'i", I s!o('d &e read &" e)er" A#eri*an w!o does no wan i o
&e !e e+ia+! of a wor'd no )er" far &e"ond (s in i#e,0
--- Saturday Review
*Awards re*ei)ed &" Ra*!e' 1arson for SILENT SPRING2
T!e S*!wei3er 4eda' 5Ani#a' We'fare Insi(e6
T!e 1onsan*e Lindsa" S$inner A*!ie)e#en Award for #eri in !e rea'# of
&oo$s 5Wo#en7s Naiona' Boo$ Asso*iaion6
Award for Disin%(is!ed Ser)i*e 5New En%'and O(door Wriers Asso*iaion6
1onser)aion Award for 89:; 5Rod and G(n Ediors of 4ero+o'ian 4an!aan6
1onser)aionis of !e <ear 5Naiona' Wi'd'ife =ederaion6
89:> A*!ie)e#en Award 5A'&er Einsein 1o''e%e of 4edi*ine --- Wo#en7s
Di)ision6
Ann(a' =o(nders Award 5Isaa$ Wa'on Lea%(e6
1iaion 5Inernaiona' and U,S, 1o(n*i's of Wo#en6
Silent Spring
( By Rachel Carson )
/I re*o##end SILENT SPRING a&o)e a'' o!er &oo$s,0 --- N, ?, Berri''
a(!or of 4AN7S E4ERGING 4IND
@1erain o &e !isor"-#a$in% in is inf'(en*e (+on !o(%! and +(&'i* +o'i*"
a'' o)er !e wor'd,@ --Boo$-of-!e-4on! 1'(& News
@4iss 1arson is a s*ienis and is no %i)en o ossin% serio(s *!ar%es
aro(nd *are'ess'", W!en s!e warns (s, as s!e does wi! s(*! a +rofo(nd
sense of (r%en*", we o(%! o a$e !eed, SILENT SPRING #a" we'' &e one
of !e %rea and 'owerin% &oo$s of o(r i#e, T!is &oo$ is #(s readin% for
e)er" res+onsi&'e *ii3en,@ --1!i*a%o Dai'"
@4iss 1arsonAs *r" of warnin% is i#e'", If o(r s+e*ies *anno +o'i*e ise'f
a%ains o)er+o+('aion, n(*'ear wea+ons and +o''(ion, i #a" &e*o#e
eBin*,@ --T!e New <or$ Ti#es
@A %rea wo#an !as awa$ened !e Naion &" !er for*ef(' a**o(n of !e
dan%ers aro(nd (s, We owe #(*! o Ra*!e' 1arson,@ --Sewar L, Uda'',
Se*rear" of !e Inerior
@I is !i%! i#e for +eo+'e o $now a&o( !ese ra+id *!an%es in !eir
en)iron#en, and o a$e an effe*i)e +ar in !e &a'e !a #a" s!a+e !e
f((re of a'' 'ife on ear!,@ -T!e New <or$ Ti#es Boo$ Re)iewCfron +a%eD
@I s!o('d *o#e as no s(r+rise !a !e %ifed a(!or of THE SEA AROUN US
*an a$e ano!er &ran*! of s*ien*e ,,, and &rin% i so s!ar+'" ino fo*(s !a
an" ine''i%en 'a"#an *an (ndersand w!a s!e is a'$in% a&o(, Undersand,
"es, and s!(dder, for s!e !as drawn a 'i)in% +orrai of w!a is !a++enin% o
!is &a'an*e of na(re as de*reed in !e s*ien*e of 'ife --- and w!a #an is
doin% 5and !as done6 o desro" i and *reae a s*ien*e of dea!,@ -Eir%inia
Kir$(s B(''ein
Silent
Spring
By Rachel Carson
(ONE SINGLE BOOK WHICH BROUGHT THE ISSUE OF PESTICIDES CENTERSTAGE. WITH MASS
SCALE POISONING
OF THE LAND WITH PESTICIDES AND WITH THOUSANDS OF FARMERS COMMITTING SUICIDE
THIS BOOK IS
ESSENTIAL FOR PUBLIC RESEARCH IN INDIA.)
A 1REST REPRINT
=AW1ETT PUBLI1ATIONS, IN1,, GREENWI1H, 1ONN,
4E4BER O= A4ERI1AN BOOK PUBLISHERS 1OUN1IL, IN1,
To A'&er S*!wei3er
w!o said
Man has lost the capacity to
foresee
and to forestall. He will end by
destroying the earth.
Contents
i. A*$now'ed%#ens
ii. =oreword
1. A =a&'e for To#orrow
2. T!e O&'i%aion o End(re
3. E'iBirs of Dea!
4. S(rfa*e Waers and Under%ro(nd
Seas
. Rea'#s of !e Soi'
!. Ear!7s Green 4an'e
". Need'ess Ha)o*
#. And No Birds Sin%
$. Ri)ers of Dea!
1%. Indis*ri#inae'" fro# !e S$ies
11. Be"ond !e Drea#s of !e
Bor%ias
12. T!e H(#an Pri*e
13. T!ro(%! a Narrow Window
14. One in E)er" =o(r
1. Na(re =i%!s Ba*$
1!. T!e R(#&'in%s of an A)a'an*!e
1". T!e O!er Road
A!no"#e$%&ents
IN A LETTER wrien in ?an(ar" 89F8, O'%a Owens H(*$ins o'd #e of !er own
&ier eB+erien*e of a s#a'' wor'd #ade 'ife'ess, and so &ro(%! #" aenion s!ar+'"
&a*$ o a +ro&'e# wi! w!i*! I !ad 'on% &een *on*erned, I !en rea'i3ed I #(s wrie
!is &oo$,
D(rin% !e "ears sin*e !en I !a)e re*ei)ed !e'+ and en*o(ra%e#en fro# so #an"
+eo+'e !a i is no +ossi&'e o na#e !e# a'' !ere, T!ose w!o !a)e free'" s!ared
wi! #e !e fr(is of #an" "ears7 eB+erien*e and s(d" re+resen a wide )arie" of
%o)ern#en a%en*ies in !is and o!er *o(nries, #an" (ni)ersiies and resear*!
insi(ions, and #an" +rofessions, To a'' of !e# I eB+ress #" dee+es !an$s for i#e
and !o(%! so %enero(s'" %i)en,
In addiion #" s+e*ia' %rai(de %oes o !ose w!o oo$ i#e o read +orions of !e
#an(s*ri+ and o offer *o##en and *rii*is# &ased on !eir own eB+er
$now'ed%e, A'!o(%! !e fina' res+onsi&i'i" for !e a**(ra*" and )a'idi" of !e eB is
#ine, I *o('d no !a)e *o#+'eed !e &oo$ wi!o( !e %enero(s !e'+ of !ese
s+e*ia'iss2 L, G, Bar!o'o#ew, 4,D,, of !e 4a"o 1'ini*, ?o!n ?, Biese'e of !e
Uni)ersi" of TeBas, A, W, A, Brown of !e Uni)ersi" of Wesern Onario, 4oron S,
Bis$ind, 4,D,, of Wes+or, 1onne*i*(, 1, ?, BrieGer of !e P'an Proe*ion Ser)i*e
in Ho''and, 1'aren*e 1oa# of !e Ro& and Bessie We'der Wi'd'ife =o(ndaion,
Geor%e 1ri'e, ?r,, 4,D,, of !e 1'e)e'and 1'ini*, =ran$ E%'er of Norfo'$, 1onne*i*(,
4a'*o'# 4, Har%ra)es, 4,D,, of !e 4a"o 1'ini*, W, 1, H(e+er, 4,D,, of !e Naiona'
1an*er Insi(e, 1, ?, Kerswi'' of !e =is!eries Resear*! Board of 1anada, O'a(s
4(rie of !e Wi'derness So*ie", A, D, Pi*$e of !e 1anada De+ar#en of
A%ri*('(re, T!o#as G, S*o of !e I''inois Na(ra' Hisor" S(r)e", 1'aren*e Tar3we''
of !e Taf Saniar" En%ineerin% 1ener, and Geor%e ?, Wa''a*e of 4i*!i%an Sae
Uni)ersi", E)er" wrier of a &oo$ &ased on #an" di)erse fa*s owes #(*! o !e
s$i'' and !e'+f('ness of 'i&rarians, I owe s(*! a de& o #an", &( es+e*ia''" o Ida K,
?o!nson of !e De+ar#en of !e Inerior Li&rar" and o T!e'#a Ro&inson of !e
Li&rar" of !e Naiona' Insi(es of Hea'!,
As #" edior, Pa(' Broo$s !as %i)en seadfas en*o(ra%e#en o)er !e "ears
and !as *!eerf(''" a**o##odaed !is +'ans o +os+one#ens and de'a"s, =or !is,
and for !is s$i''ed edioria' G(d%#en, I a# e)er'asin%'" %raef(', I !a)e !ad *a+a&'e
and de)oed assisan*e in !e enor#o(s as$ of 'i&rar" resear*! fro# Doro!" A'%ire,
?eanne Da)is, and Bee Hane" D(ff, And I *o('d no +ossi&'" !a)e *o#+'eed !e
as$, (nder *ir*(#san*es so#ei#es diffi*(', eB*e+ for !e fai!f(' !e'+ of #"
!o(se$ee+er, Ida S+row,
=ina''", I #(s a*$now'ed%e o(r )as inde&edness o a !os of +eo+'e, #an"
of !e# (n$nown o #e +ersona''", w!o !a)e ne)er!e'ess #ade !e wriin% of !is
&oo$ see# wor!w!i'e, T!ese are !e +eo+'e w!o firs s+o$e o( a%ains !e
RA1HEL 1ARSON
re*$'ess and irres+onsi&'e +oisonin% of !e wor'd !a #an s!ares wi! a'' o!er
*rea(res, and w!o are e)en now fi%!in% !e !o(sands of s#a'' &a'es !a in !e
end wi'' &rin% )i*or" for sani" and *o##on sense in o(r a**o##odaion o !e
wor'd !a s(rro(nds (s,
Fo'e"o'$
IN 89F8, w!en Ra*!e' 1arson (nderoo$ o wrie !e &oo$ !a &e*a#e Silent
Spring, s!e was fif" "ears o'd, S!e !ad s+en #os of !er +rofessiona' 'ife as a
#arine &io'o%is and wrier wi! !e U,S, =is! and Wi'd'ife Ser)i*e, B( now s!e was a
wor'd-fa#o(s a(!or, !an$s o !e fa&('o(s s(**ess of !he Sea "round #s,
+(&'is!ed se)en "ears &efore, Ro"a'ies fro# !is &oo$ and is s(**essor, !he $dge
of the Sea, !ad ena&'ed !er o de)oe f('' i#e o !er own wriin%, To #os a(!ors
!is wo('d see# 'i$e an idea' si(aion2 an esa&'is!ed re+(aion, freedo# o *!oose
one7s own s(&Ge*, +(&'is!ers #ore !an read" o *onra* for an"!in% one wroe, I
#i%! !a)e &een ass(#ed !a !er neB &oo$ wo('d &e in a fie'd !a offered !e
sa#e o++or(niies, !e sa#e Go" in resear*!, as did is +rede*essors, Indeed s!e
!ad s(*! +roGe*s in #ind, B( i was no o &e, W!i'e wor$in% for !e %o)ern#en,
s!e and !er s*ienifi* *o''ea%(es !ad &e*o#e a'ar#ed &" !e wides+read (se of
DDT and o!er 'on%-'asin% +oisons in so-*a''ed a%ri*('(ra' *onro' +ro%ra#s,
I##ediae'" afer !e war, w!en !ese dan%ers !ad a'read" &een re*o%ni3ed, s!e
!ad ried in )ain o ineres so#e #a%a3ine in an ari*'e on !e s(&Ge*, A de*ade
'aer, w!en !e s+ra"in% of +esi*ides and !er&i*ides 5so#e of !e# #an" i#es as
oBi* as DDT6 was *a(sin% w!o'esa'e desr(*ion of wi'd'ife and is !a&ia, and
*'ear'" endan%erin% !(#an 'ife, s!e de*ided s!e !ad o s+ea$ o(, A%ain s!e ried o
ineres !e #a%a3ines in an ari*'e, T!o(%! &" now s!e was a we''-$nown wrier, !e
#a%a3ine +(&'is!ers, fearin% o 'ose ad)erisin%, (rned !er down, =or eBa#+'e, a
#an(fa*(rer of *anned &a&" food *'ai#ed !a s(*! an ari*'e wo('d *a(se
/(nwarraned fear0 o #o!ers w!o (sed !is +rod(*, 5T!e one eB*e+ion was !he
%ew &or'er, w!i*! wo('d 'aer seria'i3e +ars of Silent Spring in ad)an*e of &oo$
+(&'i*aion,6 So !e on'" answer was o wrie a &oo$H&oo$ +(&'is!ers &ein% free of
ad)erisin% +ress(re, 4iss 1arson ried o find so#eone e'se o wrie i, &( a 'as
s!e de*ided !a if i were o &e done, s!e wo('d !a)e o do i !erse'f, 4an" of !er
sron%es ad#irers .(esioned w!e!er s!e *o('d wrie a sa'a&'e &oo$ on s(*! a
drear" s(&Ge*, S!e s!ared !eir do(&s, &( s!e wen a!ead &e*a(se s!e !ad o,
/T!ere wo('d &e no +ea*e for #e,0 s!e wroe o a friend, /if I $e+ si'en,0
Si'en S+rin% was o)er fo(r "ears in !e #a$in%, I re.(ired a )er" differen
$ind of resear*! fro# !er +re)io(s &oo$s, S!e *o('d no 'on%er re*o(n !e de'i%!s
of !e 'a&oraories a Woods Ho'e or of !e #arine ro*$ +oo's a 'ow ide, ?o" in !e
s(&Ge* ise'f !ad o &e re+'a*ed &" a sense of a'#os re'i%io(s dedi*aion, And
eBraordinar" *o(ra%e2 d(rin% !e fina' "ears s!e was +'a%(ed wi! w!a s!e er#ed
/a w!o'e *aa'o%(e of i''nesses,0
A'so s!e $new )er" we'' !a s!e wo('d &e aa*$ed &" !e *!e#i*a' ind(sr", I was
no si#+'"
!a s!e was o++osin% indis*ri#inae (se of +oisons &(H#ore f(nda#ena''"H!a
RA1HEL 1ARSON
s!e !ad
#ade *'ear !e &asi* irres+onsi&i'i" of an ind(sria'i3ed, e*!no'o%i*a' so*ie" oward
!e
na(ra' wor'd, W!en !e aa*$ did *o#e, i was +ro&a&'" as &ier and (ns*r(+('o(s
as
an"!in% of !e sor sin*e !e +(&'i*aion of 1!ar'es Darwin7s (rigin of Species a
*en(r" &efore,
H(ndreds of !o(sands of do''ars were s+en &" !e *!e#i*a' ind(sr" in an ae#+
o
dis*redi !e &oo$ and o #a'i%n !e a(!orHs!e was des*ri&ed as an i%noran and
!"seri*a'
wo#an w!o waned o (rn !e ear! o)er o !e inse*s, T!ese aa*$s for(nae'"
&a*$fired
&" *reain% #ore +(&'i*i" !an !e +(&'is!er +ossi&'" *o('d !a)e afforded, A #aGor
*!e#i*a'
*o#+an" ried o so+ +(&'i*aion on !e %ro(nds !a 4iss 1arson !ad #ade a
#issae#en a&o( one of !eir +rod(*s, S!e !adn7, and +(&'i*aion +ro*eeded on
s*!ed('e,
S!e !erse'f was sin%('ar'" (n#o)ed &" a'' !is f(ror,
4eanw!i'e, as a dire* res(' of !e #essa%e in Silent Spring, Presiden
Kenned" se (+ a s+e*ia' +ane' of !is S*ien*e Ad)isor" 1o##iee o s(d" !e
+ro&'e# of +esi*ides, T!e +ane'7s re+or, w!en i a++eared so#e #on!s 'aer, was
a *o#+'ee )indi*aion of !er !esis, Ra*!e' 1arson was )er" #odes a&o( !er
a**o#+'is!#en, As s!e wroe o a *'ose friend w!en !e #an(s*ri+ was nearin%
*o#+'eion2 /T!e &ea(" of !e 'i)in% wor'd I was r"in% o sa)e !as a'wa"s &een
(++er#os in #" #indH!a, and an%er a !e sense'ess, &r(is! !in%s !a were
&ein% done,,,, Now ' *an &e'ie)e I !a)e a 'eas !e'+ed a 'i'e,0 In fa*, !er &oo$
!e'+ed o #a$e e*o'o%", w!i*! was an (nfa#i'iar word in !ose da"s, one of !e
%rea +o+('ar *a(ses of o(r i#e, I 'ed o en)iron#ena' 'e%is'aion a e)er" 'e)e' of
%o)ern#en,
Twen"-fi)e "ears afer is ori%ina' +(&'i*aion, Si'en S+rin% !as #ore !an a
!isori*a' ineres, S(*! a &oo$ &rid%es !e %('f &eween w!a 1, P, Snow *a''ed /!e
wo *('(res,0 Ra*!e' 1arson was a rea'isi*, we''-rained s*ienis w!o +ossessed
!e insi%! and sensii)i" of a +oe, S!e !ad an e#oiona' res+onse o na(re for
w!i*! s!e did no a+o'o%i3e, T!e #ore s!e 'earned, !e %reaer %rew w!a s!e
er#ed /!e sense of wonder,0 So s!e s(**eeded in #a$in% a &oo$ a&o( dea! a
*e'e&raion of 'ife, Rereadin% !er &oo$ oda", one is aware !a is i#+'i*aions are
far &roader !an !e i##ediae *risis wi! w!i*! i dea', B" awa$in% (s o a s+e*ifi*
dan%erH!e +oisonin% of !e ear! wi! *!e#i*a'sHs!e !as !e'+ed (s o re*o%ni3e
#an" o!er wa"s 5so#e 'i'e $nown in !er i#e6 in w!i*! #an$ind is de%radin% !e
.(a'i" of 'ife on o(r +'ane,
And Si'en S+rin% wi'' *onin(e o re#ind (s !a in o(r o)er-or%ani3ed and
o)er- #e*!ani3ed a%e, indi)id(a' iniiai)e and *o(ra%e si'' *o(n2 *!an%e *an &e
&ro(%! a&o(, no !ro(%! in*ie#en o war or )io'en re)o'(ion, &( ra!er &"
a'erin% !e dire*ion of o(r !in$in% a&o( !e wor'd we 'i)e in,
(. A F)*#e +o' To&o''o"
THERE WAS ON1E a own in !e !ear of A#eri*a w!ere a'' 'ife see#ed o
'i)e in !ar#on" wi! is s(rro(ndin%s, T!e own 'a" in !e #ids of a *!e*$er&oard of
+ros+ero(s far#s, wi! fie'ds of %rain and !i''sides of or*!ards w!ere, in s+rin%,
w!ie *'o(ds of &'oo# drifed a&o)e !e %reen fie'ds, In a((#n, oa$ and #a+'e and
&ir*! se (+ a &'a3e of *o'or !a f'a#ed and f'i*$ered a*ross a &a*$dro+ of +ines,
T!en foBes &ar$ed in !e !i''s and deer si'en'" *rossed !e fie'ds, !a'f !idden in !e
#iss of !e fa'' #ornin%s,
A'on% !e roads, 'a(re', )i&(rn(# and a'der, %rea ferns and wi'df'owers de'i%!ed !e
ra)e'er7s e"e !ro(%! #(*! of !e "ear, E)en in winer !e roadsides were +'a*es of
&ea(", w!ere *o(n'ess &irds *a#e o feed on !e &erries and on !e seed !eads of
!e dried weeds risin% a&o)e !e snow, T!e *o(nr"side was, in fa*, fa#o(s for !e
a&(ndan*e and )arie" of is &ird 'ife, and w!en !e f'ood of #i%rans was +o(rin%
!ro(%! in s+rin% and fa'' +eo+'e ra)e'ed fro# %rea disan*es o o&ser)e !e#,
O!ers *a#e o fis! !e srea#s, w!i*! f'owed *'ear and *o'd o( of !e !i''s and
*onained s!ad" +oo's w!ere ro( 'a", So i !ad &een fro# !e da"s #an" "ears a%o
w!en !e firs se'ers raised !eir !o(ses, san$ !eir we''s, and &(i' !eir &arns,
T!en a sran%e &'i%! *re+ o)er !e area and e)er"!in% &e%an o *!an%e, So#e
e)i' s+e'' !ad se'ed on !e *o##(ni"2 #"serio(s #a'adies swe+ !e f'o*$s of
*!i*$ensI !e *a'e and s!ee+ si*$ened and died, E)er"w!ere was a s!adow of
dea!, T!e far#ers s+o$e of #(*! i''ness a#on% !eir fa#i'ies, In !e own !e
do*ors !ad &e*o#e #ore and #ore +(33'ed &" new $inds of si*$ness a++earin%
a#on% !eir +aiens, T!ere !ad &een se)era' s(dden and (neB+'ained dea!s, no
on'" a#on% ad('s &( e)en a#on% *!i'dren, w!o wo('d &e sri*$en s(dden'" w!i'e
a +'a" and die wi!in a few !o(rs,
T!ere was a sran%e si''ness, T!e &irds, for eBa#+'eHw!ere !ad !e" %oneJ 4an"
+eo+'e s+o$e of !e#, +(33'ed and dis(r&ed, T!e feedin% saions in !e &a*$"ards
were desered, T!e few &irds seen an"w!ere were #ori&(ndI !e" re#&'ed )io'en'"
and *o('d no f'", I was a s+rin% wi!o( )oi*es, On !e #ornin%s !a !ad on*e
!ro&&ed wi! !e dawn *!or(s of ro&ins, *a&irds, do)es, Ga"s, wrens, and s*ores of
o!er &ird )oi*es !ere was now no so(ndI on'" si'en*e 'a" o)er !e fie'ds and woods
and #ars!,
On !e far#s !e !ens &rooded, &( no *!i*$s !a*!ed, T!e far#ers *o#+'ained !a
!e" were (na&'e o raise an" +i%sH!e 'iers were s#a'' and !e "o(n% s(r)i)ed
on'" a few da"s, T!e a++'e rees were *o#in% ino &'oo# &( no &ees droned a#on%
!e &'osso#s, so !ere was no +o''inaion and !ere wo('d &e no fr(i, T!e
roadsides, on*e so ara*i)e, were now 'ined wi! &rowned and wi!ered )e%eaion
as !o(%! swe+ &" fire, T!ese, oo, were si'en, desered &" a'' 'i)in% !in%s, E)en
!e srea#s were now 'ife'ess, An%'ers no 'on%er )isied !e#, for a'' !e fis! !ad
died,
In !e %(ers (nder !e ea)es and &eween !e s!in%'es of !e roofs, a w!ie
%ran('ar +owder si'' s!owed a few +a*!esI so#e wee$s &efore i !ad fa''en 'i$e
snow (+on !e roofs and !e 'awns, !e fie'ds and srea#s, No wi*!*raf, no ene#"
a*ion !ad si'en*ed !e re&ir! of new 'ife in !is sri*$en wor'd, T!e +eo+'e !ad done
i !e#se')es,
, , ,T!is own does no a*(a''" eBis, &( i #i%! easi'" !a)e a !o(sand
*o(ner+ars in A#eri*a or e'sew!ere in !e wor'd, I $now of no *o##(ni" !a !as
eB+erien*ed a'' !e
#isfor(nes I des*ri&e, <e e)er" one of !ese disasers !as a*(a''" !a++ened
so#ew!ere, and #an" rea' *o##(niies !a)e a'read" s(ffered a s(&sania' n(#&er
of !e#, A %ri# s+e*er
!as *re+ (+on (s a'#os (nnoi*ed, and !is i#a%ined ra%ed" #a" easi'" &e*o#e a
sar$ rea'i" we a'' s!a'' $now, W!a !as a'read" si'en*ed !e )oi*es of s+rin% in
*o(n'ess owns in A#eri*aJ T!is &oo$ is an ae#+ o eB+'ain,
,. T-e O*#.%)t.on to En$/'e
THE HISTOR< O= LI=E on ear! !as &een a !isor" of inera*ion &eween
'i)in% !in%s and !eir s(rro(ndin%s, To a 'ar%e eBen, !e +!"si*a' for# and !e
!a&is of !e ear!7s )e%eaion and is ani#a' 'ife !a)e &een #o'ded &" !e
en)iron#en, 1onsiderin% !e w!o'e s+an of ear!'" i#e, !e o++osie effe*, in
w!i*! 'ife a*(a''" #odifies is s(rro(ndin%s, !as &een re'ai)e'" s'i%!, On'" wi!in
!e #o#en of i#e re+resened &" !e +resen *en(r" !as one s+e*iesH#anH
a*.(ired si%nifi*an +ower o a'er !e na(re of !is wor'd,
D(rin% !e +as .(arer *en(r" !is +ower !as no on'" in*reased o one of
dis(r&in% #a%ni(de &( i !as *!an%ed in *!ara*er, T!e #os a'ar#in% of a'' #an7s
assa('s (+on !e en)iron#en is !e *ona#inaion of air, ear!, ri)ers, and sea wi!
dan%ero(s and e)en 'e!a' #aeria's, T!is +o''(ion is for !e #os +ar irre*o)era&'eI
!e *!ain of e)i' i iniiaes no
on'" in !e wor'd !a #(s s(++or 'ife &( in 'i)in% iss(es is for !e #os +ar
irre)ersi&'e, In !is now (ni)ersa' *ona#inaion of !e en)iron#en, *!e#i*a's are
!e siniser and 'i'e- re*o%ni3ed +arners of radiaion in *!an%in% !e )er" na(re of
!e wor'dH!e )er" na(re of is 'ife, Sroni(# 9K, re'eased !ro(%! n(*'ear
eB+'osions ino !e air, *o#es o ear! in rain or drifs down as fa''o(, 'od%es in soi',
eners ino !e %rass or *orn or w!ea %rown !ere, and in i#e a$es (+ is a&ode in
!e &ones of a !(#an &ein%, !ere o re#ain (ni' !is dea!, Si#i'ar'", *!e#i*a's
s+ra"ed on *ro+'ands or foress or %ardens 'ie 'on% in soi', enerin% ino 'i)in%
or%anis#s, +assin% fro# one o ano!er in a *!ain of +oisonin% and dea!, Or !e"
+ass #"serio(s'" &" (nder%ro(nd srea#s (ni' !e" e#er%e and, !ro(%! !e
a'*!e#" of air and s(n'i%!, *o#&ine ino new for#s !a $i'' )e%eaion, si*$en
*a'e, and wor$ (n$nown !ar# on !ose w!o drin$ fro# on*e +(re we''s, As A'&er
S*!wei3er !as said, L4an *an !ard'" e)en re*o%ni3e !e de)i's of !is own *reaion,7
I oo$ !(ndreds of #i''ions of "ears o +rod(*e !e 'ife !a now in!a&is !e ear!H
eons of i#e in w!i*! !a de)e'o+in% and e)o')in% and di)ersif"in% 'ife rea*!ed a
sae of adG(s#en and &a'an*e wi! is s(rro(ndin%s, T!e en)iron#en, ri%oro(s'"
s!a+in% and dire*in% !e 'ife i s(++ored, *onained e'e#ens !a were !osi'e as
we'' as s(++orin%, 1erain ro*$s %a)e o( dan%ero(s radiaionI e)en wi!in !e 'i%!
of !e s(n, fro# w!i*! a'' 'ife draws is ener%", !ere were s!or-wa)e radiaions wi!
+ower o inG(re, Gi)en i#eHi#e no in "ears &( in #i''enniaH'ife adG(ss, and a
&a'an*e !as &een rea*!ed, =or i#e is !e essenia' in%redienI &( in !e #odern
wor'd !ere is no i#e, T!e ra+idi" of *!an%e and !e s+eed wi! w!i*! new
si(aions are *reaed fo''ow !e i#+e(o(s and !eed'ess +a*e of #an ra!er !an
!e de'i&erae +a*e of na(re, Radiaion is no 'on%er #ere'" !e &a*$%ro(nd radiaion
of ro*$s, !e &o#&ard#en of *os#i* ra"s, !e ('ra)io'e of !e s(n !a !a)e
eBised &efore !ere was an" 'ife on ear!I radiaion is now !e (nna(ra' *reaion of
#an7s a#+erin% wi! !e ao#, T!e *!e#i*a's o w!i*! 'ife is as$ed o #a$e is
adG(s#en are no 'on%er #ere'" !e *a'*i(# and si'i*a and *o++er and a'' !e res of
!e #inera's was!ed o( of !e ro*$s and *arried in ri)ers o !e seaI !e" are !e
s"n!ei* *reaions of #an7s in)eni)e #ind, &rewed in !is 'a&oraories, and !a)in%
no *o(ner+ars in na(re,
To adG(s o !ese *!e#i*a's wo('d re.(ire i#e on !e s*a'e !a is na(re7sI i wo('d
re.(ire no #ere'" !e "ears of a #an7s 'ife &( !e 'ife of %eneraions, And e)en !is,
were i &" so#e #ira*'e +ossi&'e, wo('d &e f(i'e, for !e new *!e#i*a's *o#e fro#
o(r 'a&oraories in an
end'ess srea#I a'#os fi)e !(ndred ann(a''" find !eir wa" ino a*(a' (se in !e Unied
Saes a'one, T!e fi%(re is sa%%erin% and is i#+'i*aions are no easi'" %ras+edH
FKK new *!e#i*a's o w!i*! !e &odies of #en and ani#a's are re.(ired so#e!ow
o ada+ ea*! "ear, *!e#i*a's oa''" o(side !e 'i#is of &io'o%i* eB+erien*e,
A#on% !e# are #an" !a are (sed in #an7s war a%ains na(re, Sin*e !e #id-89MKs
o)er ;KK &asi* *!e#i*a's !a)e &een *reaed for (se in $i''in% inse*s, weeds,
rodens, and o!er or%anis#s des*ri&ed in !e #odern )erna*('ar as L+ess7I and
!e" are so'd (nder se)era' !o(sand differen &rand na#es, T!ese s+ra"s, d(ss,
and aeroso's are now a++'ied a'#os (ni)ersa''" o far#s, %ardens, foress, and
!o#esH nonse'e*i)e *!e#i*a's !a !a)e !e +ower o $i'' e)er" inse*, !e L%ood7
and !e L&ad7, o si'' !e son% of &irds and !e 'ea+in% of fis! in !e srea#s, o *oa
!e 'ea)es wi! a dead'" fi'#, and o 'in%er on in soi'Ha'' !is !o(%! !e inended
ar%e #a" &e on'" a few weeds or inse*s, 1an an"one &e'ie)e i is +ossi&'e o 'a"
down s(*! a &arra%e of +oisons on !e s(rfa*e of !e ear! wi!o( #a$in% i (nfi for
a'' 'ifeJ T!e" s!o('d no &e *a''ed Linse*i*ides7, &( L&io*ides7, T!e w!o'e +ro*ess of
s+ra"in% see#s *a(%! (+ in an end'ess s+ira', Sin*e DDT was re'eased for *i)i'ian
(se, a +ro*ess of es*a'aion !as &een %oin% on in w!i*! e)er #ore oBi* #aeria's
#(s &e fo(nd, T!is !as !a++ened &e*a(se inse*s, in a ri(#+!an )indi*aion of
Darwin7s +rin*i+'e of !e s(r)i)a' of !e fies, !a)e e)o')ed s(+er ra*es i##(ne o
!e +ari*('ar inse*i*ide (sed, !en*e a dead'ier one !as a'wa"s o &e de)e'o+edH
and !en a dead'ier one !an !a, I !as !a++ened a'so &e*a(se, for reasons o &e
des*ri&ed 'aer, desr(*i)e inse*s ofen (nder%o a Lf'are&a*$7, or res(r%en*e, afer
s+ra"in%, in n(#&ers %reaer !an &efore, T!(s !e *!e#i*a' war is ne)er won, and
a'' 'ife is *a(%! in is )io'en *rossfire,
A'on% wi! !e +ossi&i'i" of !e eBin*ion of #an$ind &" n(*'ear war, !e *enra'
+ro&'e# of o(r a%e !as !erefore &e*o#e !e *ona#inaion of #an7s oa'
en)iron#en wi! s(*! s(&san*es of in*redi&'e +oenia' for !ar#Hs(&san*es !a
a**(#('ae in !e iss(es of +'ans and ani#a's and e)en +enerae !e %er# *e''s o
s!aer or a'er !e )er" #aeria'
of !eredi" (+on w!i*! !e s!a+e of !e f((re de+ends,
So#e wo('d-&e ar*!ie*s of o(r f((re 'oo$ oward a i#e w!en i wi'' &e +ossi&'e o
a'er !e !(#an %er# +'as# &" desi%n, B( we #a" easi'" &e doin% so now &"
inad)eren*e, for #an" *!e#i*a's, 'i$e radiaion, &rin% a&o( %ene #(aions, I is
ironi* o !in$ !a #an #i%! deer#ine !is own f((re &" so#e!in% so see#in%'"
ri)ia' as !e *!oi*e of an inse* s+ra",
A'' !is !as &een ris$edHfor w!aJ =((re !isorians #a" we'' &e a#a3ed &" o(r
disored sense of +ro+orion, How *o('d ine''i%en &ein%s see$ o *onro' a few
(nwaned s+e*ies &" a #e!od !a *ona#inaed !e enire en)iron#en and
&ro(%! !e !rea of disease and dea! e)en o !eir own $indJ <e !is is +re*ise'"
w!a we !a)e done, We !a)e done i, #oreo)er, for reasons !a *o''a+se !e
#o#en we eBa#ine !e#, We are o'd !a !e enor#o(s and eB+andin% (se of
+esi*ides is ne*essar" o #ainain far# +rod(*ion, <e is o(r rea' +ro&'e# no one
of overproduction) O(r far#s, des+ie #eas(res o re#o)e a*rea%es fro#
+rod(*ion and o +a" far#ers not o +rod(*e, !a)e "ie'ded s(*! a sa%%erin%
eB*ess of *ro+s !a !e A#eri*an aB+a"er in 89:; is +a"in% o( #ore !an one
&i''ion do''ars a "ear as !e oa' *arr"in% *os of !e s(r+'(s-food sora%e +ro%ra#,
And is !e si(aion !e'+ed w!en one &ran*! of !e A%ri*('(re De+ar#en ries o
red(*e +rod(*ion w!i'e ano!er saes, as i did in 89F8, LI is &e'ie)ed %enera''" !a
red(*ion of *ro+ a*rea%es (nder +ro)isions of !e Soi' Ban$ wi'' si#('ae ineres in
(se of *!e#i*a's o o&ain #aBi#(# +rod(*ion on !e 'and reained in
*ro+s,7 A'' !is is no o sa" !ere is no inse* +ro&'e# and no need of *onro', I a#
sa"in%, ra!er, !a *onro' #(s &e %eared o rea'iies, no o #"!i*a' si(aions, and
!a !e #e!ods e#+'o"ed #(s &e s(*! !a !e" do no desro" (s a'on% wi! !e
inse*s,
, , , T!e +ro&'e# w!ose ae#+ed so'(ion !as &ro(%! s(*! a rain of disaser in is
wa$e is an a**o#+ani#en of o(r #odern wa" of 'ife, Lon% &efore !e a%e of #an,
inse*s in!a&ied !e ear!Ha %ro(+ of eBraordinari'" )aried and ada+a&'e &ein%s,
O)er !e *o(rse of i#e sin*e #an7s ad)en, a s#a'' +er*ena%e of !e #ore !an
!a'f a #i''ion s+e*ies of inse*s !a)e *o#e ino *onf'i* wi! !(#an we'fare in wo
+rin*i+a' wa"s2 as *o#+eiors for !e food s(++'" and as *arriers of !(#an disease,
Disease-*arr"in% inse*s &e*o#e i#+oran w!ere !(#an &ein%s are *rowded
o%e!er, es+e*ia''" (nder *ondiions w!ere saniaion is +oor, as in i#e of na(ra'
disaser or war or in si(aions of eBre#e +o)er" and de+ri)aion, T!en *onro' of
so#e sor &e*o#es ne*essar", I is a so&erin% fa*, !owe)er, as we s!a'' +resen'"
see, !a !e #e!od of #assi)e *!e#i*a' *onro' !as !ad on'" 'i#ied s(**ess, and
a'so !reaens o worsen !e )er" *ondiions i is inended o *(r&,
Under +ri#ii)e a%ri*('(ra' *ondiions !e far#er !ad few inse* +ro&'e#s, T!ese
arose wi! !e inensifi*aion of a%ri*('(reH!e de)oion of i##ense a*rea%es o a
sin%'e *ro+, S(*! a s"se# se !e sa%e for eB+'osi)e in*reases in s+e*ifi* inse*
+o+('aions, Sin%'e-*ro+ far#in% does no a$e ad)ana%e of !e +rin*i+'es &" w!i*!
na(re wor$sI i is a%ri*('(re as an en%ineer #i%! *on*ei)e i o &e, Na(re !as
inrod(*ed %rea )arie" ino !e 'ands*a+e, &( #an !as dis+'a"ed a +assion for
si#+'if"in% i, T!(s !e (ndoes !e &(i'-in *!e*$s and &a'an*es &" w!i*! na(re
!o'ds !e s+e*ies wi!in &o(nds, One i#+oran na(ra' *!e*$ is a 'i#i on !e
a#o(n of s(ia&'e !a&ia for ea*! s+e*ies, O&)io(s'" !en, an inse* !a 'i)es on
w!ea *an &(i'd (+ is +o+('aion o #(*! !i%!er 'e)e's on a far# de)oed o w!ea
!an on one in w!i*! w!ea is iner#in%'ed wi! o!er *ro+s o w!i*! !e inse* is no
ada+ed, T!e sa#e !in% !a++ens in o!er si(aions, A %eneraion or #ore a%o, !e
owns of 'ar%e areas of !e Unied Saes 'ined !eir srees wi! !e no&'e e'# ree,
Now !e &ea(" !e" !o+ef(''" *reaed is !reaened wi! *o#+'ee desr(*ion as
disease swee+s !ro(%! !e e'#s, *arried &" a &ee'e !a wo('d !a)e on'" 'i#ied
*!an*e o &(i'd (+ 'ar%e +o+('aions and o s+read fro# ree o ree if !e e'#s were
on'" o**asiona' rees in a ri*!'" di)ersified +'anin%,
Ano!er fa*or in !e #odern inse* +ro&'e# is one !a #(s &e )iewed a%ains a
&a*$%ro(nd of %eo'o%i* and !(#an !isor"2 !e s+readin% of !o(sands of differen
$inds of or%anis#s fro# !eir nai)e !o#es o in)ade new erriories, T!is wor'dwide
#i%raion !as &een s(died and %ra+!i*a''" des*ri&ed &" !e Briis! e*o'o%is
1!ar'es E'on in !is re*en &oo$ !he $cology of *nvasions, D(rin% !e 1rea*eo(s
Period, so#e !(ndred #i''ion "ears a%o, f'oodin% seas *( #an" 'and &rid%es
&eween *oninens and 'i)in% !in%s fo(nd !e#se')es *onfined in w!a E'on *a''s
L*o'ossa' se+arae na(re reser)es7, T!ere, iso'aed fro# o!ers of !eir $ind, !e"
de)e'o+ed #an" new s+e*ies, W!en so#e of !e 'and #asses were Goined a%ain,
a&o( 8F #i''ion "ears a%o, !ese s+e*ies &e%an o #o)e o( ino new errioriesHa
#o)e#en !a is no on'" si'' in +ro%ress &( is now re*ei)in% *onsidera&'e
assisan*e fro# #an,
T!e i#+oraion of +'ans is !e +ri#ar" a%en in !e #odern s+read of s+e*ies, for
ani#a's !a)e a'#os in)aria&'" %one a'on% wi! !e +'ans, .(aranine &ein% a
*o#+arai)e'" re*en and no *o#+'ee'" effe*i)e inno)aion, T!e Unied Saes
Offi*e of P'an Inrod(*ion a'one !as inrod(*ed a'#os ;KK,KKK s+e*ies and
)arieies of +'ans fro# a'' o)er !e wor'd, Near'" !a'f of !e 88K or so #aGor inse*
ene#ies of +'ans in !e Unied Saes are a**idena' i#+ors fro#
a&road, and #os of !e# !a)e *o#e as !i*!!i$ers on +'ans, In new errior", o( of
rea*! of !e resrainin% !and of !e na(ra' ene#ies !a $e+ down is n(#&ers in is
nai)e 'and, an in)adin% +'an or ani#a' is a&'e o &e*o#e enor#o(s'" a&(ndan,
T!(s i is no a**iden !a o(r #os ro(&'eso#e inse*s are inrod(*ed s+e*ies,
T!ese in)asions, &o! !e na(ra''" o**(rrin% and !ose de+enden on !(#an
assisan*e, are 'i$e'" o *onin(e indefinie'", N(aranine and #assi)e *!e#i*a'
*a#+ai%ns are on'" eBre#e'" eB+ensi)e wa"s of &("in% i#e, We are fa*ed,
a**ordin% o Dr, E'on, Lwi! a 'ife-and-dea! need no G(s o find new e*!no'o%i*a'
#eans of s(++ressin% !is +'an or !a ani#a'7I insead we need !e &asi*
$now'ed%e of ani#a' +o+('aions and !eir re'aions o !eir s(rro(ndin%s !a wi''
L+ro#oe an e)en &a'an*e and da#+ down !e eB+'osi)e +ower of o(&rea$s and
new in)asions,7
4(*! of !e ne*essar" $now'ed%e is now a)ai'a&'e &( we do no (se i, We rain
e*o'o%iss in o(r (ni)ersiies and e)en e#+'o" !e# in o(r %o)ern#ena' a%en*ies
&( we se'do# a$e !eir ad)i*e, We a''ow !e *!e#i*a' dea! rain o fa'' as !o(%!
!ere were no a'ernai)e, w!ereas in fa* !ere are #an", and o(r in%en(i" *o('d
soon dis*o)er #an" #ore if %i)en o++or(ni",
Ha)e we fa''en ino a #es#eri3ed sae !a #a$es (s a**e+ as ine)ia&'e !a
w!i*! is inferior or deri#ena', as !o(%! !a)in% 'os !e wi'' or !e )ision o de#and
!a w!i*! is %oodJ S(*! !in$in%, in !e words of !e e*o'o%is Pa(' S!e+ard,
Lidea'i3es 'ife wi! on'" is !ead o( of waer, in*!es a&o)e !e 'i#is of o'eraion of
!e *orr(+ion of is own en)iron#en,,,W!" s!o('d we o'erae a die of wea$
+oisons, a !o#e in insi+id s(rro(ndin%s, a *ir*'e of a*.(ainan*es w!o are no .(ie
o(r ene#ies, !e noise of #oors wi! G(s eno(%! re'ief o +re)en insani"J W!o
wo('d wan o 'i)e in a wor'd w!i*! is G(s no .(ie faa'J7
<e s(*! a wor'd is +ressed (+on (s, T!e *r(sade o *reae a *!e#i*a''" seri'e,
inse*-free wor'd see#s o !a)e en%endered a fanai* 3ea' on !e +ar of #an"
s+e*ia'iss and #os of !e so-*a''ed *onro' a%en*ies, On e)er" !and !ere is
e)iden*e !a !ose en%a%ed in s+ra"in% o+eraions eBer*ise a r(!'ess +ower, LT!e
re%('aor" eno#o'o%iss,,,f(n*ion as +rose*(or, G(d%e and G(r", aB assessor and
*o''e*or and s!eriff o enfor*e !eir own orders,7 said 1onne*i*( eno#o'o%is
Nee'" T(rner, T!e #os f'a%ran a&(ses %o (n*!e*$ed in &o! sae and federa'
a%en*ies, I is no #" *onenion !a *!e#i*a' inse*i*ides #(s ne)er &e (sed, I do
*onend !a we !a)e +( +oisono(s and &io'o%i*a''" +oen *!e#i*a's
indis*ri#inae'" ino !e !ands of +ersons 'ar%e'" or w!o''" i%noran of !eir
+oenia's for !ar#, We !a)e s(&Ge*ed enor#o(s n(#&ers of +eo+'e o *ona* wi!
!ese +oisons, wi!o( !eir *onsen and ofen wi!o( !eir $now'ed%e, If !e Bi'' of
Ri%!s *onains no %(aranee !a a *ii3en s!a'' &e se*(re a%ains 'e!a' +oisons
disri&(ed ei!er &" +ri)ae indi)id(a's or &" +(&'i* offi*ia's, i is s(re'" on'" &e*a(se
o(r forefa!ers, des+ie !eir *onsidera&'e wisdo# and foresi%!, *o('d *on*ei)e of
no s(*! +ro&'e#,
I *onend, f(r!er#ore, !a we !a)e a''owed !ese *!e#i*a's o &e (sed wi! 'i'e or
no ad)an*e in)esi%aion of !eir effe* on soi', waer, wi'd'ife, and #an !i#se'f,
=((re %eneraions are (n'i$e'" o *ondone o(r 'a*$ of +r(den *on*ern for !e
ine%ri" of !e na(ra' wor'd !a s(++ors a'' 'ife, T!ere is si'' )er" 'i#ied awareness
of !e na(re of !e !rea, T!is is an era of s+e*ia'iss, ea*! of w!o# sees !is own
+ro&'e# and is (naware of or ino'eran of !e 'ar%er fra#e ino w!i*! i fis, I is a'so
an era do#inaed &" ind(sr", in w!i*! !e ri%! o #a$e a do''ar a w!ae)er *os is
se'do# *!a''en%ed, W!en !e +(&'i* +roess, *onfroned wi! so#e o&)io(s
e)iden*e of da#a%in% res('s of +esi*ide a++'i*aions, i is fed 'i'e ran.(i'i3in% +i''s
of !a'f r(!, We (r%en'" need an end o !ese fa'se ass(ran*es, o !e s(%ar
*oain% of
(n+a'aa&'e fa*s, I is !e +(&'i* !a is &ein% as$ed o ass(#e !e ris$s !a !e
inse* *onro''ers *a'*('ae, T!e +(&'i* #(s de*ide w!e!er i wis!es o *onin(e on
!e +resen road, and i *an do so on'" w!en in f('' +ossession of !e fa*s, In !e
words of ?ean Rosand, LT!e o&'i%aion o end(re %i)es (s !e ri%! o $now,7
0. E#.1.'s o+ De)t-
=OR THE =IRST TI4E in !e !isor" of !e wor'd, e)er" !(#an &ein% is now
s(&Ge*ed o *ona* wi! dan%ero(s *!e#i*a's, fro# !e #o#en of *on*e+ion (ni'
dea!, In !e 'ess !an wo de*ades of !eir (se, !e s"n!ei* +esi*ides !a)e &een
so !oro(%!'" disri&(ed !ro(%!o( !e ani#ae and inani#ae wor'd !a !e" o**(r
)ir(a''" e)er"w!ere, T!e" !a)e &een re*o)ered fro# #os of !e #aGor ri)er
s"se#s and e)en fro# srea#s of %ro(ndwaer f'owin% (nseen !ro(%! !e ear!,
Resid(es of !ese *!e#i*a's 'in%er in soi' o w!i*! !e" #a" !a)e &een a++'ied a
do3en "ears &efore, T!e" !a)e enered and 'od%ed in !e &odies of fis!, &irds,
re+i'es, and do#esi* and wi'd ani#a's so (ni)ersa''" !a s*ieniss *arr"in% on
ani#a' eB+eri#ens find i a'#os i#+ossi&'e o 'o*ae s(&Ge*s free fro# s(*!
*ona#inaion, T!e" !a)e &een fo(nd in fis! in re#oe #o(nain 'a$es, in
ear!wor#s &(rrowin% in soi', in !e e%%s of &irdsHand in #an !i#se'f, =or !ese
*!e#i*a's are now sored in !e &odies of !e )as #aGori" of !(#an &ein%s,
re%ard'ess of a%e, T!e" o**(r in !e #o!er7s #i'$, and +ro&a&'" in !e iss(es of !e
(n&orn *!i'd, A'' !is !as *o#e a&o( &e*a(se of !e s(dden rise and +rodi%io(s
%row! of an ind(sr" for !e +rod(*ion of #an#ade or s"n!ei* *!e#i*a's wi!
inse*i*ida' +ro+eries, T!is ind(sr" is a *!i'd of !e Se*ond Wor'd War, In !e
*o(rse of de)e'o+in% a%ens of *!e#i*a' warfare, so#e of !e *!e#i*a's *reaed in
!e 'a&oraor" were fo(nd o &e 'e!a' o inse*s, T!e dis*o)er" did no *o#e &"
*!an*e2 inse*s were wide'" (sed o es *!e#i*a's as a%ens of dea! for #an, T!e
res(' !as &een a see#in%'" end'ess srea# of s"n!ei* inse*i*ides, In &ein% #an-
#adeH&" in%enio(s 'a&oraor" #ani+('aion of !e #o'e*('es, s(&si(in% ao#s,
a'erin% !eir arran%e#enH!e" differ s!ar+'" fro# !e si#+'er inse*i*ides of
+rewar da"s, T!ese were deri)ed fro# na(ra''" o**(rrin% #inera's and +'an
+rod(*sH*o#+o(nds of arseni*, *o++er, , #an%anese, 3in*, and o!er #inera's,
+"re!r(# fro# !e dried f'owers of *!r"san!e#(#s, ni*oine s('+!ae fro# so#e
of !e re'ai)es of o&a**o, and roenone fro# 'e%(#ino(s +'ans of !e Eas Indies,
W!a ses !e new s"n!ei* inse*i*ides a+ar is !eir enor#o(s &io'o%i*a' +oen*",
T!e" !a)e i##ense +ower no #ere'" o +oison &( o ener ino !e #os )ia'
+ro*esses of !e &od" and *!an%e !e# in siniser and ofen dead'" wa"s, T!(s, as
we s!a'' see, !e" desro" !e )er" en3"#es w!ose f(n*ion is o +roe* !e &od"
fro# !ar#, !e" &'o*$ !e oBidaion +ro*esses fro# w!i*! !e &od" re*ei)es is
ener%", !e" +re)en !e nor#a' f(n*ionin% of )ario(s or%ans, and !e" #a" iniiae
in *erain *e''s !e s'ow and irre)ersi&'e *!an%e !a 'eads o #a'i%nan*", <e new
and #ore dead'" *!e#i*a's are added o !e 'is ea*! "ear and new (ses are
de)ised so !a *ona* wi! !ese #aeria's !as &e*o#e +ra*i*a''" wor'dwide, T!e
+rod(*ion of s"n!ei* +esi*ides in !e Unied Saes soared fro# 8;M,;F9,KKK
+o(nds in 89MO o :>O,:::,KKK +o(nds in 89:KH#ore !an a fi)efo'd in*rease, T!e
w!o'esa'e )a'(e of !ese +rod(*s was we'' o)er a .(arer of a &i''ion do''ars, B( in
!e +'ans and !o+es of !e ind(sr" !is enor#o(s +rod(*ion is on'" a &e%innin%,
A W!o7s W!o of +esi*ides is !erefore of *on*ern o (s a'', If we are %oin% o 'i)e so
ini#ae'" wi! !ese *!e#i*a'sHeain% and drin$in% !e#, a$in% !e# ino !e )er"
#arrow of o(r &onesHwe !ad &eer $now so#e!in% a&o( !eir na(re and !eir
+ower, A'!o(%! !e Se*ond Wor'd War #ar$ed a (rnin% awa" fro# inor%ani*
*!e#i*a's as +esi*ides ino !e wonder wor'd of !e *ar&on #o'e*('e, a few of !e
o'd #aeria's +ersis, 1!ief a#on% !ese is
arseni*, w!i*! is si'' !e &asi* in%redien in a )arie" of weed and inse* $i''ers,
Arseni* is a !i%!'" oBi* #inera' o**(rrin% wide'" in asso*iaion wi! !e ores of
)ario(s #ea's, and in )er" s#a'' a#o(ns in )o'*anoes, in !e sea, and in s+rin%
waer, Is re'aions o #an are )aried and !isori*, Sin*e #an" of is *o#+o(nds are
ase'ess, i !as &een a fa)orie a%en of !o#i*ide fro# 'on% &efore !e i#e of !e
Bor%ias o !e +resen, Arseni* is +resen in En%'is! *!i#ne" soo and a'on% wi!
*erain aro#ai* !"dro*ar&ons is *onsidered res+onsi&'e for !e *ar*ino%eni* 5or
*an*er-*a(sin%6 a*ion of !e soo, w!i*! was re*o%ni3ed near'" wo *en(ries a%o
&" an En%'is! +!"si*ian, E+ide#i*s of *!roni* arseni*a' +oisonin% in)o')in% w!o'e
+o+('aions o)er 'on% +eriods are on re*ord, Arseni*-*ona#inaed en)iron#ens
!a)e a'so *a(sed si*$ness and dea! a#on% !orses, *ows, %oas, +i%s, deer, fis!es,
and &eesI des+ie !is re*ord arseni*a' s+ra"s and d(ss are wide'" (sed, In !e
arseni*-s+ra"ed *oon *o(nr" of so(!ern Unied Saes &ee$ee+in% as an ind(sr"
!as near'" died o(, =ar#ers (sin% arseni* d(ss o)er 'on% +eriods !a)e &een
aff'i*ed wi! *!roni* arseni* +oisonin%, 'i)eso*$ !a)e &een +oisoned &" *ro+ s+ra"s
or weed $i''ers *onainin% arseni*, Drifin% arseni* d(ss fro# &'(e&err" 'ands !a)e
s+read o)er nei%!&orin% far#s, *ona#inain% srea#s, faa''" +oisonin% &ees and
*ows, and *a(sin% !(#an i''ness, LI is s*ar*e'" +ossi&'e,,,o !and'e arseni*a's wi!
#ore (er disre%ard of !e %enera' !ea'! !an !a w!i*! !as &een +ra*i*ed in o(r
*o(nr" in re*en "ears,7 said Dr, W, 1, H(e+er, of !e Naiona' 1an*er Insi(e, an
a(!ori" on en)iron#ena' *an*er, LAn"one w!o !as wa*!ed !e d(sers and
s+ra"ers of arseni*a' inse*i*ides a wor$ #(s !a)e &een i#+ressed &" !e a'#os
s(+re#e *are'essness wi! w!i*! !e +oisono(s s(&san*es are dis+ensed,7 , , ,
4odern inse*i*ides are si'' #ore dead'", T!e )as #aGori" fa'' ino one of wo 'ar%e
%ro(+s of *!e#i*a's, One, re+resened &" DDT, is $nown as !e L*!'orinaed
!"dro*ar&ons, T!e o!er %ro(+ *onsiss of !e or%ani* +!os+!or(s inse*i*ides, and
is re+resened &" !e reasona&'" fa#i'iar #a'a!ion and +ara!ion, A'' !a)e one !in%
in *o##on, As #enioned a&o)e, !e" are &(i' on a &asis of *ar&on ao#s, w!i*!
are a'so !e indis+ensa&'e &(i'din% &'o*$s of !e 'i)in% wor'd, and !(s *'assed as
Lor%ani*7, To (ndersand !e#, we #(s see of w!a !e" are #ade, and !ow,
a'!o(%! 'in$ed wi! !e &asi* *!e#isr" of a'' 'ife, !e" 'end !e#se')es o !e
#odifi*aions w!i*! #a$e !e# a%ens of dea!,
T!e &asi* e'e#en, *ar&on, is one w!ose ao#s !a)e an a'#os infinie *a+a*i" for
(niin% wi! ea*! o!er in *!ains and rin%s and )ario(s o!er *onfi%(raions, and for
&e*o#in% 'in$ed wi! ao#s of o!er s(&san*es, Indeed, !e in*redi&'e di)ersi" of
'i)in% *rea(res fro# &a*eria o !e %rea &'(e w!a'e is 'ar%e'" d(e o !is *a+a*i" of
*ar&on, T!e *o#+'eB +roein #o'e*('e !as !e *ar&on ao# as is &asis, as !a)e
#o'e*('es of fa, *ar&o!"draes, en3"#es, and )ia#ins, So, oo, !a)e enor#o(s
n(#&ers of non'i)in% !in%s, for *ar&on is no ne*essari'" a s"#&o' of 'ife, So#e
or%ani* *o#+o(nds are si#+'" *o#&inaions of *ar&on and !"dro%en, T!e si#+'es
of !ese is #e!ane, or #ars! %as, for#ed in na(re &" !e &a*eria' de*o#+osiion
of or%ani* #aer (nder waer, 4iBed wi! air in +ro+er +ro+orions, #e!ane
&e*o#es !e dreaded Lfire da#+7 of *oa' #ines, Is sr(*(re is &ea(if(''" si#+'e,
*onsisin% of one *ar&on ao# o w!i*!
fo(r !"dro%en ao#s !a)e &e*o#e aa*!ed2
1!e#iss !a)e dis*o)ered !a i is +ossi&'e o dea*! one or a'' of !e !"dro%en ao#s
and s(&si(e o!er e'e#ens, =or eBa#+'e, &" s(&si(in% one ao# of *!'orine for
one of !"dro%en we +rod(*e #e!"' *!'oride2
Ta$e awa" !ree !"dro%en ao#s and s(&si(e *!'orine and we !a)e !e
anes!ei* *!'orofor#2
S(&si(e *!'orine ao#s for a'' of !e !"dro%en ao#s and !e res(' is *ar&on
era*!'oride, !e fa#i'iar *'eanin% f'(id2
In !e si#+'es +ossi&'e er#s, !ese *!an%es r(n% (+on !e &asi* #o'e*('e of
#e!ane i''(srae w!a a *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&on is, B( !is i''(sraion %i)es 'i'e !in
of !e r(e *o#+'eBi" of !e *!e#i*a' wor'd of !e !"dro*ar&ons, or of !e
#ani+('aions &" w!i*! !e or%ani* *!e#is *reaes !is infinie'" )aried #aeria's, =or
insead of !e si#+'e #e!ane #o'e*('e wi! is sin%'e *ar&on ao#, !e #a" wor$ wi!
!"dro*ar&on #o'e*('es *onsisin% of #an" *ar&on ao#s, arran%ed in rin%s or *!ains,
wi! side *!ains or &ran*!es, !o'din% o !e#se')es wi! *!e#i*a' &onds no #ere'"
si#+'e ao#s of !"dro%en or *!'orine &( a'so a wide )arie" of *!e#i*a' %ro(+s, B"
see#in%'" s'i%! *!an%es !e w!o'e *!ara*er of !e s(&san*e is *!an%edI for
eBa#+'e, no on'" w!a is aa*!ed &( !e +'a*e of aa*!#en o
!e *ar&on ao# is !i%!'" i#+oran, S(*! in%enio(s #ani+('aions !a)e +rod(*ed a
&aer" of +oisons of r('" eBraordinar" +ower, , , ,
DDT 5s!or for di*!'oro-di+!en"'-ri*!'oro-e!ane6 was firs s"n!esi3ed &" a Ger#an
*!e#is in 88OM, &( is +ro+eries as an inse*i*ide were no dis*o)ered (ni' 89>9,
A'#os i##ediae'" DDT was !ai'ed as a #eans of sa#+in% o( inse*-&orne disease
and winnin% !e far#ers7 war a%ains *ro+ desro"ers o)erni%!, T!e dis*o)erer, Pa('
4P''er of Swi3er'and, won !e No&e' Pri3e, DDT is now so (ni)ersa''" (sed !a in
#os #inds !e +rod(* a$es on !e !ar#'ess as+e* of !e fa#i'iar, Per!a+s !e
#"! of !e !ar#'essness of DDT ress on !e fa* !a one of is firs (ses was !e
wari#e d(sin% of #an" !o(sands of so'diers, ref(%ees, and +risoners, o *o#&a
'i*e, I is wide'" &e'ie)ed !a sin*e so #an" +eo+'e *a#e ino eBre#e'" ini#ae
*ona* wi! DDT and s(ffered no i##ediae i'' effe*s !e *!e#i*a' #(s *erain'"
&e inno*en of !ar#, T!is (ndersanda&'e #is*on*e+ion arises fro# !e fa* !aH
(n'i$e o!er *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&onsHDDT in powder for+ is no readi'" a&sor&ed
!ro(%! !e s$in, Disso')ed in oi', as i (s(a''" is, DDT is definie'" oBi*, If
swa''owed, i is a&sor&ed s'ow'" !ro(%! !e di%esi)e ra*I i #a" a'so &e a&sor&ed
!ro(%! !e '(n%s, On*e i !as enered !e &od" i is sored 'ar%e'" in or%ans ri*! in
fa" s(&san*es 5&e*a(se DDT ise'f is fa-so'(&'e6 s(*! as !e adrena's, eses, or
!"roid, Re'ai)e'" 'ar%e a#o(ns are de+osied in !e 'i)er, $idne"s, and !e fa of !e
'ar%e, +roe*i)e #eseneries !a enfo'd !e inesines,
T!is sora%e of DDT &e%ins wi! !e s#a''es *on*ei)a&'e ina$e of !e *!e#i*a'
5w!i*! is +resen as resid(es on #os foods(ffs6 and *onin(es (ni' .(ie !i%!
'e)e's are rea*!ed, T!e fa" sora%e de+os a* as &io'o%i*a' #a%nifiers, so !a an
ina$e of as 'i'e as of 8 +ar +er #i''ion in !e die res('s in sora%e of a&o( 8K o
8F +ars +er #i''ion, an in*rease of one !(ndredfo'd or #ore, T!ese er#s of
referen*e, so *o##on+'a*e o !e *!e#is or !e +!ar#a*o'o%is, are (nfa#i'iar o
#os of (s, One +ar in a #i''ion so(nds 'i$e a )er" s#a'' a#o(nHand so i is, B(
s(*! s(&san*es are so +oen !a a #in(e .(ani" *an &rin% a&o( )as *!an%es
in !e &od", In ani#a' eB+eri#ens, > +ars +er #i''ion !as &een fo(nd o in!i&i an
essenia' en3"#e in !ear #(s*'eI on'" F +ars +er #i''ion !as &ro(%! a&o(
ne*rosis or disine%raion of 'i)er *e''sI on'" ;,F +ars +er #i''ion of !e *'ose'" re'aed
*!e#i*a's die'drin and *!'ordane did !e sa#e, T!is is rea''" no s(r+risin%, In !e
nor#a' *!e#isr" of !e !(#an &od" !ere is G(s s(*! a dis+ari" &eween *a(se
and effe*, =or eBa#+'e, a .(ani" of iodine as s#a'' as wo en-!o(sand!s of a
%ra# s+e''s !e differen*e &eween !ea'! and disease, Be*a(se !ese s#a''
a#o(ns of +esi*ides are *(#('ai)e'" sored and on'" s'ow'" eB*reed, !e !rea of
*!roni* +oisonin% and de%enerai)e *!an%es of !e 'i)er and o!er or%ans is )er"
rea',
S*ieniss do no a%ree (+on !ow #(*! DDT *an &e sored in !e !(#an &od", Dr,
Arno'd Le!#an, w!o is !e *!ief +!ar#a*o'o%is of !e =ood and Dr(%
Ad#inisraion, sa"s !ere is nei!er a f'oor &e'ow w!i*! DDT is no a&sor&ed nor a
*ei'in% &e"ond w!i*! a&sor+ion and sora%e *eases, On !e o!er !and, Dr,
Wa"'and Ha"es of !e Unied Saes P(&'i* Hea'! Ser)i*e *onends !a in e)er"
indi)id(a' a +oin of e.(i'i&ri(# is rea*!ed, and !a DDT in eB*ess of !is a#o(n is
eB*reed, =or +ra*i*a' +(r+oses i is no +ari*('ar'" i#+oran w!i*! of !ese #en is
ri%!, Sora%e in !(#an &ein%s !as &een we'' in)esi%aed, and we $now !a !e
a)era%e +erson is sorin% +oenia''" !ar#f(' a#o(ns, A**ordin% o )ario(s s(dies,
indi)id(a's wi! no $nown eB+os(re 5eB*e+ !e ine)ia&'e diear" one6 sore an
a)era%e of F,> +ars +er #i''ion o O,M +ars +er #i''ionI a%ri*('(ra' wor$ers 8O,8
+ars +er #i''ionI and
wor$ers in inse*i*ide +'ans as !i%! as :M8 +ars +er #i''ionQ So !e ran%e of +ro)en
sora%e is .(ie wide and, w!a is e)en #ore o !e +oin, !e #ini#(# fi%(res are
a&o)e !e 'e)e' a w!i*! da#a%e o !e 'i)er and o!er or%ans or iss(es #a" &e%in,
One of !e #os siniser fea(res of DDT and re'aed *!e#i*a's is !e wa" !e" are
+assed on fro# one or%anis# o ano!er !ro(%! a'' !e 'in$s of !e food *!ains, =or
eBa#+'e, fie'ds of a'fa'fa are d(sed wi! DDTI #ea' is 'aer +re+ared fro# !e a'fa'fa
and fed o !ensI !e !ens 'a" e%%s w!i*! *onain DDT, Or !e !a", *onainin%
resid(es of O o 8 +ars +er #i''ion, #a" &e fed o *ows, T!e DDT wi'' (rn (+ in !e
#i'$ in !e a#o(n of a&o( > +ars +er #i''ion, &( in &(er #ade fro# !is #i'$ !e
*on*enraion #a" r(n o :F +ars +er #i''ion, T!ro(%! s(*! a +ro*ess of ransfer,
w!a sared o( as a )er" s#a'' a#o(n of DDT #a" end as a !ea)" *on*enraion,
=ar#ers nowada"s find i diffi*(' o o&ain (n*ona#inaed fodder for !eir #i'$
*ows, !o(%! !e =ood and Dr(% Ad#inisraion for&ids !e +resen*e of inse*i*ide
resid(es in #i'$ s!i++ed in inersae *o##er*e,
T!e +oison #a" a'so &e +assed on fro# #o!er o offs+rin%, Inse*i*ide resid(es
!a)e &een re*o)ered fro# !(#an #i'$ in sa#+'es esed &" =ood and Dr(%
Ad#inisraion s*ieniss, T!is #eans !a !e &reas-fed !(#an infan is re*ei)in%
s#a'' &( re%('ar addiions o !e 'oad of oBi* *!e#i*a's &(i'din% (+ in !is &od", I is
&" no #eans !is firs eB+os(re, !owe)er2 !ere is %ood reason o &e'ie)e !is &e%ins
w!i'e !e is si'' in !e wo#&, In eB+eri#ena' ani#a's !e *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&on
inse*i*ides free'" *ross !e &arrier of !e +'a*ena, !e radiiona' +roe*i)e s!ie'd
&eween !e e#&r"o and !ar#f(' s(&san*es in !e #o!er7s &od", W!i'e !e
.(aniies so re*ei)ed &" !(#an infans wo('d nor#a''" &e s#a'', !e" are no
(ni#+oran &e*a(se *!i'dren are #ore s(s*e+i&'e o +oisonin% !an ad('s, T!is
si(aion a'so #eans !a oda" !e a)era%e indi)id(a' a'#os *erain'" sars 'ife wi!
!e firs de+osi of !e %rowin% 'oad of *!e#i*a's !is &od" wi'' &e re.(ired o *arr"
!en*efor!,
A'' !ese fa*sHsora%e a e)en 'ow 'e)e's, s(&se.(en a**(#('aion, and
o**(rren*e of 'i)er da#a%e a 'e)e's !a #a" easi'" o**(r in nor#a' dies, *a(sed
=ood and Dr(% Ad#inisraion s*ieniss o de*'are as ear'" as 89FK !a i is
LeBre#e'" 'i$e'" !e +oenia' !a3ard of DDT !as &een (nderesi#aed,7 T!ere !as
&een no s(*! +ara''e' si(aion in #edi*a' !isor", No one "e $nows w!a !e
('i#ae *onse.(en*es #a" &e, , , ,
1!'ordane, ano!er *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&on, !as a'' !ese (n+'easan ari&(es of
DDT +'(s a few !a are +e*('iar'" is own, Is resid(es are 'on% +ersisen in soi', on
foods(ffs, or on s(rfa*es o w!i*! i #a" &e a++'ied, 1!'ordane #a$es (se of a''
a)ai'a&'e +ora's o ener !e &od", I #a" &e a&sor&ed !ro(%! !e s$in, #a" &e
&rea!ed in as a s+ra" or d(s, and of *o(rse is a&sor&ed fro# !e di%esi)e ra* if
resid(es are swa''owed, Li$e a'' o!er *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&ons, is de+osis &(i'd (+
in !e &od" in *(#('ai)e fas!ion, A die *onainin% s(*! a s#a'' a#o(n of
*!'ordane as ;,F +ars +er #i''ion #a" e)en(a''" 'ead o sora%e of OF +ars +er
#i''ion in !e fa of eB+eri#ena' ani#a's, So eB+erien*ed a +!ar#a*o'o%is as Dr,
Le!#an !as des*ri&ed *!'ordane in 89FK as Lone of !e #os oBi* of inse*i*idesH
an"one !and'in% i *o('d &e +oisoned,7 ?(d%in% &" !e *arefree 'i&era'i" wi! w!i*!
d(ss for 'awn rea#ens &" s(&(r&anies are 'a*ed wi! *!'ordane, !is warnin% !as
no &een a$en o !ear, T!e fa* !a !e s(&(r&anie is no insan'" sri*$en !as
'i'e #eanin%, for !e oBins #a" s'ee+ 'on% in !is &od", o &e*o#e #anifes #on!s
or "ears 'aer in an o&s*(re disorder a'#os i#+ossi&'e o ra*e o is ori%ins, On !e
o!er !and, dea! #a" sri$e .(i*$'", One )i*i# w!o a**idena''" s+i''ed a ;F +er
*en ind(sria' so'(ion on !e s$in de)e'o+ed s"#+o#s of +oisonin% wi!in MK
#in(es and died &efore #edi*a' !e'+ *o('d &e o&ained, No re'ian*e *an &e +'a*ed
on re*ei)in% ad)an*e warnin% w!i*! #i%! a''ow rea#en o &e !ad in i#e,
He+a*!'or, one of !e *onsi(ens of *!'ordane, is #ar$eed as a se+arae
for#('aion, I !as a +ari*('ar'" !i%! *a+a*i" for sora%e in fa, If !e die *onains as
'i'e as of 8 +ar +er #i''ion !ere wi'' &e #eas(ra&'e a#o(ns of !e+a*!'or in !e
&od", I a'so !as !e *(rio(s a&i'i" o (nder%o *!an%e ino a *!e#i*a''" disin*
s(&san*e $nown as !e+a*!'or e+oBide, I does !is in soi' and in !e iss(es of &o!
+'ans and ani#a's, Tess on &irds indi*ae !a !e e+oBide !a res('s fro# !is
*!an%e is #ore oBi* !an !e ori%ina' *!e#i*a', w!i*! in (rn is fo(r i#es as oBi*
as *!'ordane, As 'on% a%o as !e #id-89>Ks a s+e*ia' %ro(+ of !"dro*ar&ons, !e
*!'orinaed na+!!a'enes, was fo(nd o *a(se !e+aiis, and a'so a rare and a'#os
in)aria&'" faa' 'i)er disease in +ersons s(&Ge*ed o o**(+aiona' eB+os(re, T!e"
!a)e 'ed o i''ness and dea! of wor$ers in e'e*ri*a' ind(sriesI and #ore re*en'", in
a%ri*('(re, !e" !a)e &een *onsidered a *a(se of a #"serio(s and (s(a''" faa'
disease of *a'e, In )iew of !ese ane*edens, i is no s(r+risin% !a !ree of !e
inse*i*ides !a are re'aed o !is %ro(+ are a#on% !e #os )io'en'" +oisono(s of
a'' !e !"dro*ar&ons, T!ese are die'drin, a'drin, and endrin, Die'drin, na#ed for a
Ger#an *!e#is, Die's, is a&o( F i#es as oBi* as DDT w!en swa''owed &( MK
i#es as oBi* w!en a&sor&ed !ro(%! !e s$in in so'(ion, I is noorio(s for sri$in%
.(i*$'" and wi! erri&'e effe* a !e ner)o(s s"se#, sendin% !e )i*i#s ino
*on)('sions, Persons !(s +oisoned re*o)er so s'ow'" as o indi*ae *!roni* effe*s,
As wi! o!er *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&ons, !ese 'on%-er# effe*s in*'(de se)ere
da#a%e o !e 'i)er, T!e 'on% d(raion of is resid(es and !e effe*i)e inse*i*ida'
a*ion #a$e die'drin one of !e #os (sed inse*i*ides oda", des+ie !e a++a''in%
desr(*ion of wi'd'ife !a !as fo''owed is (se, As esed on .(ai' and +!easans, i
!as +ro)ed o &e a&o( MK o FK i#es as oBi* as DDT, T!ere are )as %a+s in o(r
$now'ed%e of !ow die'drin is sored or disri&(ed in !e &od", or eB*reed, for !e
*!e#iss7 in%en(i" in de)isin% inse*i*ides !as 'on% a%o o(r(n &io'o%i*a' $now'ed%e
of !e wa" !ese +oisons affe* !e 'i)in% or%anis#, Howe)er, !ere is e)er"
indi*aion of 'on% sora%e in !e !(#an &od", w!ere de+osis #a" 'ie dor#an 'i$e a
s'(#&erin% )o'*ano, on'" o f'are (+ in +eriods of +!"sio'o%i*a' sress w!en !e &od"
draws (+on is fa reser)es, 4(*! of w!a we do $now !as &een 'earned !ro(%!
!ard eB+erien*e in !e ani#a'aria' *a#+ai%ns *arried o( &" !e Wor'd Hea'!
Or%ani3aion, As soon as die'drin was s(&si(ed for DDT in #a'aria-*onro' wor$
5&e*a(se !e #a'aria #os.(ioes !ad &e*o#e resisan o DDT6, *ases of +oisonin%
a#on% !e s+ra"#en &e%an o o**(r, T!e sei3(res were se)ereHfro# !a'f o a''
5)ar"in% in !e differen +ro%ra#s6 of !e #en affe*ed wen ino *on)('sions and
se)era' died, So#e !ad *on)('sions as 'on% as four +onths afer !e 'as eB+os(re,
A'drin is a so#ew!a #"serio(s s(&san*e, for a'!o(%! i eBiss as a se+arae
eni" i &ears !e re'aion of a'er e%o o die'drin, W!en *arros are a$en fro# a &ed
reaed wi! a'drin !e" are fo(nd o *onain resid(es of die'drin, T!is *!an%e o**(rs
in 'i)in% iss(es and a'so in soi', S(*! a'*!e#isi* ransfor#aions !a)e 'ed o #an"
erroneo(s re+ors, for if a *!e#is, $nowin% a'drin !as &een a++'ied, ess for i !e
wi'' &e de*ei)ed ino !in$in% a'' resid(es !a)e &een dissi+aed, T!e resid(es are
!ere, &( !e" are die'drin and !is re.(ires a differen es, Li$e die'drin, a'drin is
eBre#e'" oBi*, I +rod(*es de%enerai)e *!an%es in !e 'i)er and $idne"s, A
.(ani" !e si3e of an as+irin a&'e is eno(%! o $i'' #ore !an MKK .(ai', 4an"
*ases of !(#an +oisonin%s are on re*ord, #os of !e# in *onne*ion wi! ind(sria'
!and'in%, A'drin, 'i$e #os
of !is %ro(+ of inse*i*ides, +roGe*s a #ena*in% s!adow ino !e f((re, !e s!adow
of seri'i", P!easans fed .(aniies oo s#a'' o $i'' !e# ne)er!e'ess 'aid few e%%s,
and !e *!i*$s !a !a*!ed soon died, T!e effe* is no *onfined o &irds, Ras
eB+osed o a'drin !ad fewer +re%nan*ies and !eir "o(n% were si*$'" and s!or-'i)ed,
P(++ies &orn of reaed #o!ers died wi!in !ree da"s, B" one #eans or ano!er,
!e new %eneraions s(ffer for !e +oisonin% of !eir +arens, No one $nows w!e!er
!e sa#e effe* wi'' &e seen in !(#an &ein%s, "e !is *!e#i*a' !as &een s+ra"ed
fro# air+'anes o)er s(&(r&an areas and far#'ands,
Endrin is !e #os oBi* of a'' !e *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&ons, A'!o(%! *!e#i*a''"
ra!er *'ose'" re'aed o die'drin, a 'i'e wis in is #o'e*('ar sr(*(re #a$es i F
i#es as +oisono(s, I #a$es !e +ro%enior of a'' !is %ro(+ of inse*i*ides, DDT,
see# &" *o#+arison a'#os !ar#'ess, I is 8F i#es as +oisono(s as DDT o
#a##a's, >K i#es as +oisono(s o fis!, and a&o( >KK i#es as +oisono(s o so#e
&irds, In !e de*ade of is (se, endrin !as $i''ed enor#o(s n(#&ers of fis!, !as
faa''" +oisoned *a'e !a !a)e wandered ino s+ra"ed or*!ards, !as +oisoned
we''s, and !as drawn a s!ar+ warnin% fro# a 'eas one sae !ea'! de+ar#en !a
is *are'ess (se is endan%erin% !(#an 'i)es, In one of !e #os ra%i* *ases of
endrin +oisonin% !ere was no a++aren *are'essnessI effors !ad &een #ade o a$e
+re*a(ions a++aren'" *onsidered ade.(ae, A "ear-o'd *!i'd !ad &een a$en &" !is
A#eri*an +arens o 'i)e in Eene3(e'a, T!ere were *o*$roa*!es in !e !o(se o
w!i*! !e" #o)ed, and afer a few da"s a s+ra" *onainin% endrin was (sed, T!e
&a&" and !e s#a'' fa#i'" do% were a$en o( of !e !o(se &efore !e s+ra"in% was
done a&o( nine o7*'o*$ one #ornin%, Afer !e s+ra"in% !e f'oors were was!ed, T!e
&a&" and do% were re(rned o !e !o(se in #idafernoon, An !o(r or so 'aer !e
do% )o#ied, wen ino *on)('sions, and died, A 8K +,#, on !e e)enin% of !e sa#e
da" !e &a&" a'so )o#ied, wen ino *on)('sions, and 'os *ons*io(sness, Afer !a
faef(' *ona* wi! endrin !is nor#a', !ea'!" *!i'd &e*a#e 'i'e #ore !an a
)e%ea&'eH(na&'e o see or !ear, s(&Ge* o fre.(en #(s*('ar s+as#s, a++aren'"
*o#+'ee'" *( off fro# *ona* wi! !is s(rro(ndin%s, Se)era' #on!s of rea#en in
a New <or$ !os+ia' fai'ed o *!an%e !is *ondiion or &rin% !o+e of *!an%e, LI is
eBre#e'" do(&f(',7 re+ored !e aendin% +!"si*ians, L!a an" (sef(' de%ree of
re*o)er" wi'' o**(r,7 , , , T!e se*ond #aGor %ro(+ of inse*i*ides, !e a'$"' or or%ani*
+!os+!aes, are a#on% !e #os +oisono(s *!e#i*a's in !e wor'd, T!e *!ief and
#os o&)io(s !a3ard aendin% !eir (se is !a of a*(e +oisonin% of +eo+'e a++'"in%
!e s+ra"s or a**idena''" *o#in% in *ona* wi! drifin% s+ra", wi! )e%eaion
*oaed &" i, or wi! a dis*arded *onainer, In ='orida, wo *!i'dren fo(nd an e#+"
&a% and (sed i o re+air a swin%, S!or'" !ereafer &o! of !e# died and !ree of
!eir +'a"#aes &e*a#e i'', T!e &a% !ad on*e *onained an inse*i*ide *a''ed
+ara!ion, one of !e or%ani* +!os+!aesI ess esa&'is!ed dea! &" +ara!ion
+oisonin%, On ano!er o**asion wo s#a'' &o"s in Wis*onsin, *o(sins, died on !e
sa#e ni%!, One !ad &een +'a"in% in !is "ard w!en s+ra" drifed in fro# an adGoinin%
fie'd w!ere !is fa!er was s+ra"in% +oaoes wi! +ara!ionI !e o!er !ad r(n
+'a"f(''" ino !e &arn afer !is fa!er and !ad +( !is !and on !e no33'e of !e s+ra"
e.(i+#en,
T!e ori%in of !ese inse*i*ides !as a *erain ironi* si%nifi*an*e, A'!o(%! so#e of
!e *!e#i*a's !e#se')esHor%ani* esers of +!os+!ori* a*idH!ad &een $nown for
#an" "ears, !eir inse*i*ida' +ro+eries re#ained o &e dis*o)ered &" a Ger#an
*!e#is, Ger!ard S*!rader, in !e 'ae 89>Ks, A'#os i##ediae'" !e Ger#an
%o)ern#en re*o%ni3ed !e )a'(e of !ese sa#e *!e#i*a's as new and de)asain%
wea+ons in #an7s war a%ains !is own $ind, and !e
wor$ on !e# was de*'ared se*re, So#e &e*a#e !e dead'" ner)e %ases, O!ers,
of *'ose'" a''ied sr(*(re, &e*a#e inse*i*ides, T!e or%ani* +!os+!or(s inse*i*ides
a* on !e 'i)in% or%anis# in a +e*('iar wa", T!e" !a)e !e a&i'i" o desro"
en3"#esHen3"#es !a +erfor# ne*essar" f(n*ions in !e &od", T!eir ar%e is !e
ner)o(s s"se#, w!e!er !e )i*i# is an inse* or a war#-&'ooded ani#a', Under
nor#a' *ondiions, an i#+('se +asses fro# ner)e o ner)e wi! !e aid of a L*!e#i*a'
rans#ier7 *a''ed a*e"'*!o'ine, a s(&san*e !a +erfor#s an essenia' f(n*ion and
!en disa++ears, Indeed, is eBisen*e is so e+!e#era' !a #edi*a' resear*!ers are
(na&'e, wi!o( s+e*ia' +ro*ed(res, o sa#+'e i &efore !e &od" !as desro"ed i,
T!is ransien na(re of !e rans#iin% *!e#i*a' is ne*essar" o !e nor#a'
f(n*ionin% of !e &od", If !e a*e"'*!o'ine is no desro"ed as soon as a ner)e
i#+('se !as +assed, i#+('ses *onin(e o f'as! a*ross !e &rid%e fro# ner)e o
ner)e, as !e *!e#i*a' eBers is effe*s in an e)er #ore inensified #anner, T!e
#o)e#ens of !e w!o'e &od" &e*o#e (n*oordinaed2 re#ors, #(s*('ar s+as#s,
*on)('sions, and dea! .(i*$'" res(', T!is *onin%en*" !as &een +ro)ided for &" !e
&od", A +roe*i)e en3"#e *a''ed *!o'ineserase is a !and o desro" !e
rans#iin% *!e#i*a' on*e i is no 'on%er needed, B" !is #eans a +re*ise &a'an*e
is sr(*$ and !e &od" ne)er &(i'ds (+ a dan%ero(s a#o(n of a*e"'*!o'ine, B( on
*ona* wi! !e or%ani* +!os+!or(s inse*i*ides, !e +roe*i)e en3"#e is
desro"ed, and as !e .(ani" of !e en3"#e is red(*ed !a of !e rans#iin%
*!e#i*a' &(i'ds (+, In !is effe*, !e or%ani* +!os+!or(s *o#+o(nds rese#&'e !e
a'$a'oid +oison #(s*arine, fo(nd in a +oisono(s #(s!roo#, !e f'" a#ania,
Re+eaed eB+os(res #a" 'ower !e *!o'ineserase 'e)e' (ni' an indi)id(a' rea*!es
!e &rin$ of a*(e +oisonin%, a &rin$ o)er w!i*! !e #a" &e +(s!ed &" a )er" s#a''
addiiona' eB+os(re, =or !is reason i is *onsidered i#+oran o #a$e +eriodi*
eBa#inaions of !e &'ood of s+ra" o+eraors and o!ers re%('ar'" eB+osed,
Para!ion is one of !e #os wide'" (sed of !e or%ani* +!os+!aes, I is a'so one of
!e #os +owerf(' and dan%ero(s, Hone"&ees &e*o#e Lwi'd'" a%iaed and &e''i*ose7
on *ona* wi! i, +erfor# frani* *'eanin% #o)e#ens, and are near dea! wi!in
!a'f an !o(r, A *!e#is, !in$in% o 'earn &" !e #os dire* +ossi&'e #eans !e dose
a*(e'" oBi* o !(#an &ein%s, swa''owed a #in(e a#o(n, e.(i)a'en o a&o( ,
KKM;M o(n*e, Para'"sis fo''owed so insananeo(s'" !a !e *o('d no rea*! !e
anidoes !e !ad +re+ared a !and, and so !e died, Para!ion is now said o &e a
fa)orie insr(#en of s(i*ide in =in'and, In re*en "ears !e Sae of 1a'ifornia !as
re+ored an a)era%e of #ore !an ;KK *ases of a**idena' +ara!ion +oisonin%
ann(a''", In #an" +ars of !e wor'd !e faa'i" rae fro# +ara!ion is sar'in%2 8KK
faa' *ases in India and :O in S"ria in 89F8, and an a)era%e of >>: dea!s +er "ear
in ?a+an, <e so#e O,KKK,KKK +o(nds of +ara!ion are now a++'ied o fie'ds and
or*!ards of !e Unied SaesH&" !and s+ra"ers, #oori3ed &'owers and d(sers,
and &" air+'ane, T!e a#o(n (sed on 1a'ifornia far#s a'one *o('d, a**ordin% o one
#edi*a' a(!ori", L+ro)ide a 'e!a' dose for F o 8K i#es !e w!o'e wor'd7s
+o+('aion,7
One of !e few *ir*(#san*es !a sa)e (s fro# eBin*ion &" !is #eans is !e fa*
!a +ara!ion and o!er *!e#i*a's of !is %ro(+ are de*o#+osed ra!er ra+id'",
T!eir resid(es on !e *ro+s o w!i*! !e" are a++'ied are !erefore re'ai)e'" s!or-
'i)ed *o#+ared wi! !e *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&ons, Howe)er, !e" 'as 'on% eno(%!
o *reae !a3ards and +rod(*e *onse.(en*es !a ran%e fro# !e #ere'" serio(s o
!e faa', In Ri)erside, 1a'ifornia, e'e)en o( of !ir" #en +i*$in% oran%es &e*a#e
)io'en'" i'' and a'' &( one !ad o &e !os+ia'i3ed, T!eir s"#+o#s were "+i*a' of
+ara!ion +oisonin%,
T!e %ro)e !ad &een s+ra"ed wi! +ara!ion so#e wo and a !a'f wee$s ear'ierI !e
resid(es !a red(*ed !e# o re*!in%, !a'f-&'ind, se#i*ons*io(s #iser" were
siBeen o nineeen da"s o'd, And !is is no &" an" #eans a re*ord for +ersisen*e,
Si#i'ar #is!a+s !a)e o**(rred in %ro)es s+ra"ed a #on! ear'ier, and resid(es !a)e
&een fo(nd in !e +ee' of oran%es siB #on!s afer rea#en wi! sandard dosa%es,
T!e dan%er o a'' wor$ers a++'"in% !e or%ani* +!os+!or(s inse*i*ides in fie'ds,
or*!ards, and )ine"ards, is so eBre#e !a so#e saes (sin% !ese *!e#i*a's !a)e
esa&'is!ed 'a&oraories w!ere +!"si*ians #a" o&ain aid in dia%nosis and
rea#en, E)en !e +!"si*ians !e#se')es #a" &e in so#e dan%er, (n'ess !e"
wear r(&&er %'o)es in !and'in% !e )i*i#s of +oisonin%, So #a" a 'a(ndress
was!in% !e *'o!in% of s(*! )i*i#s, w!i*! #a" !a)e a&sor&ed eno(%! +ara!ion o
affe* !er,
4a'a!ion, ano!er of !e or%ani* +!os+!aes, is a'#os as fa#i'iar o !e +(&'i* as
DDT, &ein% wide'" (sed &" %ardeners, in !o(se!o'd inse*i*ides, in #os.(io
s+ra"in%, and in s(*! &'an$e aa*$s on inse*s as !e s+ra"in% of near'" a #i''ion
a*res of ='orida *o##(niies for !e 4edierranean fr(i f'", I is *onsidered !e 'eas
oBi* of !is %ro(+ of *!e#i*a's and #an" +eo+'e ass(#e !e" #a" (se i free'" and
wi!o( fear of !ar#, 1o##er*ia' ad)erisin% en*o(ra%es !is *o#fora&'e ai(de,
T!e a''e%ed Lsafe"7 of #a'a!ion ress on ra!er +re*ario(s %ro(nd, a'!o(%!Has
ofen !a++ensH!is was no dis*o)ered (ni' !e *!e#i*a' !ad &een in (se for
se)era' "ears, 4a'a!ion is Lsafe7 on'" &e*a(se !e #a##a'ian 'i)er, an or%an wi!
eBraordinar" +roe*i)e +owers, renders i re'ai)e'" !ar#'ess, T!e deoBifi*aion is
a**o#+'is!ed &" one of !e en3"#es of !e 'i)er, If, !owe)er, so#e!in% desro"s
!is en3"#e or inerferes wi! is a*ion, !e +erson eB+osed o #a'a!ion re*ei)es
!e f('' for*e of !e +oison,
Unfor(nae'" for a'' of (s, o++or(niies for !is sor of !in% o !a++en are 'e%ion, A
few "ears a%o a ea# of =ood and Dr(% Ad#inisraion s*ieniss dis*o)ered !a
w!en #a'a!ion and *erain o!er or%ani* +!os+!aes are ad#inisered
si#('aneo(s'" a #assi)e +oisonin% res('sH(+ o FK i#es as se)ere as wo('d &e
+redi*ed on !e &asis of addin% o%e!er !e oBi*iies of !e wo, In o!er words, of
!e 'e!a' dose of ea*! *o#+o(nd #a" &e faa' w!en !e wo are *o#&ined, T!is
dis*o)er" 'ed o !e esin% of o!er *o#&inaions, I is now $nown !a #an" +airs of
or%ani* +!os+!ae inse*i*ides are !i%!'" dan%ero(s, !e oBi*i" &ein% se++ed (+
or L+oeniaed7 !ro(%! !e *o#&ined a*ion, Poeniaion see#s o a$e +'a*e w!en
one *o#+o(nd desro"s !e 'i)er en3"#e res+onsi&'e for deoBif"in% !e o!er, T!e
wo need no &e %i)en si#('aneo(s'", T!e !a3ard eBiss no on'" for !e #an w!o
#a" s+ra" !is wee$ wi! one inse*i*ide and neB wee$ wi! ano!erI i eBiss a'so
for !e *ons(#er of s+ra"ed +rod(*s, T!e *o##on sa'ad &ow' #a" easi'" +resen a
*o#&inaion of or%ani* +!os+!ae inse*i*ides, Resid(es we'' wi!in !e 'e%a''"
+er#issi&'e 'i#is #a" inera*, T!e f('' s*o+e of !e dan%ero(s inera*ion of
*!e#i*a's is as "e 'i'e $nown, &( dis(r&in% findin%s now *o#e re%('ar'" fro#
s*ienifi* 'a&oraories, A#on% !ese is !e dis*o)er" !a !e oBi*i" of an or%ani*
+!os+!ae *an &e in*reased &" a se*ond a%en !a is no ne*essari'" an inse*i*ide,
=or eBa#+'e, one of !e +'asi*i3in% a%ens #a" a* e)en #ore sron%'" !an ano!er
inse*i*ide o #a$e #a'a!ion #ore dan%ero(s, A%ain, !is is &e*a(se i in!i&is !e
'i)er en3"#e !a nor#a''" wo('d Ldraw !e ee!7 of !e +oisono(s inse*i*ide,
W!a of o!er *!e#i*a's in !e nor#a' !(#an en)iron#enJ W!a, in +ari*('ar, of
dr(%sJ A
&are &e%innin% !as &een #ade on !is s(&Ge*, &( a'read" i is $nown !a so#e
or%ani*
+!os+!aes 5+ara!ion and #a'a!ion6 in*rease !e oBi*i" of so#e dr(%s (sed as
#(s*'e
re'aBans, and !a se)era' o!ers 5a%ain in*'(din% #a'a!ion6 #ar$ed'" in*rease !e
s'ee+in% i#e of &ar&i(raes, , , ,
In Gree$ #"!o'o%" !e sor*eress 4edea, enra%ed a &ein% s(++'aned &" a ri)a' for
!e affe*ions of !er !(s&and ?ason, +resened !e new &ride wi! a ro&e
+ossessin% #a%i* +ro+eries, T!e wearer of !e ro&e i##ediae'" s(ffered a )io'en
dea!, T!is dea!-&"indire*ion now finds is *o(ner+ar in w!a are $nown as
Ls"se#i* inse*i*ides7, T!ese are *!e#i*a's wi! eBraordinar" +ro+eries w!i*! are
(sed o *on)er +'ans or ani#a's ino a sor of 4edea7s ro&e &" #a$in% !e#
a*(a''" +oisono(s, T!is is done wi! !e +(r+ose of $i''in% inse*s !a #a" *o#e in
*ona* wi! !e#, es+e*ia''" &" s(*$in% !eir G(i*es or &'ood,
T!e wor'd of s"se#i* inse*i*ides is a weird wor'd, s(r+assin% !e i#a%inin%s of !e
&ro!ers Gri##H+er!a+s #os *'ose'" a$in o !e *aroon wor'd of 1!ar'es Adda#s,
I is a wor'd w!ere !e en*!aned fores of !e fair" a'es !as &e*o#e !e +oisono(s
fores in w!i*! an inse* !a *!ews a 'eaf or s(*$s !e sa+ of a +'an is doo#ed, I is
a wor'd w!ere a f'ea &ies a do%, and dies &e*a(se !e do%7s &'ood !as &een #ade
+oisono(s, w!ere an inse* #a" die fro# )a+ors e#anain% fro# a +'an i !as ne)er
o(*!ed, w!ere a &ee #a" *arr" +oisono(s ne*ar &a*$ o is !i)e and +resen'"
+rod(*e +oisono(s !one",
T!e eno#o'o%iss7 drea# of !e &(i'-in inse*i*ide was &orn w!en wor$ers in !e
fie'd of a++'ied eno#o'o%" rea'i3ed !e" *o('d a$e a !in fro# na(re2 !e" fo(nd
!a w!ea %rowin% in soi' *onainin% sodi(# se'enae was i##(ne o aa*$ &"
a+!ids or s+ider #ies, Se'eni(#, a na(ra''" o**(rrin% e'e#en fo(nd s+arin%'" in
ro*$s and soi's of #an" +ars of !e wor'd, !(s &e*a#e !e firs s"se#i*
inse*i*ide, W!a #a$es an inse*i*ide a s"se#i* is !e a&i'i" o +er#eae a'' !e
iss(es of a +'an or ani#a' and #a$e !e# oBi*, T!is .(a'i" is +ossessed &" so#e
*!e#i*a's of !e *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&on %ro(+ and &" o!ers of !e
or%ano+!os+!or(s %ro(+, a'' s"n!ei*a''" +rod(*ed, as we'' as &" *erain na(ra''"
o**(rrin% s(&san*es, In +ra*i*e, !owe)er, #os s"se#i*s are drawn fro# !e
or%ano+!os+!or(s %ro(+ &e*a(se !e +ro&'e# of resid(es is so#ew!a 'ess a*(e,
S"se#i*s a* in o!er de)io(s wa"s, A++'ied o seeds, ei!er &" soa$in% or in a
*oain% *o#&ined wi! *ar&on, !e" eBend !eir effe*s ino !e fo''owin% +'an
%eneraion and +rod(*e seed'in%s +oisono(s o a+!ids and o!er s(*$in% inse*s,
Ee%ea&'es s(*! as +eas, &eans, and s(%ar &ees are so#ei#es !(s +roe*ed,
1oon seeds *oaed wi! a s"se#i* inse*i*ide !a)e &een in (se for so#e i#e in
1a'ifornia, w!ere ;F far# 'a&o(rers +'anin% *oon in !e San ?oa.(in Ea''e" in 89F9
were sei3ed wi! s(dden i''ness, *a(sed &" !and'in% !e &a%s of reaed seeds, In
En%'and so#eone wondered w!a !a++ened w!en &ees #ade (se of ne*ar fro#
+'ans reaed wi! s"se#i*s, T!is was in)esi%aed in areas reaed wi! a *!e#i*a'
*a''ed s*!radan, A'!o(%! !e +'ans !ad &een s+ra"ed &efore !e f'owers were
for#ed, !e ne*ar 'aer +rod(*ed *onained !e +oison, T!e res(', as #i%! !a)e
&een +redi*ed, was !a !e !one" #ade &" !e &ees a'so was *ona#inaed wi!
s*!radan,
Use of ani#a' s"se#i*s !as *on*enraed *!ief'" on *onro' of !e *a'e %r(&, a
da#a%in% +arasie of 'i)eso*$, EBre#e *are #(s &e (sed in order o *reae an
inse*i*ida' effe* in !e &'ood and iss(es of !e !os wi!o( sein% (+ a faa'
+oisonin%, T!e &a'an*e is de'i*ae and %o)ern#en )eerinarians !a)e fo(nd !a
re+eaed s#a'' doses *an %rad(a''" de+'ee an ani#a'7s s(++'" of !e +roe*i)e
en3"#e *!o'ineserase, so !a wi!o( warnin% a #in(e addiiona' dose wi'' *a(se
+oisonin%,
T!ere are sron% indi*aions !a fie'ds *'oser o o(r dai'" 'i)es are &ein% o+ened (+,
<o( #a" now %i)e "o(r do% a +i'' w!i*!, i is *'ai#ed, wi'' rid !i# of f'eas &" #a$in% !is
&'ood +oisono(s o !e#, T!e !a3ards dis*o)ered in reain% *a'e wo('d
+res(#a&'" a++'" o !e do%, As "e no one see#s o !a)e +ro+osed a !(#an
s"se#i* !a wo('d #a$e (s 'e!a' o a #os.(io, Per!a+s !is is !e neB se+, , , ,
So far in !is *!a+er we !a)e &een dis*(ssin% !e dead'" *!e#i*a's !a are &ein%
(sed in o(r war a%ains !e inse*s, W!a of o(r si#('aneo(s war a%ains !e
weedsJ T!e desire for a .(i*$ and eas" #e!od of $i''in% (nwaned +'ans !as %i)en
rise o a 'ar%e and %rowin% arra" of *!e#i*a's !a are $nown as !er&i*ides, or, 'ess
for#a''", as weed $i''ers, T!e sor" of !ow !ese *!e#i*a's are (sed and #is(sed
wi'' &e o'd in Chapter ,I !e .(esion !a !ere *on*erns (s is w!e!er !e weed
$i''ers are +oisons and w!e!er !eir rise is *onri&(in% o !e +oisonin% of !e
en)iron#en,
T!e 'e%end !a !e !er&i*ides are oBi* on'" o +'ans and so +ose no !rea o
ani#a' 'ife !as &een wide'" disse#inaed, &( (nfor(nae'" i is no r(e, T!e +'an
$i''ers in*'(de a 'ar%e )arie" of *!e#i*a's !a a* on ani#a' iss(e as we'' as on
)e%eaion, T!e" )ar" %rea'" in !eir a*ion on !e or%anis#, So#e are %enera'
+oisons, so#e are +owerf(' si#('ans of #ea&o'is#, *a(sin% a faa' rise in &od"
e#+era(re, so#e ind(*e #a'i%nan (#ors ei!er a'one or in +arners!i+ wi! o!er
*!e#i*a's, so#e sri$e a !e %enei* #aeria' of !e ra*e &" *a(sin% %ene
#(aions, T!e !er&i*ides, !en, 'i$e !e inse*i*ides, in*'(de so#e )er" dan%ero(s
*!e#i*a's, and !eir *are'ess (se in !e &e'ief !a !e" are Lsafe7 *an !a)e
disasro(s res('s, Des+ie !e *o#+eiion of a *onsan srea# of new *!e#i*a's
iss(in% fro# !e 'a&oraories, arseni* *o#+o(nds are si'' 'i&era''" (sed, &o! as
inse*i*ides 5as #enioned a&o)e6 and as weed $i''ers, w!ere !e" (s(a''" a$e !e
*!e#i*a' for# of sodi(# arsenie, T!e !isor" of !eir (se is no reass(rin%, As
roadside s+ra"s, !e" !a)e *os #an" a far#er !is *ow and $i''ed (n*o(ned
n(#&ers of wi'd *rea(res, As a.(ai* weed $i''ers in 'a$es and reser)oirs !e" !a)e
#ade +(&'i* waers (ns(ia&'e for drin$in% or e)en for swi##in%, As a s+ra" a++'ied
o +oao fie'ds o desro" !e )ines !e" !a)e a$en a o'' of !(#an and non!(#an
'ife,
In En%'and !is 'aer +ra*i*e de)e'o+ed a&o( 89F8 as a res(' of a s!ora%e of
s('f(ri* a*id, for#er'" (sed o &(rn off !e +oao )ines, T!e 4inisr" of A%ri*('(re
*onsidered i ne*essar" o %i)e warnin% of !e !a3ard of %oin% ino !e arseni*-
s+ra"ed fie'ds, &( !e warnin% was no (ndersood &" !e *a'e 5nor, we #(s
+res(#e, &" !e wi'd ani#a's and &irds6 and re+ors of *a'e +oisoned &" !e
arseni* s+ra"s *a#e wi! #onoono(s re%('ari", W!en dea! *a#e a'so o a
far#er7s wife !ro(%! arseni*-*ona#inaed waer, one of !e #aGor En%'is! *!e#i*a'
*o#+anies 5in 89F96 so++ed +rod(*ion of arseni*a' s+ra"s and *a''ed in s(++'ies
a'read" in !e !ands of dea'ers, and s!or'" !ereafer !e 4inisr" of A%ri*('(re
anno(n*ed !a &e*a(se of !i%! ris$s o +eo+'e and *a'e resri*ions on !e (se of
arsenies wo('d &e i#+osed, In 89:8, !e A(sra'ian %o)ern#en anno(n*ed a
si#i'ar &an, No s(*! resri*ions i#+ede !e (se of !ese +oisons in !e Unied
Saes, !owe)er,
So#e of !e Ldiniro7 *o#+o(nds are a'so (sed as !er&i*ides, T!e" are raed as
a#on% !e #os dan%ero(s #aeria's of !is "+e in (se in !e Unied Saes,
Diniro+!eno' is a sron% #ea&o'i* si#('an, =or !is reason i was a one i#e (sed
as a red(*in% dr(%, &( !e #ar%in &eween !e s'i##in% dose and !a re.(ired o
+oison or $i'' was s'i%!Hso s'i%! !a se)era' +aiens died and #an" s(ffered
+er#anen inG(r" &efore (se of !e dr(% was fina''" !a'ed, A re'aed *!e#i*a',
+ena*!'oro+!eno', so#ei#es $nown as L+ena7, is (sed as a weed $i''er as we'' as
an inse*i*ide, ofen &ein% s+ra"ed a'on% rai'road ra*$s and in wase areas, Pena is
eBre#e'" oBi* o a wide )arie" of or%anis#s fro# &a*eria o #an, Li$e !e diniros,
i inerferes, ofen faa''", wi! !e &od"7s so(r*e of ener%", so !a !e affe*ed
or%anis# a'#os 'iera''" &(rns ise'f (+, Is fearf(' +ower is i''(sraed in a faa'
a**iden re*en'" re+ored &" !e 1a'ifornia De+ar#en of Hea'!, A an$ r(*$ dri)er
was +re+arin% a *oon defo'ian &" #iBin% diese' oi' wi! +ena*!'oro+!eno', As !e
was drawin% !e *on*enraed *!e#i*a' o( of a dr(#, !e s+i%o a**idena''"
o++'ed &a*$, He rea*!ed in wi! !is &are !and o re%ain !e s+i%o, A'!o(%! !e
was!ed i##ediae'", !e &e*a#e a*(e'" i'' and died !e neB da",
W!i'e !e res('s of weed $i''ers s(*! as sodi(# arsenie or !e +!eno's are %ross'"
o&)io(s, so#e o!er !er&i*ides are #ore insidio(s in !eir effe*s, =or eBa#+'e, !e
now fa#o(s *ran&err"-weed $i''er a#inoria3o'e, or a#iro', is raed as !a)in%
re'ai)e'" 'ow oBi*i", B( in !e 'on% r(n is enden*" o *a(se #a'i%nan (#ors of
!e !"roid #a" &e far #ore si%nifi*an for wi'd'ife and +er!a+s a'so for #an, A#on%
!e !er&i*ides are so#e !a are *'assified as L#(a%ens7, or a%ens *a+a&'e of
#odif"in% !e %enes, !e #aeria's of !eredi", We are ri%!'" a++a''ed &" !e %enei*
effe*s of radiaionI !ow !en, *an we &e indifferen o !e sa#e effe* in *!e#i*a's
!a we disse#inae wide'" in o(r en)iron#enJ
2. S/'+)e W)te's )n$ Un$e'%'o/n$ Se)s
O= ALL o(r na(ra' reso(r*es waer !as &e*o#e !e #os +re*io(s, B" far !e
%reaer +ar of !e ear!7s s(rfa*e is *o)ered &" is en)e'o+in% seas, "e in !e #ids
of !is +'en" we are in wan, B" a sran%e +aradoB, #os of !e ear!7s a&(ndan
waer is no (sa&'e for a%ri*('(re, ind(sr", or !(#an *ons(#+ion &e*a(se of is
!ea)" 'oad of sea sa's, and so #os of !e wor'd7s +o+('aion is ei!er eB+erien*in%
or is !reaened wi! *rii*a' s!ora%es, In an a%e w!en #an !as for%oen !is ori%ins
and is &'ind e)en o !is #os essenia' needs for s(r)i)a', waer a'on% wi! o!er
reso(r*es !as &e*o#e !e )i*i# of !is indifferen*e,
T!e +ro&'e# of waer +o''(ion &" +esi*ides *an &e (ndersood on'" in *oneB, as
+ar of !e w!o'e o w!i*! i &e'on%sH!e +o''(ion of !e oa' en)iron#en of
#an$ind, T!e +o''(ion enerin% o(r waerwa"s *o#es fro# #an" so(r*es2
radioa*i)e wases fro# rea*ors, 'a&oraories, and !os+ia'sI fa''o( fro# n(*'ear
eB+'osionsI do#esi* wases fro# *iies and ownsI *!e#i*a' wases fro# fa*ories,
To !ese is added a new $ind of fa''o(H!e *!e#i*a' s+ra"s a++'ied o *ro+'ands
and %ardens, foress and fie'ds, 4an" of !e *!e#i*a' a%ens in !is a'ar#in%
#R'an%e i#iae and a(%#en !e !ar#f(' effe*s of radiaion, and wi!in !e %ro(+s
of *!e#i*a's !e#se')es !ere are siniser and 'i'e (ndersood inera*ions,
ransfor#aions, and s(##aions of effe*,
E)er sin*e *!e#iss &e%an o #an(fa*(re s(&san*es !a na(re ne)er in)ened,
!e +ro&'e#s of waer +(rifi*aion !a)e &e*o#e *o#+'eB and !e dan%er o (sers of
waer !as in*reased, As we !a)e seen, !e +rod(*ion of !ese s"n!ei* *!e#i*a's
in 'ar%e )o'(#e &e%an in !e 89MKs, I !as now rea*!ed s(*! +ro+orions !a an
a++a''in% de'(%e of *!e#i*a' +o''(ion is dai'" +o(red ino !e naion7s waerwa"s,
W!en ineBri*a&'" #iBed wi! do#esi* and o!er wases dis*!ar%ed ino !e sa#e
waer, !ese *!e#i*a's so#ei#es def" dee*ion &" !e #e!ods in ordinar" (se &"
+(rifi*aion +'ans, 4os of !e# are so sa&'e !a !e" *anno &e &ro$en down &"
ordinar" +ro*esses, Ofen !e" *anno e)en &e idenified, In ri)ers, a rea''" in*redi&'e
)arie" of +o''(ans *o#&ine o +rod(*e de+osis !a !e saniar" en%ineers *an
on'" des+airin%'" refer o as L%(n$7, Professor Ro'f E'iassen of !e 4assa*!(ses
Insi(e of Te*!no'o%" esified &efore a *on%ressiona' *o##iee o !e i#+ossi&i'i"
of +redi*in% !e *o#+osie effe* of !ese *!e#i*a's, or of idenif"in% !e or%ani*
#aer res('in% fro# !e #iB(re, LWe don7 &e%in o $now w!a !a is,7 said
Professor E'iassen, LW!a is !e effe* on !e +eo+'eJ We don7 $now,7
To an e)er-in*reasin% de%ree, *!e#i*a's (sed for !e *onro' of inse*s, rodens, or
(nwaned )e%eaion *onri&(e o !ese or%ani* +o''(ans, So#e are de'i&erae'"
a++'ied o &odies of waer o desro" +'ans, inse* 'ar)ae, or (ndesired fis!es, So#e
*o#e fro# fores s+ra"in% !a #a" &'an$e wo or !ree #i''ion a*res of a sin%'e
sae wi! s+ra" dire*ed a%ains a sin%'e inse* +esHs+ra" !a fa''s dire*'" ino
srea#s or !a dri+s down !ro(%! !e 'eaf" *ano+" o !e fores f'oor, !ere o
&e*o#e +ar of !e s'ow #o)e#en of see+in% #ois(re &e%innin% is 'on% Go(rne" o
!e sea, Pro&a&'" !e &('$ of s(*! *ona#inans are !e waer&orne resid(es of !e
#i''ions of +o(nds of a%ri*('(ra' *!e#i*a's !a !a)e &een a++'ied o far#'ands for
inse* or roden *onro' and !a)e &een 'ea*!ed o( of !e %ro(nd &" rains o &e*o#e
+ar of !e (ni)ersa' seaward #o)e#en of waer,
Here and !ere we !a)e dra#ai* e)iden*e of !e +resen*e of !ese *!e#i*a's in o(r
srea#s and e)en in +(&'i* waer s(++'ies, =or eBa#+'e, a sa#+'e of drin$in% waer
fro# an or*!ard area in Penns"')ania, w!en esed on fis! in a 'a&oraor", *onained
eno(%! inse*i*ide o $i'' a'' of !e es fis! in on'" fo(r !o(rs, Waer fro# a srea#
drainin% s+ra"ed *oon fie'ds re#ained 'e!a' o fis!es e)en afer i !ad +assed
!ro(%! a +(rif"in% +'an, and in fifeen srea#s ri&(ar" o !e Tennessee Ri)er in
A'a&a#a !e r(noff fro# fie'ds reaed wi! oBa+!ene, a *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&on,
$i''ed a'' !e fis! in!a&iin% !e srea#s, Two of !ese srea#s were so(r*es of
#(ni*i+a' waer s(++'", <e for a wee$ afer !e a++'i*aion of !e inse*i*ide !e waer
re#ained +oisono(s, a fa* aesed &" !e dai'" dea!s of %o'dfis! s(s+ended in
*a%es downsrea#,
=or !e #os +ar !is +o''(ion is (nseen and in)isi&'e, #a$in% is +resen*e $nown
w!en !(ndreds or !o(sands of fis! die, &( #ore ofen ne)er dee*ed a a'', T!e
*!e#is w!o %(ards waer +(ri" !as no ro(ine ess for !ese or%ani* +o''(ans
and no wa" o re#o)e !e#, B( w!e!er dee*ed or no, !e +esi*ides are !ere,
and as #i%! &e eB+e*ed wi! an" #aeria's a++'ied o 'and s(rfa*es on so )as a
s*a'e, !e" !a)e now fo(nd !eir wa" ino #an" and +er!a+s a'' of !e #aGor ri)er
s"se#s of !e *o(nr",
If an"one do(&s !a o(r waers !a)e &e*o#e a'#os (ni)ersa''" *ona#inaed wi!
inse*i*ides !e s!o('d s(d" a s#a'' re+or iss(ed &" !e Unied Saes =is! and
Wi'd'ife Ser)i*e in 89:K, T!e Ser)i*e !ad *arried o( s(dies o dis*o)er w!e!er
fis!, 'i$e war#-&'ooded ani#a's, sore inse*i*ides in !eir iss(es, T!e firs sa#+'es
were a$en fro# fores areas in !e Wes w!ere !ere !ad &een #ass s+ra"in% of
DDT for !e *onro' of !e s+r(*e &(dwor#, As #i%! !a)e &een eB+e*ed, a'' of
!ese fis! *onained DDT, T!e rea''" si%nifi*an findin%s were #ade w!en !e
in)esi%aors (rned for *o#+arison o a *ree$ in a re#oe area a&o( >K #i'es fro#
!e neares s+ra"in% for &(dwor# *onro', T!is *ree$ was (+srea# fro# !e firs
and se+araed fro# i &" a !i%! waerfa'', No 'o*a' s+ra"in% was $nown o !a)e
o**(rred, <e !ese fis!, oo, *onained DDT, Had !e *!e#i*a' rea*!ed !is re#oe
*ree$ &" !idden (nder%ro(nd srea#sJ Or !ad i &een air&orne, drifin% down as
fa''o( on !e s(rfa*e of !e *ree$J In si'' ano!er *o#+arai)e s(d", DDT was
fo(nd in !e iss(es of fis! fro# a !a*!er" w!ere !e waer s(++'" ori%inaed in a
dee+ we'', A%ain !ere was no re*ord of 'o*a' s+ra"in%, T!e on'" +ossi&'e #eans of
*ona#inaion see#ed o &e &" #eans of %ro(ndwaer,
In !e enire waer-+o''(ion +ro&'e#, !ere is +ro&a&'" no!in% #ore dis(r&in% !an
!e !rea of wides+read *ona#inaion of %ro(ndwaer, I is no +ossi&'e o add
+esi*ides o waer an"w!ere wi!o( !reaenin% !e +(ri" of waer e)er"w!ere,
Se'do# if e)er does Na(re o+erae in *'osed and se+arae *o#+ar#ens, and s!e
!as no done so in disri&(in% !e ear!7s waer s(++'", Rain, fa''in% on !e 'and,
se'es down !ro(%! +ores and *ra*$s in soi' and ro*$, +enerain% dee+er and
dee+er (ni' e)en(a''" i rea*!es a 3one w!ere a'' !e +ores of !e ro*$ are fi''ed
wi! waer, a dar$, s(&s(rfa*e sea, risin% (nder !i''s, sin$in% &enea! )a''e"s, T!is
%ro(ndwaer is a'wa"s on !e #o)e, so#ei#es a a +a*e so s'ow !a i ra)e's no
#ore !an FK fee a "ear, so#ei#es ra+id'", &" *o#+arison, so !a i #o)es near'"
a en! of a #i'e in a da", I ra)e's &" (nseen waerwa"s (ni' !ere and !ere i
*o#es o !e s(rfa*e as a s+rin%, or +er!a+s i is a++ed o feed a we'', B( #os'" i
*onri&(es o srea#s and so o ri)ers, EB*e+ for w!a eners srea#s dire*'" as
rain or s(rfa*e r(noff, a'' !e r(nnin% waer of !e ear!7s s(rfa*e was a one i#e
%ro(ndwaer, And so, in a )er" rea' and fri%!enin% sense, +o''(ion of !e
%ro(ndwaer is +o''(ion of waer e)er"w!ere, , , ,
I #(s !a)e &een &" s(*! a dar$, (nder%ro(nd sea !a +oisono(s *!e#i*a's
ra)e'ed fro# a #an(fa*(rin% +'an in 1o'orado o a far#in% disri* se)era' #i'es
awa", !ere o +oison we''s, si*$en !(#ans and 'i)eso*$, and da#a%e *ro+sHan
eBraordinar" e+isode !a #a" easi'" &e on'" !e firs of #an" 'i$e i, Is !isor", in
&rief, is !is, In 89M>, !e Ro*$" 4o(nain Arsena' of !e Ar#" 1!e#i*a' 1or+s,
'o*aed near Den)er, &e%an o #an(fa*(re war #aeria's, Ei%! "ears 'aer !e
fa*i'iies of !e arsena' were 'eased o a +ri)ae oi' *o#+an" for !e +rod(*ion of
inse*i*ides, E)en &efore !e *!an%e of o+eraions, !owe)er, #"serio(s re+ors !ad
&e%(n o *o#e in, =ar#ers se)era' #i'es fro# !e +'an &e%an o re+or (neB+'ained
si*$ness a#on% 'i)eso*$I !e" *o#+'ained of eBensi)e *ro+ da#a%e, =o'ia%e
(rned "e''ow, +'ans fai'ed o #a(re, and #an" *ro+s were $i''ed o(ri%!, T!ere
were re+ors of !(#an i''ness, !o(%! &" so#e o &e re'aed,
T!e irri%aion waers on !ese far#s were deri)ed fro# s!a''ow we''s, W!en !e we''
waers were eBa#ined 5in a s(d" in 89F9, in w!i*! se)era' sae and federa'
a%en*ies +ari*i+aed6 !e" were fo(nd o *onain an assor#en of *!e#i*a's,
1!'orides, *!'oraes, sa's of +!os+!ori* a*id, f'(orides, and arseni* !ad &een
dis*!ar%ed fro# !e Ro*$" 4o(nain Arsena' ino !o'din% +onds d(rin% !e "ears of
is o+eraion, A++aren'" !e %ro(ndwaer &eween !e arsena' and !e far#s !ad
&e*o#e *ona#inaed and i !ad a$en O o 8 "ears for !e wases o ra)e'
(nder%ro(nd a disan*e of a&o( > #i'es fro# !e !o'din% +onds o !e neares far#,
T!is see+a%e !ad *onin(ed o s+read and !ad f(r!er *ona#inaed an area of
(n$nown eBen, T!e in)esi%aors $new of no wa" o *onain !e *ona#inaion or
!a' is ad)an*e,
A'' !is was &ad eno(%!, &( !e #os #"serio(s and +ro&a&'" in !e 'on% r(n !e
#os si%nifi*an fea(re of !e w!o'e e+isode was !e dis*o)er" of !e weed $i''er
;,M-D in so#e of !e we''s and in !e !o'din% +onds of !e arsena', 1erain'" is
+resen*e was eno(%! o a**o(n for !e da#a%e o *ro+s irri%aed wi! !is waer,
B( !e #"ser" 'a" in !e fa* !a no ;,M-D !ad &een #an(fa*(red a !e arsena' a
an" sa%e of is o+eraions, Afer 'on% and *aref(' s(d", !e *!e#iss a !e +'an
*on*'(ded !a !e ;,M-D !ad &een for#ed s+onaneo(s'" in !e o+en &asins, I !ad
&een for#ed !ere fro# o!er s(&san*es dis*!ar%ed fro# !e arsena'I in !e
+resen*e of air, waer, and s(n'i%!, and .(ie wi!o( !e iner)enion of !(#an
*!e#iss, !e !o'din% +onds !ad &e*o#e *!e#i*a' 'a&oraories for !e +rod(*ion of
a new *!e#i*a'Ha *!e#i*a' faa''" da#a%in% o #(*! of !e +'an 'ife i o(*!ed,
And so !e sor" of !e 1o'orado far#s and !eir da#a%ed *ro+s ass(#es a
si%nifi*an*e !a rans*ends is 'o*a'
i#+oran*e, W!a o!er +ara''e's #a" !ere &e, no on'" in 1o'orado &( w!ere)er
*!e#i*a' +o''(ion finds is wa" ino +(&'i* waersJ In 'a$es and srea#s e)er"w!ere,
in !e +resen*e of *aa'"3in% air and s(n'i%!, w!a dan%ero(s s(&san*es #a" &e
&orn of +aren *!e#i*a's 'a&e'ed L!ar#'ess7J
Indeed one of !e #os a'ar#in% as+e*s of !e *!e#i*a' +o''(ion of waer is !e fa*
!a !ereHin ri)er or 'a$e or reser)oir, or for !a #aer in !e %'ass of waer ser)ed
a "o(r dinner a&'eHare #in%'ed *!e#i*a's !a no res+onsi&'e *!e#is wo('d !in$
of *o#&inin% in !is 'a&oraor", T!e +ossi&'e inera*ions &eween !ese free'" #iBed
*!e#i*a's are dee+'" dis(r&in% o offi*ia's of !e Unied Saes P(&'i* Hea'!
Ser)i*e, w!o !a)e eB+ressed !e fear !a !e +rod(*ion of !ar#f(' s(&san*es
fro# *o#+arai)e'" inno*(o(s *!e#i*a's #a" &e a$in% +'a*e on .(ie a wide s*a'e,
T!e rea*ions #a" &e &eween wo or #ore *!e#i*a's, or &eween *!e#i*a's and
!e radioa*i)e wases !a are &ein% dis*!ar%ed ino o(r ri)ers in e)er- in*reasin%
)o'(#e, Under !e i#+a* of ioni3in% radiaion so#e rearran%e#en of ao#s *o('d
easi'" o**(r, *!an%in% !e na(re of !e *!e#i*a's in a wa" !a is no on'"
(n+redi*a&'e &( &e"ond *onro', I is, of *o(rse, no on'" !e %ro(ndwaers !a are
&e*o#in% *ona#inaed, &( s(rfa*e-#o)in% waers as we''H srea#s, ri)ers,
irri%aion waers, A dis(r&in% eBa#+'e of !e 'aer see#s o &e &(i'din% (+ on !e
naiona' wi'd'ife ref(%es a T('e La$e and Lower K'a#a!, &o! in 1a'ifornia, T!ese
ref(%es are +ar of a *!ain in*'(din% a'so !e ref(%e on U++er K'a#a! La$e G(s
o)er !e &order in Ore%on, A'' are 'in$ed, +er!a+s faef(''", &" a s!ared waer s(++'",
and a'' are affe*ed &" !e fa* !a !e" 'ie 'i$e s#a'' is'ands in a %rea sea of
s(rro(ndin% far#'andsH'and re*'ai#ed &" draina%e and srea# di)ersion fro# an
ori%ina' waerfow' +aradise of #ars!'and and o+en waer,
T!ese far#'ands aro(nd !e ref(%es are now irri%aed &" waer fro# U++er K'a#a!
La$e, T!e irri%aion waers, re*o''e*ed fro# !e fie'ds !e" !a)e ser)ed, are !en
+(#+ed ino T('e La$e and fro# !ere o Lower K'a#a!, A'' of !e waers of !e
wi'd'ife ref(%es esa&'is!ed on !ese wo &odies of waer !erefore re+resen !e
draina%e of a%ri*('(ra' 'ands, I is i#+oran o re#e#&er !is in *onne*ion wi!
re*en !a++enin%s, In !e s(##er of 89:K !e ref(%e saff +i*$ed (+ !(ndreds of
dead and d"in% &irds a T('e La$e and Lower K'a#a!, 4os of !e# were fis!-
eain% s+e*iesH!erons, +e'i*ans, %(''s, U+on ana'"sis, !e" were fo(nd o *onain
inse*i*ide resid(es idenified as oBa+!ene, DDD, and DDE, =is! fro# !e 'a$es
were a'so fo(nd o *onain inse*i*idesI so did sa#+'es of +'an$on, T!e ref(%e
#ana%er &e'ie)es !a +esi*ide resid(es are now &(i'din% (+ in !e waers of !ese
ref(%es, &ein% *on)e"ed !ere &" re(rn irri%aion f'ow fro# !ea)i'" s+ra"ed
a%ri*('(ra' 'ands,
S(*! +oisonin% of waers se aside for *onser)aion +(r+oses *o('d !a)e
*onse.(en*es fe' &" e)er" wesern d(*$ !(ner and &" e)er"one o w!o# !e si%!
and so(nd of drifin% ri&&ons of waerfow' a*ross an e)enin% s$" are +re*io(s, T!ese
+ari*('ar ref(%es o**(+" *rii*a' +osiions in !e *onser)aion of wesern waerfow',
T!e" 'ie a a +oin *orres+ondin% o !e narrow ne*$ of a f(nne', ino w!i*! a'' !e
#i%raor" +a!s *o#+osin% w!a is $nown as !e Pa*ifi* ='"wa" *on)er%e, D(rin%
!e fa'' #i%raion !e" re*ei)e #an" #i''ions of d(*$s and %eese fro# nesin%
%ro(nds eBendin% fro# !e s!ores of Berin% Sea eas o H(dson Ba"Hf(''" !ree
fo(r!s of a'' !e waerfow' !a #o)e so(! ino !e Pa*ifi* 1oas saes in a((#n,
In s(##er !e" +ro)ide nesin% areas for waerfow', es+e*ia''" for wo endan%ered
s+e*ies, !e red!ead and !e r(dd" d(*$, If !e 'a$es and +oo's of !ese ref(%es
&e*o#e serio(s'" *ona#inaed !e da#a%e o !e waerfow' +o+('aions of !e =ar
Wes *o('d &e irre+ara&'e, Waer #(s a'so &e !o(%! of in er#s of !e *!ains of
'ife i s(++orsHfro# !e s#a''-as-d(s %reen *e''s of !e drifin% +'an +'an$on,
!ro(%! !e #in(e waer f'eas o !e fis!es !a srain +'an$on fro# !e waer and
are in (rn eaen &" o!er fis!es or &" &irds, #in$, ra**oonsHin an end'ess *"*'i*
ransfer of #aeria's fro# 'ife o 'ife, We $now !a !e ne*essar" #inera's in !e
waer are so +assed fro# 'in$ o 'in$ of !e food *!ains, 1an we s(++ose !a
+oisons we inrod(*e ino waer wi'' no a'so ener ino !ese *"*'es of na(reJ
T!e answer is o &e fo(nd in !e a#a3in% !isor" of 1'ear La$e, 1a'ifornia, 1'ear
La$e 'ies in #o(naino(s *o(nr" so#e 9K #i'es nor! of San =ran*is*o and !as
'on% &een +o+('ar wi! an%'ers, T!e na#e is ina++ro+riae, for a*(a''" i is a ra!er
(r&id 'a$e &e*a(se of !e sof &'a*$ oo3e !a *o)ers is s!a''ow &oo#,
Unfor(nae'" for !e fis!er#en and !e resor dwe''ers on is s!ores, is waers !a)e
+ro)ided an idea' !a&ia for a s#a'' %na, Chaoborus astictopus, A'!o(%! *'ose'"
re'aed o #os.(ioes, !e %na is no a &'oods(*$er and +ro&a&'" does no feed a
a'' as an ad(', Howe)er, !(#an &ein%s w!o s!ared is !a&ia fo(nd i
anno"in% &e*a(se of is s!eer n(#&ers, Effors were #ade o *onro' i &( !e"
were 'ar%e'" fr(i'ess (ni', in !e 'ae 89MKs, !e *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&on inse*i*ides
offered new wea+ons, T!e *!e#i*a' *!osen for a fres! aa*$ was DDD, a *'ose
re'ai)e of DDT &( a++aren'" offerin% fewer !reas o fis! 'ife, T!e new *onro'
#eas(res (ndera$en in 89M9 were *aref(''" +'anned and few +eo+'e wo('d !a)e
s(++osed an" !ar# *o('d res(', T!e 'a$e was s(r)e"ed, is )o'(#e deer#ined, and
!e inse*i*ide a++'ied in s(*! %rea di'(ion !a for e)er" +ar of *!e#i*a' !ere
wo('d &e OK #i''ion +ars of waer, 1onro' of !e %nas was a firs %ood, &( &" 89FM
!e rea#en !ad o &e re+eaed, !is i#e a !e rae of 8 +ar of inse*i*ide in FK
#i''ion +ars of waer, T!e desr(*ion of !e %nas was !o(%! o &e )ir(a''"
*o#+'ee,
T!e fo''owin% winer #on!s &ro(%! !e firs ini#aion !a o!er 'ife was affe*ed2
!e wesern %re&es on !e 'a$e &e%an o die, and soon #ore !an a !(ndred of !e#
were re+ored dead, A 1'ear La$e !e wesern %re&e is a &reedin% &ird and a'so a
winer )isian, ara*ed &" !e a&(ndan fis! of !e 'a$e, I is a &ird of s+e*a*('ar
a++earan*e and &e%(i'in% !a&is, &(i'din% is f'oain% ness in s!a''ow 'a$es of
wesern Unied Saes and 1anada, I is *a''ed !e Lswan %re&e7 wi! reason, for i
%'ides wi! s*ar*e'" a ri++'e a*ross !e 'a$e s(rfa*e, !e &od" ridin% 'ow, w!ie ne*$
and s!inin% &'a*$ !ead !e'd !i%!, T!e new'" !a*!ed *!i*$ is *'o!ed in sof %ra"
downI in on'" a few !o(rs i a$es o !e waer and rides on !e &a*$ of !e fa!er or
#o!er, nes'ed (nder !e +arena' win% *o)ers,
=o''owin% a !ird assa(' on !e e)er-resi'ien %na +o+('aion, in 89FO, #ore %re&es
died, As !ad &een r(e in 89FM, no e)iden*e of infe*io(s disease *o('d &e
dis*o)ered on eBa#inaion of !e dead &irds, B( w!en so#eone !o(%! o ana'"3e
!e fa" iss(es of !e %re&es, !e" were fo(nd o &e 'oaded wi! DDD in !e
eBraordinar" *on*enraion of 8:KK +ars +er #i''ion, T!e #aBi#(# *on*enraion
a++'ied o !e waer was +ar +er #i''ion, How *o('d !e *!e#i*a' !a)e &(i' (+ o
s(*! +rodi%io(s 'e)e's in !e %re&esJ T!ese &irds, of *o(rse, are fis! eaers, W!en
!e fis! of 1'ear La$e a'so were ana'"3ed !e +i*(re &e%an o a$e for#H!e +oison
&ein% +i*$ed (+ &" !e s#a''es or%anis#s, *on*enraed and +assed on o !e
'ar%er +redaors, P'an$on or%anis#s were fo(nd o *onain a&o( F +ars +er #i''ion
of !e inse*i*ide 5a&o( ;F i#es !e #aBi#(# *on*enraion e)er rea*!ed in !e
waer ise'f6I +'an-eain% fis!es !ad &(i' (+ a**(#('aions ran%in% fro# MK o >KK
+ars +er #i''ionI *arni)oro(s s+e*ies !ad sored !e #os of a'', One, a &rown
&(''!ead, !ad !e aso(ndin% *on*enraion of ;FKK +ars +er #i''ion, I was a !o(se-
!a-?a*$-&(i' se.(en*e, in w!i*! !e 'ar%e *arni)ores !ad eaen !e s#a''er
*arni)ores, !a !ad eaen !e !er&i)ores, !a !ad eaen !e +'an$on, !a !ad
a&sor&ed !e +oison fro# !e waer,
E)en #ore eBraordinar" dis*o)eries were #ade 'aer, No ra*e of DDD *o('d &e
fo(nd in !e waer s!or'" afer !e 'as a++'i*aion of !e *!e#i*a', B( !e +oison
!ad no rea''" 'ef !e 'a$eI i !ad #ere'" %one ino !e fa&ri* of !e 'ife !e 'a$e
s(++ors, Twen"-!ree #on!s afer !e *!e#i*a' rea#en !ad *eased, !e
+'an$on si'' *onained as #(*! as F,> +ars +er #i''ion, In !a iner)a' of near'" wo
"ears, s(**essi)e *ro+s of +'an$on !ad f'owered and faded awa", &( !e +oison,
a'!o(%! no 'on%er +resen in !e waer, !ad so#e!ow +assed fro# %eneraion o
%eneraion, And i 'i)ed on in !e ani#a' 'ife of !e 'a$e as we'', A'' fis!, &irds, and
fro%s eBa#ined a "ear afer !e *!e#i*a' a++'i*aions !ad *eased si'' *onained
DDD, T!e a#o(n fo(nd in !e f'es! a'wa"s eB*eeded &" #an" i#es !e ori%ina'
*on*enraion in !e waer, A#on% !ese 'i)in% *arriers were fis! !a !ad !a*!ed
nine #on!s afer !e 'as DDD a++'i*aion, %re&es, and 1a'ifornia %(''s !a !ad &(i'
(+ *on*enraions of #ore !an
;KKK +ars +er #i''ion, 4eanw!i'e, !e nesin% *o'onies of !e %re&es dwind'edH
fro# #ore !an 8KKK +airs &efore !e firs inse*i*ide rea#en o a&o( >K +airs in
89:K, And e)en !e !ir" see# o !a)e nesed in )ain, for no "o(n% %re&es !a)e
&een o&ser)ed on !e 'a$e sin*e !e 'as DDD a++'i*aion,
T!is w!o'e *!ain of +oisonin%, !en, see#s o res on a &ase of #in(e +'ans w!i*!
#(s !a)e &een !e ori%ina' *on*enraors, B( w!a of !e o++osie end of !e food
*!ainH!e !(#an &ein% w!o, in +ro&a&'e i%noran*e of a'' !is se.(en*e of e)ens,
!as ri%%ed !is fis!in% a*$'e, *a(%! a srin% of fis! fro# !e waers of 1'ear La$e,
and a$en !e# !o#e o fr" for !is s(++erJ W!a *o('d a !ea)" dose of DDD, or
+er!a+s re+eaed doses, do o !i#J A'!o(%! !e 1a'ifornia De+ar#en of P(&'i*
Hea'! +rofessed o see no !a3ard, ne)er!e'ess in 89F9 i re.(ired !a !e (se of
DDD in !e 'a$e &e so++ed, In )iew of !e s*ienifi* e)iden*e of !e )as &io'o%i*a'
+oen*" of !is *!e#i*a', !e a*ion see#s a #ini#(# safe" #eas(re, T!e
+!"sio'o%i*a' effe* of DDD is +ro&a&'" (ni.(e a#on% inse*i*ides, for i desro"s
+ar of !e adrena' %'andH !e *e''s of !e o(er 'a"er $nown as !e adrena' *oreB,
w!i*! se*rees !e !or#one *orin, T!is desr(*i)e effe*, $nown sin*e 89M8, was a
firs &e'ie)ed o &e *onfined o do%s, &e*a(se i was no re)ea'ed in s(*!
eB+eri#ena' ani#a's as #on$e"s, ras, or ra&&is, I see#ed s(%%esi)e, !owe)er,
!a DDD +rod(*ed in do%s a *ondiion )er" si#i'ar o !a o**(rrin% in #an in !e
+resen*e of Addison7s disease, Re*en #edi*a' resear*! !as re)ea'ed !a DDD
does sron%'" s(++ress !e f(n*ion of !e !(#an adrena' *oreB, Is *e''-desro"in%
*a+a*i" is now *'ini*a''" (i'i3ed in !e rea#en of a rare "+e of *an*er w!i*!
de)e'o+s in !e adrena' %'and, , , ,
T!e 1'ear La$e si(aion &rin%s (+ a .(esion !a !e +(&'i* needs o fa*e2 Is i wise
or desira&'e o (se s(&san*es wi! s(*! sron% effe* on +!"sio'o%i*a' +ro*esses for
!e *onro' of inse*s, es+e*ia''" w!en !e *onro' #eas(res in)o')e inrod(*in% !e
*!e#i*a' dire*'" ino a &od" of waerJ T!e fa* !a !e inse*i*ide was a++'ied in
)er" 'ow *on*enraions is #eanin%'ess, as is eB+'osi)e +ro%ress !ro(%! !e na(ra'
food *!ain in !e 'a$e de#onsraes, <e 1'ear La$e is "+i*a' of a 'ar%e and %rowin%
n(#&er of si(aions w!ere so'(ion of an o&)io(s and ofen ri)ia' +ro&'e# *reaes a
far #ore serio(s &( *on)enien'" 'ess an%i&'e one, Here !e +ro&'e# was reso')ed
in fa)or of !ose anno"ed &" %nas, and a !e eB+ense of an (nsaed, and +ro&a&'"
no e)en *'ear'" (ndersood, ris$ o a'' w!o oo$ food or waer fro# !e 'a$e, I is an
eBraordinar" fa* !a !e de'i&erae inrod(*ion of +oisons ino a reser)oir is
&e*o#in% a fair'" *o##on +ra*i*e, T!e +(r+ose is (s(a''" o +ro#oe re*reaiona'
(ses, e)en !o(%! !e waer #(s !en &e reaed a so#e eB+ense o #a$e i fi for
is inended (se as drin$in% waer, W!en s+ors#en of an area wan o Li#+ro)e7
fis!in% in a reser)oir, !e" +re)ai' on a(!oriies o d(#+ .(aniies of +oison ino i o
$i'' !e (ndesired fis!, w!i*! are !en re+'a*ed wi! !a*!er" fis! #ore s(ied o !e
s+ors#en7s ase, T!e +ro*ed(re !as a sran%e, A'i*e-in-Wonder'and .(a'i", T!e
reser)oir was *reaed as a +(&'i* waer s(++'", "e !e *o##(ni", +ro&a&'"
(n*ons('ed a&o( !e s+ors#en7s +roGe*, is for*ed ei!er o drin$ waer *onainin%
+oisono(s resid(es or o +a" o( aB #one" for rea#en of !e waer o re#o)e !e
+oisonsHrea#ens !a are &" no #eans foo'+roof,
As %ro(nd and s(rfa*e waers are *ona#inaed wi! +esi*ides and o!er
*!e#i*a's, !ere is dan%er !a no on'" +oisono(s &( a'so *an*er-+rod(*in%
s(&san*es are &ein% inrod(*ed ino +(&'i* waer s(++'ies, Dr, W, 1, H(e+er of !e
Naiona' 1an*er Insi(e !as warned !a L!e dan%er of *an*er !a3ards fro# !e
*ons(#+ion of *ona#inaed drin$in% waer wi'' %row
*onsidera&'" wi!in !e foreseea&'e f((re,7 And indeed a s(d" #ade in Ho''and in !e
ear'" 89FKs +ro)ides s(++or for !e )iew !a +o''(ed waerwa"s #a" *arr" a
*an*er !a3ard, 1iies re*ei)in% !eir drin$in% waer fro# ri)ers !ad a !i%!er dea! rae
fro# *an*er !an did !ose w!ose waer *a#e fro# so(r*es +res(#a&'" 'ess
s(s*e+i&'e o +o''(ion s(*! as we''s, Arseni*, !e en)iron#ena' s(&san*e #os
*'ear'" esa&'is!ed as *a(sin% *an*er in #an, is in)o')ed in wo !isori* *ases in w!i*!
+o''(ed waer s(++'ies *a(sed wides+read o**(rren*e of *an*er, In one *ase !e
arseni* *a#e fro# !e s'a% !ea+s of #inin% o+eraions, in !e o!er fro# ro*$ wi! a
!i%! na(ra' *onen of arseni*, T!ese *ondiions #a" easi'" &e d(+'i*aed as a
res(' of !ea)" a++'i*aions of arseni*a' inse*i*ides, T!e soi' in s(*! areas &e*o#es
+oisoned, Rains !en *arr" +ar of !e arseni* ino srea#s, ri)ers, and reser)oirs, as
we'' as ino !e )as s(&erranean seas of %ro(ndwaer,
Here a%ain we are re#inded !a in na(re no!in% eBiss a'one, To (ndersand #ore
*'ear'" !ow !e +o''(ion of o(r wor'd is !a++enin%, we #(s now 'oo$ a ano!er of
!e ear!7s &asi* reso(r*es, !e soi',
3. Re)#&s o+ t-e So.#
THE THIN LA<ER of soi' !a for#s a +a*!" *o)erin% o)er !e *oninens
*onro's o(r own eBisen*e and !a of e)er" o!er ani#a' of !e 'and, Wi!o( soi',
'and +'ans as we $now !e# *o('d no %row, and wi!o( +'ans no ani#a's *o('d
s(r)i)e,
<e if o(r a%ri*('(re-&ased 'ife de+ends on !e soi', i is e.(a''" r(e !a soi'
de+ends on 'ife, is )er" ori%ins and !e #ainenan*e of is r(e na(re &ein%
ini#ae'" re'aed o 'i)in% +'ans and ani#a's, =or soi' is in +ar a *reaion of 'ife,
&orn of a #ar)e'o(s inera*ion of 'ife and non'ife 'on% eons a%o, T!e +aren
#aeria's were %a!ered o%e!er as )o'*anoes +o(red !e# o( in fier" srea#s, as
waers r(nnin% o)er !e &are ro*$s of !e *oninens wore awa" e)en !e !ardes
%ranie, and as !e *!ise's of fros and i*e s+'i and s!aered !e ro*$s, T!en 'i)in%
!in%s &e%an o wor$ !eir *reai)e #a%i* and 'i'e &" 'i'e !ese iner #aeria's
&e*a#e soi', Li*!ens, !e ro*$s7 firs *o)erin%, aided !e +ro*ess of disine%raion &"
!eir a*id se*reions and #ade a 'od%in% +'a*e for o!er 'ife, 4osses oo$ !o'd in !e
'i'e +o*$es of si#+'e soi'Hsoi' for#ed &" *r(#&'in% &is of 'i*!en, &" !e !(s$s of
#in(e inse* 'ife, &" !e de&ris of a fa(na &e%innin% is e#er%en*e fro# !e sea,
Life no on'" for#ed !e soi', &( o!er 'i)in% !in%s of in*redi&'e a&(ndan*e and
di)ersi" now eBis wi!in iI if !is were no so !e soi' wo('d &e a dead and seri'e
!in%, B" !eir +resen*e and &" !eir a*i)iies !e #"riad or%anis#s of !e soi' #a$e
i *a+a&'e of s(++orin% !e ear!7s %reen #an'e, T!e soi' eBiss in a sae of
*onsan *!an%e, a$in% +ar in *"*'es !a !a)e no &e%innin% and no end, New
#aeria's are *onsan'" &ein% *onri&(ed as ro*$s disine%rae, as or%ani* #aer
de*a"s, and as niro%en and o!er %ases are &ro(%! down in rain fro# !e s$ies, A
!e sa#e i#e o!er #aeria's are &ein% a$en awa", &orrowed for e#+orar" (se &"
'i)in% *rea(res, S(&'e and )as'" i#+oran *!e#i*a' *!an%es are *onsan'" in
+ro%ress, *on)erin% e'e#ens deri)ed fro# air and waer ino for#s s(ia&'e for (se
&" +'ans, In a'' !ese *!an%es 'i)in% or%anis#s are a*i)e a%ens,
T!ere are few s(dies #ore fas*inain%, and a !e sa#e i#e #ore ne%'e*ed, !an
!ose of !e ee#in% +o+('aions !a eBis in !e dar$ rea'#s of !e soi', We $now
oo 'i'e of !e !reads !a &ind !e soi' or%anis#s o ea*! o!er and o !eir wor'd,
and o !e wor'd a&o)e, Per!a+s !e #os essenia' or%anis#s in !e soi' are !e
s#a''esH!e in)isi&'e !oss of &a*eria and of !read'i$e f(n%i, Saisi*s of !eir
a&(ndan*e a$e (s a on*e ino asrono#i*a' fi%(res, A eas+oonf(' of o+soi' #a"
*onain &i''ions of &a*eria, In s+ie of !eir #in(e si3e, !e oa' wei%! of !is !os of
&a*eria in !e o+ foo of a sin%'e a*re of feri'e soi' #a" &e as #(*! as a !o(sand
+o(nds, Ra" f(n%i, %rowin% in 'on% !read'i$e fi'a#ens, are so#ew!a 'ess
n(#ero(s !an !e &a*eria, "e &e*a(se !e" are 'ar%er !eir oa' wei%! in a %i)en
a#o(n of soi' #a" &e a&o( !e sa#e, Wi! s#a'' %reen *e''s *a''ed a'%ae, !ese
#a$e (+ !e #i*ros*o+i* +'an 'ife of !e soi', Ba*eria, f(n%i, and a'%ae are !e
+rin*i+a' a%ens of de*a", red(*in% +'an and ani#a' resid(es o !eir *o#+onen
#inera's, T!e )as *"*'i* #o)e#ens of *!e#i*a' e'e#ens s(*! as *ar&on and
niro%en !ro(%! soi' and air and 'i)in% iss(e *o('d no +ro*eed wi!o( !ese
#i*ro+'ans, Wi!o( !e niro%en-fiBin% &a*eria, for eBa#+'e, +'ans wo('d sar)e for
wan of niro%en, !o(%! s(rro(nded &" a sea of niro%en-*onainin% air, O!er
or%anis#s for# *ar&on dioBide, w!i*!, as *ar&oni* a*id, aids in disso')in% ro*$, Si''
o!er soi'
#i*ro&es +erfor# )ario(s oBidaions and red(*ions &" w!i*! #inera's s(*! as
iron, #an%anese, and s('f(r are ransfor#ed and #ade a)ai'a&'e o +'ans,
A'so +resen in +rodi%io(s n(#&ers are #i*ros*o+i* #ies and +ri#ii)e win%'ess
inse*s *a''ed s+rin%ai's, Des+ie !eir s#a'' si3e !e" +'a" an i#+oran +ar in
&rea$in% down !e resid(es of +'ans, aidin% in !e s'ow *on)ersion of !e 'ier of !e
fores f'oor o soi', T!e s+e*ia'i3aion of so#e of !ese #in(e *rea(res for !eir as$
is a'#os in*redi&'e, Se)era' s+e*ies of #ies, for eBa#+'e, *an &e%in 'ife on'" wi!in
!e fa''en need'es of a s+r(*e ree, S!e'ered !ere, !e" di%es o( !e inner iss(es
of !e need'e, W!en !e #ies !a)e *o#+'eed !eir de)e'o+#en on'" !e o(er
'a"er of *e''s re#ains, T!e r('" sa%%erin% as$ of dea'in% wi! !e re#endo(s
a#o(n of +'an #aeria' in !e ann(a' 'eaf fa'' &e'on%s o so#e of !e s#a'' inse*s
of !e soi' and !e fores f'oor, T!e" #a*erae and di%es !e 'ea)es, and aid in
#iBin% !e de*o#+osed #aer wi! !e s(rfa*e soi',
Besides a'' !is !orde of #in(e &( *ease'ess'" oi'in% *rea(res !ere are of *o(rse
#an" 'ar%er for#s, for soi' 'ife r(ns !e %a#( fro# &a*eria o #a##a's, So#e are
+er#anen residens of !e dar$ s(&s(rfa*e 'a"ersI so#e !i&ernae or s+end definie
+ars of !eir 'ife *"*'es in (nder%ro(nd *!a#&ersI so#e free'" *o#e and %o
&eween !eir &(rrows and !e (++er wor'd, In %enera' !e effe* of a'' !is !a&iaion
of !e soi' is o aerae i and i#+ro)e &o! is draina%e and !e +eneraion of waer
!ro(%!o( !e 'a"ers of +'an %row!,
Of a'' !e 'ar%er in!a&ians of !e soi', +ro&a&'" none is #ore i#+oran !an !e
ear!wor#, O)er !ree .(arers of a *en(r" a%o, 1!ar'es Darwin +(&'is!ed a &oo$
i'ed !he -or+ation of .egetable Mould/ through the "ction of 0or+s/ with
(bservations on !heir Habits, In i !e %a)e !e wor'd is firs (ndersandin% of !e
f(nda#ena' ro'e of ear!wor#s as %eo'o%i* a%ens for !e rans+or of soi'Ha
+i*(re of s(rfa*e ro*$s &ein% %rad(a''" *o)ered &" fine soi' &ro(%! (+
fro# &e'ow &" !e wor#s, in ann(a' a#o(ns r(nnin% o #an" ons o !e a*re in
#os fa)ora&'e areas, A !e sa#e i#e, .(aniies of or%ani* #aer *onained in
'ea)es and %rass 5as #(*! as ;K +o(nds o !e s.(are "ard in siB #on!s6 are
drawn down ino !e &(rrows and in*or+oraed in soi', Darwin7s *a'*('aions s!owed
!a !e oi' of ear!wor#s #i%! add a 'a"er of soi' an in*! o an in*! and a !a'f !i*$
in a en-"ear +eriod, And !is is &" no #eans a'' !e" do2 !eir &(rrows aerae !e
soi', $ee+ i we'' drained, and aid !e +eneraion of +'an roos, T!e +resen*e of
ear!wor#s in*reases !e nirif"in% +owers of !e soi' &a*eria and de*reases
+(refa*ion of !e soi', Or%ani* #aer is &ro$en down as i +asses !ro(%! !e
di%esi)e ra*s of !e wor#s and !e soi' is enri*!ed &" !eir eB*reor" +rod(*s,
T!is soi' *o##(ni", !en, *onsiss of a we& of inerwo)en 'i)es, ea*! in so#e wa"
re'aed o !e o!ersH!e 'i)in% *rea(res de+endin% on !e soi', &( !e soi' in (rn a
)ia' e'e#en of !e ear! on'" so 'on% as !is *o##(ni" wi!in i f'o(ris!es,
T!e +ro&'e# !a *on*erns (s !ere is one !a !as re*ei)ed 'i'e *onsideraion2 W!a
!a++ens o !ese in*redi&'" n(#ero(s and )ia''" ne*essar" in!a&ians of !e soi'
w!en +oisono(s *!e#i*a's are *arried down ino !eir wor'd, ei!er inrod(*ed
dire*'" as soi' Lseri'ans7 or &orne on !e rain !a !as +i*$ed (+ a 'e!a'
*ona#inaion as i fi'ers !ro(%! !e 'eaf *ano+" of fores and or*!ard and
*ro+'andJ Is i reasona&'e o s(++ose !a we *an a++'" a &road- s+e*r(#
inse*i*ide o $i'' !e &(rrowin% 'ar)a' sa%es of a *ro+-desro"in% inse*, for eBa#+'e,
wi!o( a'so $i''in% !e L%ood7 inse*s w!ose f(n*ion #a" &e !e essenia' one of
&rea$in% down or%ani* #aerJ Or *an we (se a nons+e*ifi* f(n%i*ide wi!o( a'so
$i''in% !e f(n%i !a
in!a&i !e roos of #an" rees in a &enefi*ia' asso*iaion !a aids !e ree in
eBra*in% n(riens fro# !e soi'J
T!e +'ain r(! is !a !is *rii*a''" i#+oran s(&Ge* of !e e*o'o%" of !e soi' !as &een
'ar%e'" ne%'e*ed e)en &" s*ieniss and a'#os *o#+'ee'" i%nored &" *onro' #en,
1!e#i*a' *onro' of inse*s see#s o !a)e +ro*eeded on !e ass(#+ion !a !e
soi' *o('d and wo('d s(sain an" a#o(n of ins(' )ia !e inrod(*ion of +oisons
wi!o( sri$in% &a*$, T!e )er" na(re of !e wor'd of !e soi' !as &een 'ar%e'"
i%nored, =ro# !e few s(dies !a !a)e &een #ade, a +i*(re of !e i#+a* of
+esi*ides on !e soi' is s'ow'" e#er%in%, I is no s(r+risin% !a !e s(dies are no
a'wa"s in a%ree#en, for soi' "+es )ar" so enor#o(s'" !a w!a *a(ses da#a%e in
one #a" &e inno*(o(s in ano!er, Li%! sand" soi's s(ffer far #ore !ea)i'" !an
!(#(s "+es, 1o#&inaions of *!e#i*a's see# o do #ore !ar# !an se+arae
a++'i*aions, Des+ie !e )ar"in% res('s, eno(%! so'id e)iden*e of !ar# is
a**(#('ain% o *a(se a++re!ension on !e +ar of #an" s*ieniss, Under so#e
*ondiions, !e *!e#i*a' *on)ersions and ransfor#aions !a 'ie a !e )er" !ear of
!e 'i)in% wor'd are affe*ed, Nirifi*aion, w!i*! #a$es a#os+!eri* niro%en
a)ai'a&'e o +'ans, is an eBa#+'e, T!e !er&i*ide ;,M-D *a(ses a e#+orar"
inerr(+ion of nirifi*aion, In re*en eB+eri#ens in ='orida, 'indane, !e+a*!'or, and
BH1 5&en3ene !eBa*!'oride6 red(*ed nirifi*aion afer on'" wo wee$s in soi'I BH1
and DDT !ad si%nifi*an'" deri#ena' effe*s a "ear afer rea#en, In o!er
eB+eri#ens BH1, a'drin, 'indane, !e+a*!'or, and DDD a'' +re)ened niro%en-fiBin%
&a*eria fro# for#in% !e ne*essar" roo nod('es on 'e%(#ino(s +'ans, A *(rio(s
&( &enefi*ia' re'aion &eween f(n%i and !e roos of !i%!er +'ans is serio(s'"
disr(+ed, So#ei#es !e +ro&'e# is one of (+sein% !a de'i*ae &a'an*e of
+o+('aions &" w!i*! na(re a**o#+'is!es far-rea*!in% ai#s, EB+'osi)e in*reases in
so#e $inds of soi' or%anis#s !a)e o**(rred w!en o!ers !a)e &een red(*ed &"
inse*i*ides, dis(r&in% !e re'aion of +redaor o +re", S(*! *!an%es *o('d easi'"
a'er !e #ea&o'i* a*i)i" of !e soi' and affe* is +rod(*i)i", T!e" *o('d a'so
#ean !a +oenia''" !ar#f(' or%anis#s, for#er'" !e'd in *!e*$, *o('d es*a+e fro#
!eir na(ra' *onro's and rise o +es sa(s,
One of !e #os i#+oran !in%s o re#e#&er a&o( inse*i*ides in soi' is !eir 'on%
+ersisen*e, #eas(red no in #on!s &( in "ears, A'drin !as &een re*o)ered afer
fo(r "ears, &o! as ra*es and #ore a&(ndan'" as *on)ered o die'drin, Eno(%!
oBa+!ene re#ains in sand" soi' en "ears afer is a++'i*aion o $i'' er#ies,
Ben3ene !eBa*!'oride +ersiss a 'eas e'e)en "earsI !e+a*!'or or a #ore oBi*
deri)ed *!e#i*a', a 'eas nine, 1!'ordane !as &een re*o)ered we')e "ears afer is
a++'i*aion, in !e a#o(n of 8F +er *en of !e ori%ina' .(ani",
See#in%'" #oderae a++'i*aions of inse*i*ides o)er a +eriod of "ears #a" &(i'd (+
fanasi* .(aniies in soi', Sin*e !e *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&ons are +ersisen and
'on%-'asin%, ea*! a++'i*aion is #ere'" added o !e .(ani" re#ainin% fro# !e
+re)io(s one, T!e o'd 'e%end !a La +o(nd of DDT o !e a*re is !ar#'ess7 #eans
no!in% if s+ra"in% is re+eaed, Poao soi's !a)e &een fo(nd o *onain (+ o 8F
+o(nds of DDT +er a*re, *orn soi's (+ o 89, A *ran&err"
&o% (nder s(d" *onained >M,F +o(nds o !e a*re, Soi's fro# a++'e or*!ards see#
o rea*! !e +ea$ of *ona#inaion, wi! DDT a**(#('ain% a a rae !a a'#os
$ee+s +a*e wi! is rae of ann(a' a++'i*aion, E)en in a sin%'e season, wi! or*!ards
s+ra"ed fo(r or #ore i#es, DDT resid(es #a" &(i'd (+ o +ea$s of >K o FK +o(nds,
Wi! re+eaed s+ra"in% o)er !e "ears !e ran%e &eween rees is fro# ;: o :K
+o(nds o !e a*reI (nder rees, (+ o 88> +o(nds,
Arseni* +ro)ides a *'assi* *ase of !e )ir(a''" +er#anen +oisonin% of !e soi',
A'!o(%! arseni* as a s+ra" on %rowin% o&a**o !as &een 'ar%e'" re+'a*ed &" !e
s"n!ei* or%ani* inse*i*ides sin*e !e #id-MKs, the arsenic content of cigarettes
+ade fro+ "+erican1grown tobacco increased +ore than 233 per cent &eween !e
"ears 89>; and 89F;, Laer s(dies !a)e re)ea'ed in*reases of as #(*! as :KK +er
*en, Dr, Henr" S, Saer'ee, an a(!ori" on arseni* oBi*o'o%", sa"s !a a'!o(%!
or%ani* inse*i*ides !a)e &een 'ar%e'" s(&si(ed for arseni*, !e o&a**o +'ans
*onin(e o +i*$ (+ !e o'd +oison, for !e soi's of o&a**o +'anaions are now
!oro(%!'" i#+re%naed wi! resid(es of a !ea)" and re'ai)e'" inso'(&'e +oison,
arsenae of 'ead, T!is wi'' *onin(e o re'ease arseni* in so'(&'e for#, T!e soi' of a
'ar%e +ro+orion of !e 'and +'aned o o&a**o !as &een s(&Ge*ed o L*(#('ai)e
and we''-ni%! +er#anen +oisonin%7, a**ordin% o Dr, Saer'ee, To&a**o %rown in
!e easern 4edierranean *o(nries w!ere arseni*a' inse*i*ides are no (sed !as
s!own no s(*! in*rease in arseni* *onen,
We are !erefore *onfroned wi! a se*ond +ro&'e#, We #(s no on'" &e *on*erned
wi! w!a is !a++enin% o !e soi'I we #(s wonder o w!a eBen inse*i*ides are
a&sor&ed fro# *ona#inaed soi's and inrod(*ed ino +'an iss(es, 4(*! de+ends
on !e "+e of soi', !e *ro+, and !e na(re and *on*enraion of !e inse*i*ide, Soi'
!i%! in or%ani* #aer re'eases s#a''er .(aniies of +oisons !an o!ers, 1arros
a&sor& #ore inse*i*ide !an an" o!er *ro+ s(diedI if !e *!e#i*a' (sed !a++ens
o &e 'indane, *arros a*(a''" a**(#('ae !i%!er *on*enraions !an are +resen in
!e soi', In !e f((re i #a" &e*o#e ne*essar" o ana'"3e soi's for inse*i*ides
&efore +'anin% *erain food *ro+s, O!erwise e)en (ns+ra"ed *ro+s #a" a$e (+
eno(%! inse*i*ide #ere'" fro# !e soi' o render !e# (nfi for #ar$e, T!is )er"
sor of *ona#inaion !as *reaed end'ess +ro&'e#s for a 'eas one 'eadin%
#an(fa*(rer of &a&" foods w!o !as &een (nwi''in% o &(" an" fr(is or )e%ea&'es
on w!i*! oBi* inse*i*ides !a)e &een (sed, T!e *!e#i*a' !a *a(sed !i# !e #os
ro(&'e was &en3ene !eBa*!'oride 5BH16, w!i*! is a$en (+ &" !e roos and (&ers
of +'ans, ad)erisin% is +resen*e &" a #(s" ase and odor, Swee +oaoes %rown
on 1a'ifornia fie'ds w!ere BH1 !ad &een (sed wo "ears ear'ier *onained resid(es
and !ad o &e reGe*ed, In one "ear, in w!i*! !e fir# !ad *onra*ed in So(!
1aro'ina for is oa' re.(ire#ens of swee +oaoes, so 'ar%e a +ro+orion of !e
a*rea%e was fo(nd o &e *ona#inaed !a !e *o#+an" was for*ed o &(" in !e
o+en #ar$e a a *onsidera&'e finan*ia' 'oss, O)er !e "ears a )arie" of fr(is and
)e%ea&'es, %rown in )ario(s saes, !a)e !ad o &e reGe*ed, T!e #os s(&&orn
+ro&'e#s were *on*erned wi! +ean(s, In !e so(!ern saes +ean(s are (s(a''"
%rown in roaion wi! *oon, on w!i*! BH1 is eBensi)e'" (sed, Pean(s %rown 'aer
in !is soi' +i*$ (+ *onsidera&'e a#o(ns of !e inse*i*ide, A*(a''", on'" a ra*e is
eno(%! o in*or+orae !e e''a'e #(s" odor and ase, T!e *!e#i*a' +eneraes !e
n(s and *anno &e re#o)ed, Pro*essin%, far fro# re#o)in% !e
#(siness, so#ei#es a**en(aes i, T!e on'" *o(rse o+en o a #an(fa*(rer
deer#ined o eB*'(de BH1 resid(es is o reGe* a'' +rod(*e reaed wi! !e
*!e#i*a' or %rown on soi's *ona#inaed wi! i, So#ei#es !e #ena*e is o !e
*ro+ ise'fHa #ena*e !a re#ains as 'on% as !e inse*i*ide *ona#inaion is in !e
soi', So#e inse*i*ides affe* sensii)e +'ans s(*! as &eans, w!ea, &ar'e", or r"e,
reardin% roo de)e'o+#en or de+ressin% %row! of seed'in%s, T!e eB+erien*e of !e
!o+ %rowers in Was!in%on and Ida!o is an eBa#+'e, D(rin% !e s+rin% of 89FF
#an" of !ese %rowers (nderoo$ a 'ar%e-s*a'e +ro%ra# o *onro' !e sraw&err"
roo wee)i', w!ose 'ar)ae !ad &e*o#e a&(ndan on !e roos of !e !o+s, On !e
ad)i*e of a%ri*('(ra' eB+ers and inse*i*ide #an(fa*(rers, !e" *!ose !e+a*!'or
as !e *onro' a%en,
Wi!in a "ear afer !e !e+a*!'or was a++'ied, !e )ines in !e reaed "ards were wi'in%
and d"in%, In !e (nreaed fie'ds !ere was no ro(&'eI !e da#a%e so++ed a !e
&order &eween reaed and (nreaed fie'ds, T!e !i''s were re+'aned a %rea eB+ense,
&( in ano!er "ear !e new roos, oo, were fo(nd o &e dead, =o(r "ears 'aer !e
soi' si'' *onained !e+a*!'or, and s*ieniss were (na&'e o +redi* !ow 'on% i wo('d
re#ain +oisono(s, or o re*o##end an" +ro*ed(re for *orre*in% !e *ondiion, T!e
federa' De+ar#en of A%ri*('(re, w!i*! as 'ae as 4ar*! 89F9 fo(nd ise'f in !e
ano#a'o(s +osiion of de*'arin% !e+a*!'or o &e a**e+a&'e for (se on !o+s in !e
for# of a soi' rea#en, &e'aed'" wi!drew is re%israion for s(*! (se, 4eanw!i'e, !e
!o+ %rowers so(%! w!a redress !e" *o('d in !e *o(rs,
As a++'i*aions of +esi*ides *onin(e and !e )ir(a''" indesr(*i&'e resid(es
*onin(e o &(i'd (+ in !e soi', i is a'#os *erain !a we are !eadin% for ro(&'e,
T!is was !e *onsens(s of a %ro(+ of s+e*ia'iss w!o #e a S"ra*(se Uni)ersi" in
89:K o dis*(ss !e e*o'o%" of !e soi', T!ese #en s(##ed (+ !e !a3ards of (sin%
Ls(*! +oen and 'i'e (ndersood oo's7 as *!e#i*a's and radiaion2 LA few fa'se
#o)es on !e +ar of #an #a" res(' in desr(*ion of soi' +rod(*i)i" and !e
ar!ro+ods #a" we'' a$e o)er,7
4. E)'t-5s G'een M)nt#e
WATER, SOIL, and !e ear!7s %reen #an'e of +'ans #a$e (+ !e wor'd !a
s(++ors !e ani#a' 'ife of !e ear!,
A'!o(%! #odern #an se'do# re#e#&ers !e fa*, !e *o('d no eBis wi!o( !e
+'ans !a !arness !e s(n7s ener%" and #an(fa*(re !e &asi* foods(ffs !e
de+ends (+on for 'ife, O(r ai(de oward +'ans is a sin%('ar'" narrow one, If we see
an" i##ediae (i'i" in a +'an we foser i, If for an" reason we find is +resen*e
(ndesira&'e or #ere'" a #aer of indifferen*e, we #a" *onde#n i o desr(*ion
for!wi!, Besides !e )ario(s +'ans !a are +oisono(s o #an or !is 'i)eso*$, or
*rowd o( food +'ans, #an" are #ar$ed for desr(*ion #ere'" &e*a(se, a**ordin%
o o(r narrow )iew, !e" !a++en o &e in !e wron% +'a*e a !e wron% i#e, 4an"
o!ers are desro"ed #ere'" &e*a(se !e" !a++en o &e asso*iaes of !e (nwaned
+'ans,
T!e ear!7s )e%eaion is +ar of a we& of 'ife in w!i*! !ere are ini#ae and
essenia' re'aions &eween +'ans and !e ear!, &eween +'ans and o!er +'ans,
&eween +'ans and ani#a's, So#ei#es we !a)e no *!oi*e &( o dis(r& !ese
re'aions!i+s, &( we s!o('d do so !o(%!f(''", wi! f('' awareness !a w!a we do
#a" !a)e *onse.(en*es re#oe in i#e and +'a*e, B( no s(*! !(#i'i" #ar$s !e
&oo#in% Lweed $i''er7 &(siness of !e +resen da", in w!i*! soarin% sa'es and
eB+andin% (ses #ar$ !e +rod(*ion of +'an-$i''in% *!e#i*a's, One of !e #os
ra%i* eBa#+'es of o(r (n!in$in% &'(d%eonin% of !e 'ands*a+e is o &e seen in !e
sa%e&r(s! 'ands of !e Wes, w!ere a )as *a#+ai%n is on o desro" !e sa%e and
o s(&si(e %rass'ands, If e)er an ener+rise needed o &e i''(#inaed wi! a sense
of !e !isor" and #eanin% of !e 'ands*a+e, i is !is, =or !ere !e na(ra' 'ands*a+e
is e'o.(en of !e iner+'a" of for*es !a !a)e *reaed i, I is s+read &efore (s 'i$e
!e +a%es of an o+en &oo$ in w!i*! we *an read w!" !e 'and is w!a i is, and w!"
we s!o('d +reser)e is ine%ri", B( !e +a%es 'ie (nread,
T!e 'and of !e sa%e is !e 'and of !e !i%! wesern +'ains and !e 'ower s'o+es of
!e #o(nains !a rise a&o)e !e#, a 'and &orn of !e %rea (+'if of !e Ro*$"
4o(nain s"se# #an" #i''ions of "ears a%o, I is a +'a*e of !ars! eBre#es of
*'i#ae2 of 'on% winers w!en &'i33ards dri)e down fro# !e #o(nains and snow 'ies
dee+ on !e +'ains, of s(##ers w!ose !ea is re'ie)ed &" on'" s*an" rains, wi!
dro(%! &iin% dee+ ino !e soi', and dr"in% winds sea'in% #ois(re fro# 'eaf and
se#, As !e 'ands*a+e e)o')ed, !ere #(s !a)e &een a 'on% +eriod of ria' and
error in w!i*! +'ans ae#+ed !e *o'oni3aion of !is !i%! and windswe+ 'and, One
afer ano!er #(s !a)e fai'ed, A 'as one %ro(+ of +'ans e)o')ed w!i*! *o#&ined
a'' !e .(a'iies needed o s(r)i)e, T!e sa%eH'ow-%rowin% and s!r(&&"H*o('d !o'd
is +'a*e on !e #o(nain s'o+es and on !e +'ains, and wi!in is s#a'' %ra" 'ea)es i
*o('d !o'd #ois(re eno(%! o def" !e !ie)in% winds, I was no a**iden, &( ra!er
!e res(' of 'on% a%es of eB+eri#enaion &" na(re, !a !e %rea +'ains of !e Wes
&e*a#e !e 'and of !e sa%e,
A'on% wi! !e +'ans, ani#a' 'ife, oo, was e)o')in% in !ar#on" wi! !e sear*!in%
re.(ire#ens of !e 'and, In i#e !ere were wo as +erfe*'" adG(sed o !eir !a&ia
as !e sa%e, One was a #a##a', !e f'ee and %ra*ef(' +ron%!orn ane'o+e, T!e
o!er was a &ird, !e sa%e %ro(seH!e L*o*$ of !e +'ains7 of Lewis and 1'ar$, T!e
sa%e and !e %ro(se see# #ade
for ea*! o!er, T!e ori%ina' ran%e of !e &ird *oin*ided wi! !e ran%e of !e sa%e, and as
!e sa%e'ands !a)e &een red(*ed, so !e +o+('aions of %ro(se !a)e dwind'ed, T!e
sa%e is a'' !in%s o !ese &irds of !e +'ains, T!e 'ow sa%e of !e foo!i'' ran%es
s!e'ers !eir ness and !eir "o(n%I !e denser %row!s are 'oafin% and roosin%
areasI a a'' i#es !e sa%e +ro)ides !e sa+'e food of !e %ro(se, <e i is a wo-wa"
re'aions!i+, T!e s+e*a*('ar *o(rs!i+ dis+'a"s of !e *o*$s !e'+ 'oosen !e soi'
&enea! and aro(nd !e sa%e, aidin% in)asion &" %rasses w!i*! %row in !e s!e'er
of sa%e&r(s!, T!e ane'o+e, oo, !a)e adG(sed !eir 'i)es o !e sa%e, T!e" are
+ri#ari'" ani#a's of !e +'ains, and in winer w!en !e firs snows *o#e !ose !a
!a)e s(##ered in !e #o(nains #o)e down o !e 'ower e'e)aions, T!ere !e
sa%e +ro)ides !e food !a ides !e# o)er !e winer, W!ere a'' o!er +'ans !a)e
s!ed !eir 'ea)es, !e sa%e re#ains e)er%reen, !e %ra"-%reen 'ea)esH&ier,
aro#ai*, ri*! in +roeins, fas, and needed #inera'sH*'in%in% o !e se#s of !e
dense and s!r(&&" +'ans, T!o(%! !e snows +i'e (+, !e o+s of !e sa%e re#ain
eB+osed, or *an &e rea*!ed &" !e s!ar+, +awin% !oofs of !e ane'o+e, T!en
%ro(se feed on !e# oo, findin% !e# on &are and windswe+ 'ed%es or fo''owin%
!e ane'o+e o feed w!ere !e" !a)e s*ra*!ed awa" !e snow,
And o!er 'ife 'oo$s o !e sa%e, 4('e deer ofen feed on i, Sa%e #a" #ean s(r)i)a'
for winer- %ra3in% 'i)eso*$, S!ee+ %ra3e #an" winer ran%es w!ere !e &i%
sa%e&r(s! for#s a'#os +(re sands, =or !a'f !e "ear i is !eir +rin*i+a' fora%e, a
+'an of !i%!er ener%" )a'(e !an e)en a'fa'fa !a", T!e &ier (+'and +'ains, !e
+(r+'e wases of sa%e, !e wi'd, swif ane'o+e, and !e %ro(se are !en a na(ra'
s"se# in +erfe* &a'an*e, AreJ T!e )er& #(s &e *!an%edHa 'eas in !ose
a'read" )as and %rowin% areas w!ere #an is ae#+in% o i#+ro)e on na(re7s wa",
In !e na#e of +ro%ress !e 'and #ana%e#en a%en*ies !a)e se a&o( o saisf" !e
insaia&'e de#ands of !e *a'e#en for #ore %ra3in% 'and, B" !is !e" #ean
%rass'andH%rass wi!o( sa%e, So in a 'and w!i*! na(re fo(nd s(ied o %rass
%rowin% #iBed wi! and (nder !e s!e'er of sa%e, i is now +ro+osed o e'i#inae !e
sa%e and *reae (n&ro$en %rass'and, =ew see# o !a)e as$ed w!e!er %rass'ands
are a sa&'e and desira&'e %oa' in !is re%ion, 1erain'" na(re7s own answer was
o!erwise, T!e ann(a' +re*i+iaion in !is 'and w!ere !e rains se'do# fa'' is
no eno(%! o s(++or %ood sod-for#in% %rassI i fa)ors ra!er !e +erennia'
&(n*!%rass !a %rows in !e s!e'er of !e sa%e,
<e !e +ro%ra# of sa%e eradi*aion !as &een (nder wa" for a n(#&er of "ears,
Se)era' %o)ern#en a%en*ies are a*i)e in iI ind(sr" !as Goined wi! en!(sias# o
+ro#oe and en*o(ra%e an ener+rise w!i*! *reaes eB+anded #ar$es no on'" for
%rass seed &( for a 'ar%e assor#en of #a*!ines for *(in% and +'owin% and
seedin%, T!e newes addiion o !e wea+ons is !e (se of *!e#i*a' s+ra"s, Now
#i''ions of a*res of sa%e&r(s! 'ands are s+ra"ed ea*! "ear, W!a are !e res('sJ
T!e e)en(a' effe*s of e'i#inain% sa%e and seedin% wi! %rass are 'ar%e'"
*onGe*(ra', 4en of 'on% eB+erien*e wi! !e wa"s of !e 'and sa" !a in !is *o(nr"
!ere is &eer %row! of %rass &eween and (nder !e sa%e !an *an +ossi&'" &e !ad
in +(re sands, on*e !e #ois(re-!o'din% sa%e is %one, B( e)en if !e +ro%ra#
s(**eeds in is i##ediae o&Ge*i)e, i is *'ear !a !e w!o'e *'ose'" $ni fa&ri* of 'ife
!as &een ri++ed a+ar, T!e ane'o+e and !e %ro(se wi'' disa++ear a'on% wi! !e
sa%e, T!e deer wi'' s(ffer, oo, and !e 'and wi'' &e +oorer for !e desr(*ion of !e
wi'd !in%s !a &e'on% o i, E)en !e 'i)eso*$ w!i*! are !e inended &enefi*iaries
wi'' s(fferI no a#o(n of '(s! %reen %rass in s(##er *an !e'+ !e s!ee+ sar)in% in
!e winer sor#s for 'a*$ of !e sa%e and &ier&r(s! and o!er wi'd )e%eaion of !e
+'ains, T!ese are !e firs and o&)io(s effe*s, T!e se*ond is of a $ind !a is
a'wa"s asso*iaed wi! !e s!o%(n a++roa*! o na(re2 !e s+ra"in% a'so e'i#inaes
a %rea #an" +'ans !a were no is inended ar%e, ?(si*e Wi''ia# O, Do(%'as, in
!is re*en &oo$ My 0ilderness4 $ast to 5atahdin, !as o'd of an a++a''in% eBa#+'e of
e*o'o%i*a' desr(*ion wro(%! &" !e Unied Saes =ores Ser)i*e in !e Brid%er
Naiona' =ores in W"o#in%, So#e 8K,KKK a*res of sa%e'ands were s+ra"ed &" !e
Ser)i*e, "ie'din% o +ress(re of *a'e#en for #ore %rass'ands, T!e sa%e was $i''ed,
as inended, B( so was !e %reen, 'ife%i)in% ri&&on of wi''ows !a ra*ed is wa"
a*ross !ese +'ains, fo''owin% !e #eanderin% srea#s, 4oose !ad 'i)ed in !ese
wi''ow !i*$es, for wi''ow is o !e #oose w!a sa%e is o !e ane'o+e, Bea)er !ad
'i)ed !ere, oo, feedin% on !e wi''ows, fe''in% !e# and #a$in% a sron% da# a*ross
!e in" srea#, T!ro(%! !e 'a&or of !e &ea)ers, a 'a$e &a*$ed (+, Tro( in !e
#o(nain srea#s se'do# were #ore !an siB in*!es 'on%I in !e 'a$e !e" !ri)ed so
+rodi%io(s'" !a #an" %rew o fi)e +o(nds, Waerfow' were ara*ed o !e 'a$e,
a'so, 4ere'" &e*a(se of !e +resen*e of !e wi''ows and !e &ea)ers !a de+ended
on !e#, !e re%ion was an ara*i)e re*reaiona' area wi! eB*e''en fis!in% and
!(nin%,
B( wi! !e Li#+ro)e#en7 insi(ed &" !e =ores Ser)i*e, !e wi''ows wen !e wa"
of !e sa%e&r(s!, $i''ed &" !e sa#e i#+aria' s+ra", W!en ?(si*e Do(%'as )isied
!e area in 89F9, !e "ear of !e s+ra"in%, !e was s!o*$ed o see !e s!ri)e'ed and
d"in% wi''owsH!e L)as, in*redi&'e da#a%e7, W!a wo('d &e*o#e of !e #ooseJ Of
!e &ea)ers and !e 'i'e wor'd !e" !ad *onsr(*edJ A "ear 'aer !e re(rned o
read !e answers in !e de)asaed 'ands*a+e, T!e #oose were %one and so were
!e &ea)er, T!eir +rin*i+a' da# !ad %one o( for wan of aenion &" is s$i''ed
ar*!ie*s, and !e 'a$e !ad drained awa", None of !e 'ar%e ro( were 'ef, None
*o('d 'i)e in !e in" *ree$ !a re#ained, !readin% is wa" !ro(%! a &are, !o 'and
w!ere no s!ade re#ained, T!e 'i)in% wor'd was s!aered, , , ,
Besides !e #ore !an fo(r #i''ion a*res of ran%e'ands s+ra"ed ea*! "ear,
re#endo(s areas of o!er "+es of 'and are a'so +oenia' or a*(a' re*i+iens of
*!e#i*a' rea#ens for weed *onro', =or eBa#+'e, an area 'ar%er !an a'' of New
En%'andHso#e FK #i''ion a*resHis (nder #ana%e#en &" (i'i" *or+oraions and
#(*! of i is ro(ine'" reaed for L&r(s! *onro'7, In !e So(!wes an esi#aed OF
#i''ion a*res of #es.(ie 'ands re.(ire #ana%e#en &" so#e #eans, and *!e#i*a'
s+ra"in% is !e #e!od #os a*i)e'" +(s!ed, An (n$nown &( )er" 'ar%e a*rea%e of
i#&er-+rod(*in% 'ands is now aeria''" s+ra"ed in order o Lweed o(7 !e !ardwoods
fro# !e #ore s+ra"-resisan *onifers, Trea#en of a%ri*('(ra' 'ands wi!
!er&i*ides do(&'ed in !e de*ade fo''owin% 89M9, oa'in% F> #i''ion a*res in 89F9,
And !e *o#&ined a*rea%e of +ri)ae 'awns, +ar$s, and %o'f *o(rses now &ein%
reaed #(s rea*! an asrono#i*a' fi%(re, T!e *!e#i*a' weed $i''ers are a &ri%!
new o", T!e" wor$ in a s+e*a*('ar wa"I !e" %i)e a %idd" sense of +ower o)er
na(re o !ose w!o wie'd !e#, and as for !e 'on%-ran%e and 'ess o&)io(s effe*sH
!ese are easi'" &r(s!ed aside as !e &ase'ess i#a%inin%s of +essi#iss, T!e
La%ri*('(ra' en%ineers7 s+ea$ &'i!e'" of L*!e#i*a' +'owin%7 in a wor'd !a is (r%ed o
&ea is +'ows!ares ino s+ra" %(ns, T!e own fa!ers of a !o(sand *o##(niies
'end wi''in% ears o !e *!e#i*a' sa'es#an and !e ea%er *onra*ors w!o wi'' rid !e
roadsides of L&r(s!7Hfor a +ri*e, I is *!ea+er !an #owin%, is !e *r", So, +er!a+s, i
a++ears in !e nea rows of fi%(res in !e offi*ia' &oo$sI &( were !e r(e *oss
enered, !e *oss no on'" in do''ars &( in !e #an" e.(a''" )a'id de&is we s!a''
+resen'" *onsider, !e w!o'esa'e &road*asin% of *!e#i*a's wo('d &e seen o &e
#ore *os'" in do''ars as we'' as infinie'" da#a%in% o !e 'on%-ran%e !ea'! of !e
'ands*a+e and o a'' !e )aried ineress !a de+end on i,
Ta$e, for insan*e, !a *o##odi" +ri3ed &" e)er" *!a#&er of *o##er*e
!ro(%!o( !e 'andH!e %ood wi'' of )a*aionin% o(riss, T!ere is a seadi'"
%rowin% *!or(s of o(ra%ed +roes a&o( !e disfi%(re#en of on*e &ea(if('
roadsides &" *!e#i*a' s+ra"s, w!i*! s(&si(e a sere eB+anse of &rown, wi!ered
)e%eaion for !e &ea(" of fern and wi'd f'ower, of nai)e s!r(&s adorned wi!
&'osso# or &err", LWe are #a$in% a dir", &rown, d"in%-'oo$in% #ess a'on% !e sides
of o(r roads,7 a New En%'and wo#an wroe an%ri'" o !er news+a+er, LT!is is no
w!a !e o(riss eB+e*, wi! a'' !e #one" we are s+endin% ad)erisin% !e
&ea(if(' s*ener",7
In !e s(##er of 89:K *onser)aioniss fro# #an" saes *on)er%ed on a +ea*ef('
4aine is'and o winess is +resenaion o !e Naiona' A(d(&on So*ie" &" is
owner, 4i''i*en Todd Bin%!a#, T!e fo*(s !a da" was on !e +reser)aion of !e
na(ra' 'ands*a+e and of !e inri*ae we& of 'ife w!ose inerwo)en srands 'ead
fro# #i*ro&es o #an, B( in !e &a*$%ro(nd of a'' !e *on)ersaions a#on% !e
)isiors o !e is'and was indi%naion a !e des+oi'in% of !e roads !e" !ad
ra)e'ed, On*e i !ad &een a Go" o fo''ow !ose roads !ro(%! !e e)er%reen foress,
roads 'ined wi! &a"&err" and swee fern, a'der and !(*$'e&err", Now a'' was &rown
deso'aion, One of !e *onser)aioniss wroe of !a A(%(s +i'%ri#a%e o a 4aine
is'and2 LI re(rned,,,an%r" a !e dese*raion of !e 4aine roadsides, W!ere, in
+re)io(s "ears, !e !i%!wa"s were &ordered wi! wi'df'owers and ara*i)e s!r(&s,
!ere were on'" !e s*ars of dead )e%eaion for #i'e afer #i'e,,,As an e*ono#i*
+ro+osiion, *an 4aine afford !e 'oss of o(ris %oodwi'' !a s(*! si%!s ind(*eJ7
4aine roadsides are #ere'" one eBa#+'e, !o(%! a +ari*('ar'" sad one for !ose of
(s w!o !a)e a dee+ 'o)e for !e &ea(" of !a sae, of !e sense'ess desr(*ion
!a is %oin% on in !e na#e of roadside &r(s! *onro' !ro(%!o( !e naion,
Boaniss a !e 1onne*i*( Ar&ore(# de*'are !a !e e'i#inaion of &ea(if('
nai)e s!r(&s and wi'df'owers !as rea*!ed !e +ro+orions of a Lroadside *risis7,
A3a'eas, #o(nain 'a(re', &'(e&erries, !(*$'e&erries, )i&(rn(#s, do%wood,
&a"&err", swee fern, 'ow s!ad&(s!, winer&err", *!o$e*!err", and wi'd +'(# are
d"in% &efore !e *!e#i*a' &arra%e, So are !e daisies, &'a*$-e"ed S(sans, N(een
Anne7s 'a*e, %o'denrods, and fa'' asers w!i*! 'end %ra*e and &ea(" o !e
'ands*a+e, T!e s+ra"in% is no on'" i#+ro+er'" +'anned &( s(dded wi! a&(ses
s(*! as !ese, In a so(!ern New En%'and own one *onra*or finis!ed !is wor$
wi! so#e *!e#i*a' re#ainin% in !is an$, He dis*!ar%ed !is a'on% wood'and
roadsides w!ere no s+ra"in% !ad &een a(!ori3ed, As a res(' !e *o##(ni" 'os
!e &'(e and %o'den &ea(" of is a((#n roads, w!ere asers and %o'denrod wo('d
!a)e #ade a dis+'a" wor! ra)e'in% far o see, In ano!er New En%'and *o##(ni"
a *onra*or *!an%ed !e sae s+e*ifi*aions for own s+ra"in% wi!o( !e
$now'ed%e of !e !i%!wa" de+ar#en and s+ra"ed roadside )e%eaion o a !ei%!
of ei%! fee insead of !e s+e*ified #aBi#(# of fo(r fee, 'ea)in% a &road,
disfi%(rin%, &rown swa!, In a 4assa*!(ses *o##(ni" !e own offi*ia's
+(r*!ased a weed $i''er fro# a 3ea'o(s *!e#i*a' sa'es#an, (naware !a i
*onained arseni*, One res(' of !e s(&se.(en roadside s+ra"in% was !e dea! of
a do3en *ows fro# arseni* +oisonin%,
Trees wi!in !e 1onne*i*( Ar&ore(# Na(ra' Area were serio(s'" inG(red w!en
!e own of Waerford s+ra"ed !e roadsides wi! *!e#i*a' weed $i''ers in 89FO,
E)en 'ar%e rees no dire*'" s+ra"ed were affe*ed, T!e 'ea)es of !e oa$s &e%an o
*(r' and (rn &rown, a'!o(%! i was !e season for s+rin% %row!, T!en new s!oos
&e%an o &e +( for! and %rew wi! a&nor#a' ra+idi", %i)in% a wee+in% a++earan*e
o !e rees, Two seasons 'aer, 'ar%e &ran*!es
on !ese rees !ad died, o!ers were wi!o( 'ea)es, and !e defor#ed, wee+in%
effe* of w!o'e rees +ersised, I $now we'' a sre*! of road w!ere na(re7s own
'ands*a+in% !as +ro)ided a &order of a'der, )i&(rn(#, swee fern, and G(ni+er wi!
seasona''" *!an%in% a**ens of &ri%! f'owers, or of fr(is !an%in% in Gewe'ed *'(sers
in !e fa'', T!e road !ad no !ea)" 'oad of raffi* o s(++orI !ere were few s!ar+
*(r)es or inerse*ions w!ere &r(s! *o('d o&sr(* !e dri)er7s )ision, B( !e
s+ra"ers oo$ o)er and !e #i'es a'on% !a road &e*a#e so#e!in% o &e ra)ersed
.(i*$'", a si%! o &e end(red wi! one7s #ind *'osed o !o(%!s of !e seri'e and
!ideo(s wor'd we are 'ein% o(r e*!ni*ians #a$e, B( !ere and !ere a(!ori" !ad
so#e!ow fa'ered and &" an (na**o(na&'e o)ersi%! !ere were oases of &ea(" in
!e #ids of a(sere and re%i#ened *onro'Hoases !a #ade !e dese*raion of
!e %reaer +ar of !e road !e #ore (n&eara&'e, In s(*! +'a*es #" s+iri 'ifed o !e
si%! of !e drifs of w!ie *'o)er or !e *'o(ds of +(r+'e )e*! wi! !ere and !ere !e
f'a#in% *(+ of a wood 'i'",
S(*! +'ans are Lweeds7 on'" o !ose w!o #a$e a &(siness of se''in% and a++'"in%
*!e#i*a's, In a )o'(#e of 6roceedings of one of !e weed-*onro' *onferen*es !a
are now re%('ar insi(ions, I on*e read an eBraordinar" sae#en of a weed $i''er7s
+!i'oso+!", T!e a(!or defended !e $i''in% of %ood +'ans Lsi#+'" &e*a(se !e" are
in &ad *o#+an",7 T!ose w!o *o#+'ain a&o( $i''in% wi'df'owers a'on% roadsides
re#inded !i#, !e said, of ani)i)ise*ioniss Lo w!o#, if one were o G(d%e &" !eir
a*ions, !e 'ife of a sra" do% is #ore sa*red !an !e 'i)es of *!i'dren,7 To !e a(!or
of !is +a+er, #an" of (s wo('d (n.(esiona&'" &e s(s+e*, *on)i*ed of so#e dee+
+er)ersion of *!ara*er &e*a(se we +refer !e si%! of !e )e*! and !e *'o)er and
!e wood 'i'" in a'' !eir de'i*ae and ransien &ea(" o !a of roadsides s*or*!ed
as &" fire, !e s!r(&s &rown and &ri'e, !e &ra*$en !a on*e 'ifed !i%! is
+ro(d'a*ewor$ now wi!ered and droo+in%, We wo('d see# de+'ora&'" wea$ !a we
*an o'erae !e si%! of s(*! Lweeds7, !a we do no reGoi*e in !eir eradi*aion, !a
we are no fi''ed wi! eB('aion !a #an !as on*e #ore ri(#+!ed o)er #is*rean
na(re,
?(si*e Do(%'as e''s of aendin% a #eein% of federa' fie'd #en w!o were
dis*(ssin% +roess &" *ii3ens a%ains +'ans for !e s+ra"in% of sa%e&r(s! !a I
#enioned ear'ier in !is *!a+er, T!ese #en *onsidered i !i'ario(s'" f(nn" !a an
o'd 'ad" !ad o++osed !e +'an &e*a(se !e wi'df'owers wo('d &e desro"ed, L<e,
was no !er ri%! o sear*! o( a &anded *(+ or a i%er 'i'" as ina'iena&'e as !e ri%!
of so*$#en o sear*! o( %rass or of a '(#&er#an o *'ai# a reeJ7 as$s !is
!(#ane and +er*e+i)e G(ris, LT!e es!ei* )a'(es of !e wi'derness are as #(*! o(r
in!erian*e as !e )eins of *o++er and %o'd in o(r !i''s and !e foress in o(r
#o(nains,7 T!ere is of *o(rse #ore o !e wis! o +reser)e o(r roadside )e%eaion
!an e)en s(*! es!ei* *onsideraions, In !e e*ono#" of na(re !e na(ra'
)e%eaion !as is essenia' +'a*e, Hed%erows a'on% *o(nr" roads and &orderin%
fie'ds +ro)ide food, *o)er, and nesin% areas for &irds and !o#es for #an" s#a''
ani#a's, Of so#e OK s+e*ies of s!r(&s and )ines !a are "+i*a' roadside s+e*ies in
!e easern saes a'one, a&o( :F are i#+oran o wi'd'ife as food, S(*! )e%eaion
is a'so !e !a&ia of wi'd &ees and o!er +o''inain% inse*s, 4an is #ore de+enden
on !ese wi'd +o''inaors !an !e (s(a''" rea'i3es, E)en !e far#er !i#se'f se'do#
(ndersands !e )a'(e of wi'd &ees and ofen +ari*i+aes in !e )er" #eas(res !a
ro& !i# of !eir ser)i*es, So#e a%ri*('(ra' *ro+s and #an" wi'd +'ans are +ar'" or
w!o''" de+enden on !e ser)i*es of !e nai)e +o''inain% inse*s, Se)era' !(ndred
s+e*ies of wi'd &ees a$e +ar in !e +o''inaion of *('i)aed *ro+sH8KK s+e*ies
)isiin% !e f'owers of a'fa'fa a'one, Wi!o( inse* +o''inaion, #os of !e soi'-!o'din%
and soi'-enri*!in% +'ans of (n*('i)aed areas wo('d
die o(, wi! far-rea*!in% *onse.(en*es o !e e*o'o%" of !e w!o'e re%ion, 4an"
!er&s, s!r(&s, and rees of foress and ran%e de+end on nai)e inse*s for !eir
re+rod(*ionI wi!o( !ese +'ans #an" wi'd ani#a's and ran%e so*$ wo('d find
'i'e food, Now *'ean *('i)aion and !e *!e#i*a' desr(*ion of !ed%erows and
weeds are e'i#inain% !e 'as san*(aries of !ese +o''inain% inse*s and &rea$in%
!e !reads !a &ind 'ife o 'ife,
T!ese inse*s, so essenia' o o(r a%ri*('(re and indeed o o(r 'ands*a+e as we
$now i, deser)e so#e!in% &eer fro# (s !an !e sense'ess desr(*ion of !eir
!a&ia, Hone"&ees and wi'd &ees de+end !ea)i'" on s(*! Lweeds7 as %o'denrod,
#(sard, and dande'ions for +o''en !a ser)es as !e food of !eir "o(n%, Ee*!
f(rnis!es essenia' s+rin% fora%e for &ees &efore !e a'fa'fa is in &'oo#, idin% !e#
o)er !is ear'" season so !a !e" are read" o +o''inae !e a'fa'fa, In !e fa'' !e"
de+end on %o'denrod a a season w!en no o!er food is a)ai'a&'e, o so*$ (+ for !e
winer, B" !e +re*ise and de'i*ae i#in% !a is na(re7s own, !e e#er%en*e of one
s+e*ies of wi'd &ees a$es +'a*e on !e )er" da" of !e o+enin% of !e wi''ow
&'osso#s, T!ere is no dear! of #en w!o (ndersand !ese !in%s, &( !ese are no
!e #en w!o order !e w!o'esa'e dren*!in% of !e 'ands*a+e wi! *!e#i*a's,
And w!ere are !e #en w!o s(++osed'" (ndersand !e )a'(e of +ro+er !a&ia for
!e +reser)aion of wi'd'ifeJ Too #an" of !e# are o &e fo(nd defendin% !er&i*ides
as L!ar#'ess7 o wi'd'ife &e*a(se !e" are !o(%! o &e 'ess oBi* !an inse*i*ides,
T!erefore, i is said, no !ar# is done, B( as !e !er&i*ides rain down on fores and
fie'd, on #ars! and ran%e'and, !e" are &rin%in% a&o( #ar$ed *!an%es and e)en
+er#anen desr(*ion of wi'd'ife !a&ia, To desro" !e !o#es and !e food of
wi'd'ife is +er!a+s worse in !e 'on% r(n !an dire* $i''in%,
T!e iron" of !is a''-o( *!e#i*a' assa(' on roadsides and (i'i" ri%!s-of-wa" is
wofo'd, I is +er+e(ain% !e +ro&'e# i see$s o *orre*, for as eB+erien*e !as
*'ear'" s!own, !e &'an$e a++'i*aion of !er&i*ides does no +er#anen'" *onro'
roadside L&r(s!7 and !e s+ra"in% !as o &e re+eaed "ear afer "ear, And as a
f(r!er iron", we +ersis in doin% !is des+ie !e fa* !a a +erfe*'" so(nd #e!od of
se'e*i)e s+ra"in% is $nown, w!i*! *an a*!ie)e 'on%-er# )e%eaiona' *onro' and
e'i#inae re+eaed s+ra"in% in #os "+es of )e%eaion, T!e o&Ge* of &r(s! *onro'
a'on% roads and ri%!s-of-wa" is no o swee+ !e 'and *'ear of e)er"!in% &( %rassI
i is, ra!er, o e'i#inae +'ans ('i#ae'" a'' eno(%! o +resen an o&sr(*ion o
dri)ers7 )ision or inerferen*e wi! wires on ri%!s-of-wa", T!is #eans, in %enera',
rees, 4os s!r(&s are 'ow eno(%! o +resen no !a3ardI so, *erain'", are ferns and
wi'df'owers,
Se'e*i)e s+ra"in% was de)e'o+ed &" Dr, =ran$ E%'er d(rin% a +eriod of "ears a !e
A#eri*an 4(se(# of Na(ra' Hisor" as dire*or of a 1o##iee for Br(s! 1onro'
Re*o##endaions for Ri%!s-of-Wa", I oo$ ad)ana%e of !e in!eren sa&i'i" of
na(re, &(i'din% on !e fa* !a #os *o##(niies of s!r(&s are sron%'" resisan o
in)asion &" rees, B" *o#+arison, %rass'ands are easi'" in)aded &" ree seed'in%s,
T!e o&Ge* of se'e*i)e s+ra"in% is no o +rod(*e %rass on roadsides and ri%!s-of-
wa" &( o e'i#inae !e a'' wood" +'ans &" dire* rea#en and o +reser)e a''
o!er )e%eaion, One rea#en #a" &e s(ffi*ien, wi! a +ossi&'e fo''ow-(+ for
eBre#e'" resisan s+e*iesI !ereafer !e s!r(&s asser *onro' and !e rees do no
re(rn, T!e &es and *!ea+es *onro's for )e%eaion are no *!e#i*a's &( o!er
+'ans,
T!e #e!od !as &een esed in resear*! areas s*aered !ro(%!o( !e easern
Unied Saes,
Res('s s!ow !a on*e +ro+er'" reaed, an area &e*o#es sa&i'i3ed, re7uiring no
respraying
for at least 83 years, T!e s+ra"in% *an ofen &e done &" #en on foo, (sin%
$na+sa*$ s+ra"ers,
and !a)in% *o#+'ee *onro' o)er !eir #aeria', So#ei#es *o#+ressor +(#+s and
#aeria' *an &e #o(ned on r(*$ *!assis, &( !ere is no &'an$e s+ra"in%,
Trea#en is dire*ed on'" o rees and an" eB*e+iona''" a'' s!r(&s !a #(s &e
e'i#inaed, T!e ine%ri" of !e en)iron#en is !ere&" +reser)ed, !e enor#o(s
)a'(e of !e wi'd'ife !a&ia re#ains ina*, and !e &ea(" of s!r(& and fern and
wi'df'ower !as no &een sa*rifi*ed, Here and !ere !e #e!od of )e%eaion
#ana%e#en &" se'e*i)e s+ra"in% !as &een ado+ed, =or !e #os +ar, enren*!ed
*(so# dies !ard and &'an$e s+ra"in% *onin(es o !ri)e, o eBa* is !ea)" ann(a'
*oss fro# !e aB+a"er, and o inf'i* is da#a%e on !e e*o'o%i*a' we& of 'ife, I
!ri)es, s(re'", on'" &e*a(se !e fa*s are no $nown, W!en aB+a"ers (ndersand
!a !e &i'' for s+ra"in% !e own roads s!o('d *o#e d(e on'" on*e a %eneraion
insead of on*e a "ear, !e" wi'' s(re'" rise (+ and de#and a *!an%e of #e!od,
A#on% !e #an" ad)ana%es of se'e*i)e s+ra"in% is !e fa* !a i #ini#i3es !e
a#o(n of *!e#i*a' a++'ied o !e 'ands*a+e, T!ere is no &road*asin% of #aeria'
&(, ra!er, *on*enraed a++'i*aion o !e &ase of !e rees, T!e +oenia' !ar# o
wi'd'ife is !erefore $e+ o a #ini#(#, T!e #os wide'" (sed !er&i*ides are ;,M-D,
;,M,F-T, and re'aed *o#+o(nds, W!e!er or no !ese are a*(a''" oBi* is a #aer
of *onro)ers", Peo+'e s+ra"in% !eir 'awns wi! ;,M-D and &e*o#in% we wi! s+ra"
!a)e o**asiona''" de)e'o+ed se)ere ne(riis and e)en +ara'"sis, A'!o(%! s(*!
in*idens are a++aren'" (n*o##on, #edi*a' a(!oriies ad)ise *a(ion in (se of
s(*! *o#+o(nds, O!er !a3ards, #ore o&s*(re, #a" a'so aend !e rise of ;,M-D, I
!as &een s!own eB+eri#ena''" o dis(r& !e &asi* +!"sio'o%i*a' +ro*ess of
res+iraion in !e *e'', and o i#iae S-ra"s in da#a%in% !e *!ro#oso#es, So#e
)er" re*en wor$ indi*aes !a re+rod(*ion of &irds #a" &e ad)erse'" affe*ed &"
!ese and *erain o!er !er&i*ides a 'e)e's far &e'ow !ose !a *a(se dea!, A+ar
fro# an" dire*'" oBi* effe*s, *(rio(s indire* res('s fo''ow !e (se of *erain
!er&i*ides, I !as &een fo(nd !a ani#a's, &o! wi'd !er&i)ores and 'i)eso*$, are
so#ei#es sran%e'" ara*ed o a +'an !a !as &een s+ra"ed, e)en !o(%! i is no
one of !eir na(ra' foods, If a !i%!'" +oisono(s !er&i*ide s(*! as arseni* !as &een
(sed, !is inense desire o rea*! !e wi'in% )e%eaion ine)ia&'" !as disasro(s
res('s, =aa' res('s #a" fo''ow, a'so, fro# 'ess oBi* !er&i*ides if !e +'an ise'f
!a++ens o &e +oisono(s or +er!a+s o +ossess !orns or &(rs, Poisono(s ran%e
weeds, for eBa#+'e, !a)e s(dden'" &e*o#e ara*i)e o 'i)eso*$ afer s+ra"in%,
and !e ani#a's !a)e died fro# ind('%in% !is (nna(ra' a++eie, T!e 'iera(re of
)eerinar" #edi*ine a&o(nds in si#i'ar eBa#+'es2 swine eain% s+ra"ed *o*$'e&(rs
wi! *onse.(en se)ere i''ness, 'a#&s eain% s+ra"ed !is'es, &ees +oisoned &"
+as(rin% on #(sard s+ra"ed afer i *a#e ino &'oo#, Wi'd *!err", !e 'ea)es of
w!i*! are !i%!'" +oisono(s, !as eBered a faa' ara*ion for *a'e on*e is fo'ia%e
!as &een s+ra"ed wi! ;,M-D, A++aren'" !e wi'in% !a fo''ows s+ra"in% 5or *(in%6
#a$es !e +'an ara*i)e, Ra%wor !as +ro)ided o!er eBa#+'es, Li)eso*$
ordinari'" a)oid !is +'an (n'ess for*ed o (rn o i in 'ae winer and ear'" s+rin% &"
'a*$ of o!er fora%e, Howe)er, !e ani#a's ea%er'" feed on i afer is fo'ia%e !as
&een s+ra"ed wi! ;,M-D, T!e eB+'anaion of !is +e*('iar &e!a)ior so#ei#es
a++ears o 'ie in !e *!an%es w!i*! !e *!e#i*a' &rin%s a&o( in !e #ea&o'is# of
!e +'an ise'f, T!ere is e#+orari'" a #ar$ed in*rease in s(%ar *onen, #a$in% !e
+'an #ore ara*i)e o #an" ani#a's,
Ano!er *(rio(s effe* of ;,M-D !as i#+oran effe*s for 'i)eso*$, wi'd'ife, and
a++aren'" for #en as we'', EB+eri#ens *arried o( a&o( a de*ade a%o s!owed
!a afer rea#en wi! !is *!e#i*a' !ere is a s!ar+ in*rease in !e nirae *onen
of *orn and of s(%ar &ees, T!e sa#e
effe* was s(s+e*ed in sor%!(#, s(nf'ower, s+iderwor, 'a#&s .(arers, +i%weed,
and s#arweed, So#e of !ese are nor#a''" i%nored &" *a'e, &( are eaen wi!
re'is! afer rea#en wi! ;,M-D, A n(#&er of dea!s a#on% *a'e !a)e &een ra*ed
o s+ra"ed weeds, a**ordin% o so#e a%ri*('(ra' s+e*ia'iss, T!e dan%er 'ies in !e
in*rease in niraes, for !e +e*('iar +!"sio'o%" of !e r(#inan a on*e +oses a
*rii*a' +ro&'e#, 4os s(*! ani#a's !a)e a di%esi)e s"se# of eBraordinar"
*o#+'eBi", in*'(din% a so#a*! di)ided ino fo(r *!a#&ers, T!e di%esion of
*e''('ose is a**o#+'is!ed !ro(%! !e a*ion of #i*ro-or%anis#s 5r(#en &a*eria6 in
one of !e *!a#&ers, W!en !e ani#a' feeds on )e%eaion *onainin% an
a&nor#a''" !i%! 'e)e' of niraes, !e #i*ro-or%anis#s in !e r(#en a* on !e
niraes o *!an%e !e# ino !i%!'" oBi* niries, T!ereafer a faa' *!ain of e)ens
ens(es2 !e niries a* on !e &'ood +i%#en o for# a *!o*o'ae-&rown s(&san*e in
w!i*! !e oB"%en is so fir#'" !e'd !a i *anno a$e +ar in res+iraion, !en*e
oB"%en is no ransferred fro# !e '(n%s o !e iss(es, Dea! o**(rs wi!in a few
!o(rs fro# anoBia, or 'a*$ of oB"%en, T!e )ario(s re+ors of 'i)eso*$ 'osses afer
%ra3in% on *erain weeds reaed wi! ;,M-D !erefore !a)e a 'o%i*a' eB+'anaion,
T!e sa#e dan%er eBiss for wi'd ani#a's &e'on%in% o !e %ro(+ of r(#inans, s(*!
as deer, ane'o+e, s!ee+, and %oas, A'!o(%! )ario(s fa*ors 5s(*! as eB*e+iona''"
dr" wea!er6 *an *a(se an in*rease in nirae *onen, !e effe* of !e soarin% sa'es
and a++'i*aions of ;,M-D *anno &e i%nored, T!e si(aion was *onsidered i#+oran
eno(%! &" !e
Uni)ersi" of Wis*onsin A%ri*('(ra' EB+eri#en Saion o G(sif" a warnin% in 89FO
!a L+'ans $i''ed &" ;,M-D #a" *onain 'ar%e a#o(ns of nirae,7 T!e !a3ard eBends
o !(#an &ein%s as we'' as ani#a's and #a" !e'+ o eB+'ain !e re*en #"serio(s
in*rease in Lsi'o dea!s7, W!en *orn, oas, or sor%!(# *onainin% 'ar%e a#o(ns of
niraes are ensi'ed !e" re'ease +oisono(s niro%en oBide %ases, *reain% a dead'"
!a3ard o an"one enerin% !e si'o, On'" a few &rea!s of one of !ese %ases *an
*a(se a diff(se *!e#i*a' +ne(#onia, In a series of s(*! *ases s(died &" !e
Uni)ersi" of 4innesoa 4edi*a' S*!oo' a'' &( one er#inaed faa''", , , ,
LOn*e a%ain we are wa'$in% in na(re 'i$e an e'e+!an in !e *!ina *a&ine,7 So 1, ?,
BrieGTr, a D(*! s*ienis of rare (ndersandin%, s(#s (+ o(r (se of weed $i''ers, LIn
#" o+inion oo #(*! is a$en for %raned, We do no $now w!e!er a'' weeds in
*ro+s are !ar#f(' or w!e!er so#e of !e# are (sef(',7 sa"s Dr, BrieGTr, Se'do# is
!e .(esion as$ed, W!a is !e re'aion &eween !e weed and !e soi'J Per!a+s,
e)en fro# o(r narrow sand+oin of dire* se'f-ineres, !e re'aion is a (sef(' one,
As we !a)e seen, soi' and !e 'i)in% !in%s in and (+on i eBis in a re'aion of
inerde+enden*e and #((a' &enefi, Pres(#a&'" !e weed is a$in% so#e!in% fro#
!e soi'I +er!a+s i is a'so *onri&(in% so#e!in% o i, A +ra*i*a' eBa#+'e was
+ro)ided re*en'" &" !e +ar$s in a *i" in Ho''and, T!e roses were doin% &ad'", Soi'
sa#+'es s!owed !ea)" infesaions &" in" ne#aode wor#s, S*ieniss of !e D(*!
P'an Proe*ion Ser)i*e did no re*o##end *!e#i*a' s+ra"s or soi' rea#ensI
insead, !e" s(%%esed !a #ari%o'ds &e +'aned a#on% !e roses, T!is +'an,
w!i*! !e +(ris wo('d do(&'ess *onsider a weed in an" rose &ed, re'eases an
eB*reion fro# is roos !a $i''s !e soi' ne#aodes, T!e ad)i*e was a$enI so#e
&eds were +'aned wi! #ari%o'ds, so#e 'ef wi!o( as *onro's, T!e res('s were
sri$in%, Wi! !e aid of !e #ari%o'ds !e roses f'o(ris!edI in !e *onro' &eds !e"
were si*$'" and droo+in%, 4ari%o'ds are now (sed in #an" +'a*es for *o#&ain%
ne#aodes, In !e sa#e wa", and +er!a+s .(ie (n$nown o (s, o!er +'ans !a we
r(!'ess'" eradi*ae #a" &e +erfor#in% a f(n*ion !a is ne*essar" o !e !ea'! of
!e soi', One )er" (sef(' f(n*ion of na(ra' +'an *o##(niiesHnow +re" %enera''"
si%#ai3ed as Lweeds7His o ser)e as an
indi*aor of !e *ondiion of !e soi', T!is (sef(' f(n*ion is of *o(rse 'os w!ere
*!e#i*a' weed $i''ers !a)e &een (sed, T!ose w!o find an answer o a'' +ro&'e#s in
s+ra"in% a'so o)er'oo$ a #aer of %rea s*ienifi* i#+oran*eH!e need o +reser)e
so#e na(ra' +'an *o##(niies, We need !ese as a sandard a%ains w!i*! we *an
#eas(re !e *!an%es o(r own a*i)iies &rin% a&o(, We need !e# as wi'd !a&ias
in w!i*! ori%ina' +o+('aions of inse*s and o!er or%anis#s *an &e #ainained, for,
as wi'' &e eB+'ained in 1!a+er 8:, !e de)e'o+#en of resisan*e o inse*i*ides is
*!an%in% !e %enei* fa*ors of inse*s and +er!a+s o!er or%anis#s, One s*ienis
!as e)en s(%%esed !a so#e sor of L3oo7 s!o('d &e esa&'is!ed o +reser)e
inse*s, #ies, and !e 'i$e, &efore !eir %enei* *o#+osiion is f(r!er *!an%ed,
So#e eB+ers warn of s(&'e &( far-rea*!in% )e%eaiona' s!ifs as a res(' of !e
%rowin% (se of !er&i*ides, T!e *!e#i*a' ;,M-D, &" $i''in% o( !e &road-'ea)ed
+'ans, a''ows !e %rasses o !ri)e in !e red(*ed *o#+eiionHnow so#e of !e
%rasses !e#se')es !a)e &e*o#e Lweeds7, +resenin% a new +ro&'e# in *onro' and
%i)in% !e *"*'e ano!er (rn, T!is sran%e si(aion is a*$now'ed%ed in a re*en
iss(e of a Go(rna' de)oed o *ro+ +ro&'e#s2 LWi! !e wides+read (se of ;,M-D o
*onro' &road'ea)ed weeds, %rass weeds in +ari*('ar !a)e in*reasin%'" &e*o#e a
!rea o *orn and so"&ean "ie'ds,7
Ra%weed, !e &ane of !a" fe)er s(fferers, offers an ineresin% eBa#+'e of !e wa"
effors o *onro' na(re so#ei#es &oo#eran%, 4an" !o(sands of %a''ons of
*!e#i*a's !a)e &een dis*!ar%ed a'on% roadsides in !e na#e of ra%weed *onro',
B( !e (nfor(nae r(! is !a &'an$e s+ra"in% is res('in% in #ore ra%weed, no
'ess, Ra%weed is an ann(a'I is seed'in%s re.(ire o+en soi' o &e*o#e esa&'is!ed
ea*! "ear, O(r &es +roe*ion a%ains !is +'an is !erefore !e #ainenan*e of
dense s!r(&s, ferns, and o!er +erennia' )e%eaion, S+ra"in% fre.(en'" desro"s
!is +roe*i)e )e%eaion and *reaes o+en, &arren areas w!i*! !e ra%weed
!asens o fi'', I is +ro&a&'e, #oreo)er, !a !e +o''en *onen of !e a#os+!ere is
no re'aed o roadside ra%weed, &( o !e ra%weed of *i" 'os and fa''ow fie'ds, T!e
&oo#in% sa'es of *!e#i*a' *ra&%rass $i''ers are ano!er eBa#+'e of !ow readi'"
(nso(nd #e!ods *a*! on, T!ere is a *!ea+er and &eer wa" o re#o)e *ra&%rass
!an o ae#+ "ear afer "ear o $i'' i o( wi! *!e#i*a's, T!is is o %i)e i
*o#+eiion of a $ind i *anno s(r)i)e, !e *o#+eiion of o!er %rass, 1ra&%rass
eBiss on'" in an (n!ea'!" 'awn, I is a s"#+o#, no a disease in ise'f, B" +ro)idin%
a feri'e soi' and %i)in% !e desired %rasses a %ood sar, i is +ossi&'e o *reae an
en)iron#en in w!i*! *ra&%rass *anno %row, for i re.(ires o+en s+a*e in w!i*! i
*an sar fro# seed "ear afer "ear,
Insead of reain% !e &asi* *ondiion, s(&(r&aniesHad)ised &" n(rser"#en w!o in
(rn !a)e &een ad)ised &" !e *!e#i*a' #an(fa*(rersH*onin(e o a++'" r('"
asonis!in% a#o(ns of *ra&%rass $i''ers o !eir 'awns ea*! "ear, 4ar$eed (nder
rade na#es w!i*! %i)e no !in of !eir na(re, #an" of !ese +re+araions *onain
s(*! +oisons as #er*(r", arseni*, and *!'ordane, A++'i*aion a !e re*o##ended
raes 'ea)es re#endo(s a#o(ns of !ese *!e#i*a's on !e 'awn, Users of one
+rod(*, for eBa#+'e, a++'" :K +o(nds of e*!ni*a' *!'ordane o !e a*re if !e"
fo''ow dire*ions, If !e" (se ano!er of !e #an" a)ai'a&'e +rod(*s, !e" are
a++'"in% 8OF +o(nds of #ea''i* arseni* o !e a*re, T!e o'' of dead &irds, as we
s!a'' see in 1!a+er 8, is disressin%, How 'e!a' !ese 'awns #a" &e for !(#an
&ein%s is (n$nown, T!e s(**ess of se'e*i)e s+ra"in% for roadside and ri%!-of-wa"
)e%eaion, w!ere i !as &een +ra*i*ed, offers !o+e !a e.(a''" so(nd e*o'o%i*a'
#e!ods #a" &e de)e'o+ed for o!er )e%eaion +ro%ra#s for far#s, foress, and
ran%esH #e!ods ai#ed no a desro"in% a
+ari*('ar s+e*ies &( a #ana%in% )e%eaion as a 'i)in% *o##(ni", O!er so'id
a*!ie)e#ens s!ow w!a *an &e done, Bio'o%i*a' *onro' !as a*!ie)ed so#e of is
#os s+e*a*('ar s(**esses in !e area of *(r&in% (nwaned )e%eaion, Na(re
!erse'f !as #e #an" of !e +ro&'e#s !a now &ese (s, and s!e !as (s(a''" so')ed
!e# in !er own s(**essf(' wa", W!ere #an !as &een ine''i%en eno(%! o o&ser)e
and o e#('ae Na(re !e, oo, is ofen rewarded wi! s(**ess, An o(sandin%
eBa#+'e in !e fie'd of *onro''in% (nwaned +'ans is !e !and'in% of !e K'a#a!-
weed +ro&'e# in 1a'ifornia, A'!o(%! !e K'a#a! weed, or %oaweed, is a nai)e of
E(ro+e 5w!ere i is *a''ed S, ?o!nswor6, i a**o#+anied #an in !is wesward
#i%raions, firs a++earin% in !e Unied Saes in 8O9> near Lan*aser,
Penns"')ania, B" 89KK i !ad rea*!ed 1a'ifornia in !e )i*ini" of !e K'a#a! Ri)er,
!en*e !e na#e 'o*a''" %i)en o i, B" 89;9 i !ad o**(+ied a&o( 8KK,KKK a*res of
ran%e'and, and &" 89F; i !ad in)aded so#e wo and one !a'f #i''ion a*res,
K'a#a! weed, .(ie (n'i$e s(*! nai)e +'ans as sa%e&r(s!, !as no +'a*e in !e
e*o'o%" of !e re%ion, and no ani#a's or o!er +'ans re.(ire is +resen*e, On !e
*onrar", w!ere)er i a++eared 'i)eso*$ &e*a#e Ls*a&&", sore-#o(!ed, and
(n!rif"7 fro# feedin% on !is oBi* +'an, Land )a'(es de*'ined a**ordin%'", for !e
K'a#a! weed was *onsidered o !o'd !e firs #or%a%e, In E(ro+e !e K'a#a!
weed, or S, ?o!nswor, !as ne)er &e*o#e a +ro&'e# &e*a(se a'on% wi! !e +'an
!ere !a)e de)e'o+ed )ario(s s+e*ies of inse*sI !ese feed on i so eBensi)e'" !a
is a&(ndan*e is se)ere'" 'i#ied, In +ari*('ar, wo s+e*ies of &ee'es in so(!ern
=ran*e, +ea-si3ed and of #ea''i* *o'o(r !a)e !eir w!o'e &ein%s so ada+ed o !e
+resen*e of !e weed !a !e" feed and re+rod(*e on'" (+on i, I was an e)en of
!isori* i#+oran*e w!en !e firs s!i+#ens of !ese &ee'es were &ro(%! o !e
Unied Saes in 89MM, for !is was !e firs ae#+ in Nor! A#eri*a o *onro' a
+'an wi! a +'an-eain% inse*, B" 89M8 &o! s+e*ies !ad &e*o#e so we''
esa&'is!ed !a no f(r!er i#+oraions were needed, T!eir s+read was
a**o#+'is!ed &" *o''e*in% &ee'e fro# !e ori%ina' *o'onies and redisri&(in% !e#
a !e rae of #i''ions a "ear, Wi!in s#a'' areas !e &ee'es a**o#+'is! !eir own
dis+ersion, #o)in% on as soon as !e K'a#a! weed dies o( and 'o*ain% new
sands wi! %rea +re*ision, And as !e &ee'es !in o( !e weed, desira&'e ran%e
+'ans !a !a)e &een *rowded o( are a&'e o re(rn, A en-"ear s(r)e" *o#+'eed in
89F9 s!owed !a *onro' of !e K'a#a! weed !ad &een L#ore effe*i)e !an !o+ed
for e)en &" en!(siass7, wi! !e weed red(*ed o a #ere 8 +er *en of is for#er
a&(ndan*e, T!is o$en infesaion is !ar#'ess and is a*(a''" needed in order o
#ainain a +o+('aion of &ee'es as +roe*ion a%ains a f((re in*rease in !e weed,
Ano!er eBraordinari'" s(**essf(' and e*ono#i*a' eBa#+'e of weed *onro' #a" &e
fo(nd in A(sra'ia, Wi! !e *o'oniss7 (s(a' ase for *arr"in% +'ans or ani#a's ino a
new *o(nr", a 1a+ain Ar!(r P!i''i+ !ad &ro(%! )ario(s s+e*ies of *a*(s ino
A(sra'ia a&o( 8O8O, inendin% o (se !e# in *('(rin% *o*!inea' inse*s for d"e,
So#e of !e *a*i or +ri*$'" +ears es*a+ed fro# !is %ardens and &" 89;F a&o( ;K
s+e*ies *o('d &e fo(nd %rowin% wi'd, Ha)in% no na(ra' *onro's in !is new errior",
!e" s+read +rodi%io(s'", e)en(a''" o**(+"in% a&o( :K #i''ion a*res, A 'eas !a'f of
!is 'and was so dense'" *o)ered as o &e (se'ess, In 89;K A(sra'ian eno#o'o%iss
were sen o Nor! and So(! A#eri*a o s(d" inse* ene#ies of !e +ri*$'" +ears in
!eir nai)e !a&ia, Afer ria's of se)era' s+e*ies, > &i''ion e%%s of an Ar%enine #o!
were re'eased in A(sra'ia in 89>K, Se)en "ears 'aer !e 'as dense %row! of !e
+ri*$'" +ear !ad &een desro"ed and !e on*e (nin!a&ia&'e areas reo+ened o
se'e#en and
%ra3in%, T!e w!o'e o+eraion !ad *os 'ess !an a +enn" +er a*re, In *onras,
!e (nsaisfa*or" ae#+s a *!e#i*a' *onro' in ear'ier "ears !ad *os a&o( U8K
+er a*re,
Bo! of !ese eBa#+'es s(%%es !a eBre#e'" effe*i)e *onro' of #an" $inds of
(nwaned )e%eaion #i%! &e a*!ie)ed &" +a"in% #ore aenion o !e ro'e of +'an-
eain% inse*s, T!e s*ien*e of ran%e #ana%e#en !as 'ar%e'" i%nored !is +ossi&i'i",
a'!o(%! !ese inse*s are +er!a+s !e #os se'e*i)e of a'' %ra3ers and !eir !i%!'"
resri*ed dies *o('d easi'" &e (rned o #an7s ad)ana%e,
6. Nee$#ess H)7o
AS 4AN PRO1EEDS oward !is anno(n*ed %oa' of !e *on.(es of na(re,
!e !as wrien a de+ressin% re*ord of desr(*ion, dire*ed no on'" a%ains !e ear! !e
in!a&is &( a%ains !e 'ife !a s!ares i wi! !i#, T!e !isor" of !e re*en *en(ries
!as is &'a*$ +assa%esH!e s'a(%!er of !e &(ffa'o on !e wesern +'ains, !e
#assa*re of !e s!ore&irds &" !e #ar$e %(nners, !e near-eBer#inaion of !e e%res
for !eir +'(#a%e, Now, o !ese and o!ers 'i$e !e#, we are addin% a new *!a+er and
a new $ind of !a)o*H!e dire* $i''in% of &irds, #a##a's, fis!es, and indeed +ra*i*a''"
e)er" for# of wi'd'ife &" *!e#i*a' inse*i*ides indis*ri#inae'" s+ra"ed on !e 'and,
Under !e +!i'oso+!" !a now see#s o %(ide o(r desinies, no!in% #(s %e in !e
wa" of !e #an wi! !e s+ra" %(n, T!e in*idena' )i*i#s of !is *r(sade a%ains
inse*s *o(n as no!in%I if ro&ins, +!easans, ra**oons, *as, or e)en 'i)eso*$
!a++en o in!a&i !e sa#e &i of ear! as !e ar%e inse*s and o &e !i &" !e rain of
inse*-$i''in% +oisons no one #(s +roes,
T!e *ii3en w!o wis!es o #a$e a fair G(d%#en of !e .(esion of wi'd'ife 'oss is
oda" *onfroned wi! a di'e##a, On !e one !and *onser)aioniss and #an"
wi'd'ife &io'o%iss asser !a !e 'osses !a)e &een se)ere and in so#e *ases e)en
*aasro+!i*, On !e o!er !and !e *onro' a%en*ies end o den" f'a'" and
*ae%ori*a''" !a s(*! 'osses !a)e o**(rred, or !a !e" are of an" i#+oran*e if
!e" !a)e, W!i*! )iew are we o a**e+J T!e *redi&i'i" of !e winess is of firs
i#+oran*e, T!e +rofessiona' wi'd'ife &io'o%is on !e s*ene is *erain'" &es
.(a'ified o dis*o)er and iner+re wi'd'ife 'oss, T!e eno#o'o%is, w!ose s+e*ia'" is
inse*s, is no so .(a'ified &" rainin%, and is no +s"*!o'o%i*a''" dis+osed o 'oo$ for
(ndesira&'e side effe*s of !is *onro' +ro%ra#, <e i is !e *onro' #en in sae and
federa' %o)ern#ensHand of *o(rse !e *!e#i*a' #an(fa*(rersHw!o seadfas'"
den" !e fa*s re+ored &" !e &io'o%iss and de*'are !e" see 'i'e e)iden*e of !ar#
o wi'd'ife, Li$e !e +ries and !e Le)ie in !e &i&'i*a' sor", !e" *!oose o +ass &"
on !e o!er side and o see no!in%, E)en if we *!aria&'" eB+'ain !eir denia's as
d(e o !e s!orsi%!edness of !e s+e*ia'is and !e #an wi! an ineres !is does
no #ean we #(s a**e+ !e# as .(a'ified winesses,
T!e &es wa" o for# o(r own G(d%#en is o 'oo$ a so#e of !e #aGor *onro'
+ro%ra#s and 'earn, fro# o&ser)ers fa#i'iar wi! !e wa"s of wi'd'ife, and (n&iased
in fa)or of *!e#i*a's, G(s w!a !as !a++ened in !e wa$e of a rain of +oison fa''in%
fro# !e s$ies ino !e wor'd of wi'd'ife, To !e &ird wa*!er, !e s(&(r&anie w!o
deri)es Go" fro# &irds in !is %arden, !e !(ner, !e fis!er#an or !e eB+'orer of wi'd
re%ions, an"!in% !a desro"s !e wi'd'ife of an area for e)en a sin%'e "ear !as
de+ri)ed !i# of +'eas(re o w!i*! !e !as a 'e%ii#ae ri%!, T!is is a )a'id +oin of
)iew, E)en if, as !as so#ei#es !a++ened, so#e of !e &irds and #a##a's and
fis!es are a&'e o re-esa&'is! !e#se')es afer a sin%'e s+ra"in%, a %rea and rea'
!ar# !as &een done, B( s(*! reesa&'is!#en is (n'i$e'" o !a++en, S+ra"in% ends
o &e re+eii)e, and a sin%'e eB+os(re fro# w!i*! !e wi'd'ife +o+('aions #i%! !a)e
a *!an*e o re*o)er is a rari", W!a (s(a''" res('s is a +oisoned en)iron#en, a
'e!a' ra+ in w!i*! no on'" !e residen +o+('aions s(**(#& &( !ose w!o *o#e in
as #i%rans as we'', T!e 'ar%er !e area s+ra"ed !e #ore serio(s !e !ar#,
&e*a(se no oases of safe" re#ain, Now, in a de*ade #ar$ed &" inse*-*onro'
+ro%ra#s in w!i*! #an" !o(sands or e)en #i''ions of a*res are s+ra"ed as a (ni, a
de*ade in w!i*! +ri)ae and *o##(ni" s+ra"in% !as a'so s(r%ed seadi'" (+ward, a
re*ord of desr(*ion and dea! of A#eri*an wi'd'ife !as a**(#('aed, Le (s 'oo$ a
so#e of !ese +ro%ra#s and see w!a !as !a++ened,
D(rin% !e fa'' of 89F9 so#e ;O,KKK a*res in so(!easern 4i*!i%an, in*'(din%
n(#ero(s s(&(r&s of Deroi, were !ea)i'" d(sed fro# !e air wi! +e''es of a'drin,
one of !e #os dan%ero(s of a'' !e *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&ons, T!e +ro%ra# was
*ond(*ed &" !e 4i*!i%an De+ar#en of A%ri*('(re wi! !e *oo+eraion of !e
Unied Saes De+ar#en of A%ri*('(reI is anno(n*ed +(r+ose was *onro' of !e
?a+anese &ee'e, Li'e need was s!own for !is drasi* and dan%ero(s a*ion, On
!e *onrar", Wa'er P, Ni*$e'', one of !e &es-$nown
and &es-infor#ed na(ra'iss in !e sae, w!o s+ends #(*! of !is i#e in !e fie'd
wi! 'on% +eriods in so(!ern 4i*!i%an e)er" s(##er, de*'ared2 L=or #ore !an !ir"
"ears, o #" dire* $now'ed%e, !e ?a+anese &ee'e !as &een +resen in !e *i" of
Deroi in s#a'' n(#&ers, T!e n(#&ers !a)e no s!own an" a++re*ia&'e in*rease in
a'' !is 'a+se of "ears, I !a)e "e o see a sin%'e ?a+anese &ee'e Vin 89F9W o!er !an
!e few *a(%! in Go)ern#en *a*! ra+s in Deroi,,,E)er"!in% is &ein% $e+ so
se*re !a I !a)e no "e &een a&'e o o&ain an" infor#aion w!asoe)er o !e
effe* !a !e" !a)e in*reased in n(#&ers,7 An offi*ia' re'ease &" !e sae a%en*"
#ere'" de*'ared !a !e &ee'e !ad L+( in is a++earan*e7 in !e areas
desi%naed for !e aeria' aa*$ (+on i, Des+ie !e 'a*$ of G(sifi*aion !e +ro%ra#
was 'a(n*!ed, wi! !e sae +ro)idin% !e #an+ower and s(+er)isin% !e o+eraion,
!e federa' %o)ern#en +ro)idin% e.(i+#en and addiiona' #en, and !e
*o##(niies +a"in% for !e inse*i*ide, T!e ?a+anese &ee'e, an inse* a**idena''"
i#+ored ino !e Unied Saes, was dis*o)ered in New ?erse" in 898:, w!en a few
s!in" &ee'es of a #ea''i* %reen *o'or were seen in a n(rser" near Ri)eron, T!e
&ee'es, a firs (nre*o%ni3ed, were fina''" idenified as a *o##on in!a&ian of !e
#ain is'ands of ?a+an, A++aren'" !e" !ad enered !e Unied Saes on n(rser"
so*$ i#+ored &efore resri*ions were esa&'is!ed in 898;,
=ro# is ori%ina' +oin of enran*e !e ?a+anese &ee'e !as s+read ra!er wide'"
!ro(%!o( #an" of !e saes eas of !e 4ississi++i, w!ere *ondiions of
e#+era(re and rainfa'' are s(ia&'e for i, Ea*! "ear so#e o(ward #o)e#en
&e"ond !e eBisin% &o(ndaries of is disri&(ion (s(a''" a$es +'a*e, In !e easern
areas w!ere !e &ee'es !a)e &een 'on%es esa&'is!ed, ae#+s !a)e &een #ade
o se (+ na(ra' *onro's, W!ere !is !as &een done, !e &ee'e +o+('aions !a)e
&een $e+ a re'ai)e'" 'ow 'e)e's, as #an" re*ords aes, Des+ie !e re*ord of
reasona&'e *onro' in easern areas, !e #idwesern saes now on !e frin%e of !e
&ee'e7s ran%e !a)e 'a(n*!ed an aa*$ wor!" of !e #os dead'" ene#" insead of
on'" a #oderae'" desr(*i)e inse*, e#+'o"in% !e #os dan%ero(s *!e#i*a's
disri&(ed in a #anner !a eB+oses 'ar%e n(#&ers of +eo+'e, !eir do#esi*
ani#a's, and a'' wi'd'ife o !e +oison inended for !e &ee'e, As a res(' !ese
?a+anese &ee'e +ro%ra#s !a)e *a(sed s!o*$in% desr(*ion of ani#a' 'ife and !a)e
eB+osed !(#an &ein%s o (ndenia&'e !a3ard, Se*ions of 4i*!i%an, Ken(*$", Iowa,
Indiana, I''inois, and 4isso(ri are a'' eB+erien*in% a rain of *!e#i*a's in !e na#e of
&ee'e *onro', T!e 4i*!i%an s+ra"in% was one of !e firs 'ar%e- s*a'e aa*$s on !e
?a+anese &ee'e fro# !e air, T!e *!oi*e of a'drin, one of !e dead'ies of a''
*!e#i*a's, was no deer#ined &" an" +e*('iar s(ia&i'i" for ?a+anese &ee'e
*onro', &( si#+'" &" !e wis! o sa)e #one"Ha'drin was !e *!ea+es of !e
*o#+o(nds a)ai'a&'e, W!i'e !e sae in is offi*ia' re'ease o !e +ress
a*$now'ed%ed !a a'drin is a L+oison7, i i#+'ied !a no !ar# *o('d *o#e o !(#an
&ein%s in !e !ea)i'" +o+('aed areas o w!i*! !e *!e#i*a' was a++'ied, 5T!e
offi*ia' answer o !e .(er" LW!a +re*a(ions s!o('d I a$eJ7 was L=or "o(,
none,76 An offi*ia' of !e =edera' A)iaion A%en*" was 'aer .(oed in !e 'o*a' +ress
o !e effe* !a L!is is a safe o+eraion7 and a re+resenai)e of !e Deroi
De+ar#en of Par$s and Re*reaion added !is ass(ran*e !a L!e d(s is !ar#'ess
o !(#ans and wi'' no !(r +'ans or +es,7 One #(s ass(#e !a none of !ese
offi*ia's !ad *ons('ed !e +(&'is!ed and readi'" a)ai'a&'e re+ors of !e Unied
Saes P(&'i* Hea'! Ser)i*e, !e =is! and Wi'd'ife Ser)i*e, and o!er e)iden*e of
!e eBre#e'" +oisono(s na(re of a'drin,
A*in% (nder !e 4i*!i%an +es *onro' 'aw w!i*! a''ows !e sae o s+ra"
indis*ri#inae'" wi!o( noif"in% or %ainin% +er#ission of indi)id(a' 'andowners, !e
'ow-'"in% +'anes &e%an o f'" o)er !e Deroi area, T!e *i" a(!oriies and !e
=edera' A)iaion A%en*" were i##ediae'" &esie%ed &" *a''s fro# worried *ii3ens,
Afer re*ei)in% near'" 8KK *a''s in a sin%'e !o(r, !e +o'i*e &e%%ed radio and
e'e)ision saions and news+a+ers o Le'' !e wa*!ers w!a !e" were seein% and
ad)ise !e# i was safe,7 a**ordin% o !e Deroi %ews, T!e =edera' A)iaion
A%en*"7s safe" offi*er ass(red !e +(&'i* !a L!e +'anes are *aref(''" s(+er)ised7
and Lare a(!ori3ed o f'" 'ow,7 In a so#ew!a #isa$en ae#+ o a''a" fears, !e
added !a !e +'anes !ad e#er%en*" )a')es !a wo('d a''ow !e# o d(#+ !eir
enire 'oad insananeo(s'", T!is, for(nae'", was no done, &( as !e +'anes wen
a&o( !eir wor$ !e +e''es of inse*i*ide fe'' on &ee'es and !(#ans a'i$e, s!owers
of L!ar#'ess7 +oison des*endin% on +eo+'e s!o++in% or %oin% o wor$ and on
*!i'dren o( fro# s*!oo' for !e '(n*! !o(r, Ho(sewi)es swe+ !e %ran('es fro#
+or*!es and sidewa'$s, w!ere !e" are said o !a)e L'oo$ed 'i$e snow7, As +oined
o( 'aer &" !e 4i*!i%an A(d(&on So*ie", LIn !e s+a*es &eween s!in%'es on roofs,
in ea)es-ro(%!s, in !e *ra*$s in &ar$ and wi%s, !e 'i'e w!ie +e''es of a'drin-and-
*'a", no &i%%er !an a +in !ead, were 'od%ed &" !e #i''ions,,,W!en !e snow and
rain *a#e, e)er" +(dd'e &e*a#e a +ossi&'e dea! +oion,7 Wi!in a few da"s afer
!e d(sin% o+eraion, !e Deroi A(d(&on So*ie" &e%an re*ei)in% *a''s a&o( !e
&irds, A**ordin% o !e So*ie"7s se*rear", 4rs, Ann Bo"es, LT!e firs indi*aion !a
!e +eo+'e were *on*erned a&o( !e s+ra" was a *a'' I re*ei)ed on S(nda" #ornin%
fro# a wo#an w!o re+ored !a *o#in% !o#e fro# *!(r*! s!e saw an a'ar#in%
n(#&er of dead and d"in% &irds, T!e s+ra"in% !ere !ad &een done on T!(rsda",
S!e said !ere were no &irds a a'' f'"in% in !e area, !a s!e !ad fo(nd a 'eas a
do3en VdeadW in !er &a*$"ard and !a !e nei%!&ors !ad fo(nd dead s.(irre's,7 A''
o!er *a''s re*ei)ed &" 4rs, Bo"es !a da" re+ored La %rea #an" dead &irds and
no 'i)e ones,,, Peo+'e w!o !ad #ainained &ird feeders said !ere were no &irds a
a'' a !eir feeders,7 Birds +i*$ed (+ in a d"in% *ondiion s!owed !e "+i*a'
s"#+o#s of inse*i*ide +oisonin%Hre#ori n%, 'oss of a&i'i" o f'", +ara'"sis,
*on)('sions,
Nor were &irds !e on'" for#s of 'ife i##ediae'" affe*ed, A 'o*a' )eerinarian
re+ored !a !is offi*e was f('' of *'iens wi! do%s and *as !a !ad s(dden'"
si*$ened, 1as, w!o so #ei*('o(s'" %roo# !eir *oas and 'i*$ !eir +aws, see#ed
o &e #os affe*ed, T!eir i''ness oo$ !e for# of se)ere diarr!ea, )o#iin%, and
*on)('sions, T!e on'" ad)i*e !e )eerinarian *o('d %i)e !is *'iens was no o 'e !e
ani#a's o( (nne*essari'", or o was! !e +aws +ro#+'" if !e" did so, 5B( !e
*!'orinaed !"dro*ar&ons *anno &e was!ed e)en fro# fr(is or )e%ea&'es, so 'i'e
+roe*ion *o('d &e eB+e*ed fro# !is #eas(re,6
Des+ie !e insisen*e of !e 1i"-1o(n" Hea'! 1o##issioner !a !e &irds #(s
!a)e &een $i''ed &" Lso#e o!er $ind of s+ra"in%7 and !a !e o(&rea$ of !roa and
*!es irriaions !a fo''owed !e eB+os(re o a'drin #(s !a)e &een d(e o
Lso#e!in% e'se7, !e 'o*a' Hea'! De+ar#en re*ei)ed a *onsan srea# of
*o#+'ains, A +ro#inen Deroi inernis was *a''ed
(+on o rea fo(r of !is +aiens wi!in an !o(r afer !e" !ad &een eB+osed w!i'e
wa*!in% !e +'anes a wor$, A'' !ad si#i'ar s"#+o#s2 na(sea, )o#iin%, *!i''s,
fe)er, eBre#e fai%(e, and *o(%!in%, T!e Deroi eB+erien*e !as &een re+eaed in
#an" o!er *o##(niies as +ress(re !as #o(ned o *o#&a !e ?a+anese &ee'e
wi! *!e#i*a's, A B'(e Is'and, I''inois, !(ndreds of dead and d"in% &irds were +i*$ed
(+, Daa *o''e*ed &" &ird&anders !ere s(%%es !a 8K +er *en of !e son%&irds
were sa*rifi*ed, In ?o'ie, I''inois, so#e >KKK a*res were reaed wi! !e+a*!'or in
89F9, A**ordin% o re+ors fro# a 'o*a' s+ors#en7s *'(&, !e &ird +o+('aion wi!in
!e reaed area was L)ir(a''" wi+ed o(7, Dead ra&&is, #(s$ras, o+oss(#s, and
fis! were a'so fo(nd in n(#&ers, and one of !e 'o*a' s*!oo's #ade !e *o''e*ion of
inse*i*ide-+oisoned &irds a s*ien*e +roGe*, , , ,
Per!a+s no *o##(ni" !as s(ffered #ore for !e sa$e of a &ee'e'ess wor'd !an
S!e'don, in easern I''inois, and adGa*en areas in Iro.(ois 1o(n", In 89FM !e
Unied Saes De+ar#en of A%ri*('(re and !e I''inois A%ri*('(re De+ar#en
&e%an a +ro%ra# o eradi*ae !e ?a+anese &ee'e a'on% !e 'ine of is ad)an*e ino
I''inois, !o'din% o( !e !o+e, and indeed !e ass(ran*e, !a inensi)e s+ra"in%
wo('d desro" !e +o+('aions of !e in)adin% inse*, T!e firs Leradi*aion7 oo$ +'a*e
!a "ear, w!en die'drin was a++'ied o 8MKK a*res &" air, Ano!er ;:KK a*res were
reaed si#i'ar'" in 89FF, and !e as$ was +res(#a&'" *onsidered *o#+'ee, B(
#ore and #ore *!e#i*a' rea#ens were *a''ed for, and &" !e end of 89:8 so#e
8>8,KKK a*res !ad &een *o)ered, E)en in !e firs "ears of !e +ro%ra# i was
a++aren !a !ea)"
'osses were o**(rrin% a#on% wi'd'ife and do#esi* ani#a's, T!e *!e#i*a'
rea#ens were *onin(ed, ne)er!e'ess, wi!o( *ons('aion wi! ei!er !e Unied
Saes =is! and Wi'd'ife Ser)i*e or !e I''inois Ga#e 4ana%e#en Di)ision, 5In !e
s+rin% of 89:K, !owe)er, offi*ia's of !e federa' De+ar#en of A%ri*('(re a++eared
&efore a *on%ressiona' *o##iee in o++osiion o a &i'' !a wo('d re.(ire G(s s(*!
+rior *ons('aion, T!e" de*'ared &'and'" !a !e &i'' was (nne*essar" &e*a(se
*oo+eraion and *ons('aion were L(s(a'7, T!ese offi*ia's were .(ie (na&'e o re*a''
si(aions w!ere *oo+eraion !ad no a$en +'a*e La !e Was!in%on 'e)e'7, In !e
sa#e !earin%s !e" saed *'ear'" !eir (nwi''in%ness o *ons(' wi! sae fis! and
%a#e de+ar#ens,6 A'!o(%! f(nds for *!e#i*a' *onro' *a#e in ne)er-endin%
srea#s, !e &io'o%iss of !e I''inois Na(ra' Hisor" S(r)e" w!o ae#+ed o
#eas(re !e da#a%e o wi'd'ife !ad o o+erae on a finan*ia' s!oesrin%, A #ere
X88KK was a)ai'a&'e for !e e#+'o"#en of a fie'd assisan in 89FM and no s+e*ia'
f(nds were +ro)ided in 89FF, Des+ie !ese *ri++'in% diffi*('ies, !e &io'o%iss
asse#&'ed fa*s !a *o''e*i)e'" +ain a +i*(re of a'#os (n+ara''e'ed wi'd'ife
desr(*ionHdesr(*ion !a &e*a#e o&)io(s as soon as !e +ro%ra# %o (nder
wa",
1ondiions were #ade o order for +oisonin% inse*-eain% &irds, &o! in !e +oisons
(sed and in !e e)ens se in #oion &" !eir a++'i*aion, In !e ear'" +ro%ra#s a
S!e'don, die'drin was a++'ied a !e rae of > +o(nds o !e a*re, To (ndersand is
effe* on &irds one need on'" re#e#&er !a in 'a&oraor" eB+eri#ens on .(ai'
die'drin !as +ro)ed o &e a&o( FK i#es as +oisono(s as DDT, T!e +oison s+read
o)er !e 'ands*a+e a S!e'don was !erefore ro(%!'" e.(i)a'en o 8FK +o(nds of
DDT +er a*reQ And !is was a #ini#(#, &e*a(se !ere see#s o !a)e &een so#e
o)er'a++in% of rea#ens a'on% fie'd &orders and in *orners, As !e *!e#i*a'
+eneraed !e soi' !e +oisoned &ee'e %r(&s *raw'ed o( on !e s(rfa*e of !e
%ro(nd, w!ere !e" re#ained for so#e i#e &efore !e" died, ara*i)e o inse*-
eain% &irds, Dead and d"in% inse*s of )ario(s s+e*ies were *ons+i*(o(s for a&o(
wo wee$s afer !e rea#en, T!e
effe* on !e &ird +o+('aions *o('d easi'" !a)e &een foreo'd, Brown !ras!ers,
sar'in%s, #eadow'ar$s, %ra*$'es, and +!easans were )ir(a''" wi+ed o(, Ro&ins
were La'#os anni!i'aed7, a**ordin% o !e &io'o%iss7 re+or, Dead ear!wor#s !ad
&een seen in n(#&ers afer a %en'e rainI +ro&a&'" !e ro&ins !ad fed on !e
+oisoned wor#s, =or o!er &irds, oo, !e on*e &enefi*ia' rain !ad &een *!an%ed,
!ro(%! !e e)i' +ower of !e +oison inrod(*ed ino !eir wor'd, ino an a%en of
desr(*ion, Birds seen drin$in% and &a!in% in +(dd'es 'ef &" rain a few da"s afer
!e s+ra"in% were ine)ia&'" doo#ed,
T!e &irds !a s(r)i)ed #a" !a)e &een rendered seri'e, A'!o(%! a few ness were
fo(nd in !e reaed area, a few wi! e%%s, none *onained "o(n% &irds, A#on% !e
#a##a's %ro(nd s.(irre's were )ir(a''" anni!i'aedI !eir &odies were fo(nd in
ai(des *!ara*erisi* of )io'en dea! &" +oisonin%, Dead #(s$ras were fo(nd in
!e reaed areas, dead ra&&is in !e fie'ds, T!e foB s.(irre' !ad &een a re'ai)e'"
*o##on ani#a' in !e ownI afer !e s+ra"in% i was %one, I was a rare far# in !e
S!e'don area !a was &'essed &" !e +resen*e of a *a afer !e war on &ee'es was
&e%(n, Nine" +er *en of a'' !e far# *as fe'' )i*i#s o !e die'drin d(rin% !e firs
season of s+ra"in%, T!is #i%! !a)e &een +redi*ed &e*a(se of !e &'a*$ re*ord of
!ese +oisons in o!er +'a*es, 1as are eBre#e'" sensii)e o a'' inse*i*ides and
es+e*ia''" so, i see#s, o die'drin, In wesern ?a)a in !e *o(rse of !e ani#a'aria'
+ro%ra# *arried o( &" !e Wor'd Hea'! Or%ani3aion, #an" *as are re+ored o
!a)e died, In *enra' ?a)a so #an" were $i''ed !a !e +ri*e of a *a #ore !an
do(&'ed, Si#i'ar'", !e Wor'd Hea'! Or%ani3aion, s+ra"in% in Eene3(e'a, is re+ored
o !a)e red(*ed *as o !e sa(s of a rare ani#a',
In S!e'don i was no on'" !e wi'd *rea(res and !e do#esi* *o#+anions !a were
sa*rifi*ed in !e *a#+ai%n a%ains an inse*, O&ser)aions on se)era' f'o*$s of
s!ee+ and a !erd of &eef *a'e are indi*ai)e of !e +oisonin% and dea! !a
!reaened 'i)eso*$ as we'', T!e Na(ra' Hisor" S(r)e" re+or des*ri&es one of
!ese e+isodes as fo''ows2
T!e s!ee+,,,were dri)en ino a s#a'', (nreaed &'(e%rass +as(re a*ross a %ra)e' road fro# a
fie'd w!i*! !ad &een reaed wi! die'drin s+ra" on 4a" :, E)iden'" so#e s+ra" !ad drifed a*ross !e
road ino !e +as(re, for !e s!ee+ &e%an o s!ow s"#+o#s of inoBi*aion a'#os a on*e,,,T!e" 'os
ineres in food and dis+'a"ed eBre#e res'essness, fo''owin% !e +as(re fen*e aro(nd and aro(nd
a++aren'" sear*!in% for a wa" o(,,,T!e" ref(sed o &e dri)en, &'eaed a'#os *onin(o(s'", and sood
wi! !eir !eads 'oweredI !e" were fina''" *arried fro# !e +as(re,,,T!e" dis+'a"ed %rea desire for
waer, Two of !e s!ee+ were fo(nd dead in !e srea# +assin% !ro(%! !e +as(re, and !e
re#ainin% s!ee+ were re+eaed'" dri)en o( of !e srea#, se)era' !a)in% o &e dra%%ed for*i&'" fro#
!e waer, T!ree of !e s!ee+ e)en(a''" diedI !ose re#ainin% re*o)ered o a'' o(ward a++earan*es,
T!is, !en, was !e +i*(re a !e end of 89FF, A'!o(%! !e *!e#i*a' war wen on in
s(**eedin% "ears, !e ri*$'e of resear*! f(nds dried (+ *o#+'ee'", Re.(ess for
#one" for wi'd'ife-inse*i*ide resear*! were in*'(ded in ann(a' &(d%es s(&#ied o
!e I''inois 'e%is'a(re &" !e Na(ra' Hisor" S(r)e", &( were in)aria&'" a#on% !e
firs ie#s o &e e'i#inaed, I was no (ni' 89:K !a #one" was so#e!ow fo(nd o
+a" !e eB+enses of one fie'd assisanHo do wor$ !a *o('d easi'" !a)e o**(+ied
!e i#e of fo(r #en,
T!e deso'ae +i*(re of wi'd'ife 'oss !ad *!an%ed 'i'e w!en !e &io'o%iss res(#ed
!e s(dies &ro$en off in 89FF, In !e #eani#e, !e *!e#i*a' !ad &een *!an%ed o
!e e)en #ore oBi* a'drin, 933 to 233 ti+es as oBi* as DDT in ess on .(ai', B"
89:K, e)er" s+e*ies of wi'd #a##a' $nown o in!a&i !e area !ad s(ffered 'osses,
I was e)en worse wi! !e &irds, In !e s#a'' own of Dono)an !e ro&ins !ad &een
wi+ed o(, as !ad !e %ra*$'es, sar'in%s, and &rown
!ras!ers, T!ese and #an" o!er &irds were s!ar+'" red(*ed e'sew!ere, P!easan
!(ners fe' !e effe*s of !e &ee'e *a#+ai%n s!ar+'", T!e n(#&er of &roods
+rod(*ed on reaed 'ands fe'' off &" so#e FK +er *en, and !e n(#&er of "o(n% in a
&rood de*'ined, P!easan !(nin%, w!i*! !ad &een %ood in !ese areas in for#er
"ears, was )ir(a''" a&andoned as (nrewardin%, In s+ie of !e enor#o(s !a)o* !a
!ad &een wro(%! in !e na#e of eradi*ain% !e ?a+anese &ee'e, !e rea#en of
#ore !an 8KK,KKK a*res in Iro.(ois 1o(n" o)er an ei%!-"ear +eriod see#s o
!a)e res('ed in on'" e#+orar" s(++ression of !e inse*, w!i*! *onin(es is
wesward #o)e#en, T!e f('' eBen of !e o'' !a !as &een a$en &" !is 'ar%e'"
ineffe*i)e +ro%ra# #a" ne)er &e $nown, for !e res('s #eas(red &" !e I''inois
&io'o%iss are a #ini#(# fi%(re, If !e resear*! +ro%ra# !ad &een ade.(ae'"
finan*ed o +er#i f('' *o)era%e, !e desr(*ion re)ea'ed wo('d !a)e &een e)en
#ore a++a''in%, B( in !e ei%! "ears of !e +ro%ra#, on'" a&o( X:KKK was
+ro)ided for &io'o%i*a' fie'd s(dies, 4eanw!i'e !e federa' %o)ern#en !ad s+en
a&o( X>OF,KKK for *onro' wor$ and addiiona' !o(sands !ad &een +ro)ided &" !e
sae, T!e a#o(n s+en for resear*! was !erefore a s#a'' fra*ion of 8 +er *en of
!e o('a" for !e *!e#i*a' +ro%ra#,
T!ese #idwesern +ro%ra#s !a)e &een *ond(*ed in a s+iri of *risis, as !o(%! !e
ad)an*e of !e &ee'e +resened an eBre#e +eri' G(sif"in% an" #eans o *o#&a i,
T!is of *o(rse is a disorion of !e fa*s, and if !e *o##(niies !a !a)e end(red
!ese *!e#i*a' dren*!in%s !ad &een fa#i'iar wi! !e ear'ier !isor" of !e ?a+anese
&ee'e in !e Unied Saes !e" wo('d s(re'" !a)e &een 'ess a*.(ies*en, T!e
easern saes, w!i*! !ad !e %ood for(ne o s(sain !eir &ee'e in)asion in !e
da"s &efore !e s"n!ei* inse*i*ides !ad &een in)ened, !a)e no on'" s(r)i)ed !e
in)asion &( !a)e &ro(%! !e inse* (nder *onro' &" #eans !a re+resened no
!rea w!ae)er o o!er for#s of 'ife, T!ere !as &een no!in% *o#+ara&'e o !e
Deroi or S!e'don s+ra"in%s in !e Eas, T!e effe*i)e #e!ods !ere in)o')ed !e
&rin%in% ino +'a" of na(ra' for*es of *onro' w!i*! !a)e !e #('i+'e ad)ana%es of
+er#anen*e and en)iron#ena' safe", D(rin% !e firs do3en "ears afer is enr"
ino !e Unied Saes, !e &ee'e in*reased ra+id'", free of !e resrains !a in is
nai)e 'and !o'd i in *!e*$, B( &" 89MF i !ad &e*o#e a +es of on'" #inor
i#+oran*e !ro(%!o( #(*! of !e errior" o)er w!i*! i !ad s+read, Is de*'ine was
'ar%e'" a *onse.(en*e of !e i#+oraion of +arasii* inse*s fro# !e =ar Eas and of
!e esa&'is!#en of disease or%anis#s faa' o i,
Beween 89;K and 89>>, as a res(' of di'i%en sear*!in% !ro(%!o( !e nai)e
ran%e of !e &ee'e, so#e >M s+e*ies of +redaor" or +arasii* inse*s !ad &een
i#+ored fro# !e Orien in an effor o esa&'is! na(ra' *onro', Of !ese, fi)e
&e*a#e we'' esa&'is!ed in !e easern Unied Saes, T!e #os effe*i)e and wide'"
disri&(ed is a +arasii* was+ fro# Korea and 1!ina, !iphia vernalis, T!e fe#a'e
!iphia, findin% a &ee'e %r(& in !e soi', inGe*s a +ara'"3in% f'(id and aa*!es a
sin%'e e%% o !e (nders(rfa*e of !e %r(&, T!e "o(n% was+, !a*!in% as a 'ar)a,
feeds on !e +ara'"3ed %r(& and desro"s i, In so#e ;F "ears, *o'onies of !iphia
were inrod(*ed ino 8M easern saes in a *oo+erai)e +ro%ra# of sae and federa'
a%en*ies, T!e was+ &e*a#e wide'" esa&'is!ed in !is area and is %enera''" *redied
&" eno#o'o%iss wi! an i#+oran ro'e in &rin%in% !e &ee'e (nder *onro', An e)en
#ore i#+oran ro'e !as &een +'a"ed &" a &a*eria' disease !a affe*s &ee'es of
!e fa#i'" o w!i*! !e ?a+anese &ee'e &e'on%sH!e s*ara&aeids, I is a !i%!'"
s+e*ifi* or%anis#, aa*$in% no o!er "+e of inse*s, !ar#'ess o ear!wor#s, war#-
&'ooded ani#a's, and +'ans, T!e s+ores of !e disease o**(r in
soi', W!en in%esed &" a fora%in% &ee'e %r(& !e" #('i+'" +rodi%io(s'" in is &'ood,
*a(sin% i o (rn an a&nor#a''" w!ie *o'or, !en*e !e +o+('ar na#e, L#i'$"
disease7,
4i'$" disease was dis*o)ered in New ?erse" in 89>>, B" 89>8 i was ra!er wide'"
+re)a'en in !e o'der areas of ?a+anese &ee'e infesaion, In 89>9 a *onro'
+ro%ra# was 'a(n*!ed, dire*ed a s+eedin% (+ !e s+read of !e disease, No
#e!od !ad &een de)e'o+ed for %rowin% !e disease or%anis# in an arifi*ia'
#edi(#, &( a saisfa*or" s(&si(e was e)o')edI infe*ed %r(&s are %ro(nd (+,
dried, and *o#&ined wi! *!a'$, In !e sandard #iB(re a %ra# of d(s *onains 8KK
#i''ion s+ores, Beween 89>9 and 89F> so#e 9M,KKK a*res in 8M easern saes
were reaed in a *oo+erai)e federa' sae +ro%ra#I o!er areas on federa' 'ands
were reaedI and an (n$nown &( eBensi)e area was reaed &" +ri)ae
or%ani3aions or indi)id(a's, B" 89MF, #i'$" s+ore disease was ra%in% a#on% !e
&ee'e +o+('aions of 1onne*i*(, New <or$, New ?erse", De'aware, and 4ar"'and,
In so#e es areas infe*ion of %r(&s !ad rea*!ed as !i%! as 9M +er *en, T!e
disri&(ion +ro%ra# was dis*onin(ed as a %o)ern#ena' ener+rise in 89F> and
+rod(*ion was a$en o)er &" a +ri)ae 'a&oraor", w!i*! *onin(es o s(++'"
indi)id(a's, %arden *'(&s, *ii3ens7 asso*iaions, and a'' o!ers ineresed in &ee'e
*onro',
T!e easern areas w!ere !is +ro%ra# was *arried o( now enGo" a !i%! de%ree of
na(ra' +roe*ion fro# !e &ee'e, T!e or%anis# re#ains )ia&'e in !e soi' for "ears
and !erefore &e*o#es o a'' inens and +(r+oses +er#anen'" esa&'is!ed,
in*reasin% in effe*i)eness, and &ein% *onin(o(s'" s+read &" na(ra' a%en*ies,
W!", !en, wi! !is i#+ressi)e re*ord in !e Eas, were !e sa#e +ro*ed(res no
ried in I''inois and !e o!er #id-wesern saes w!ere !e *!e#i*a' &a'e of !e
&ee'es is now &ein% wa%ed wi! s(*! f(r"J
We are o'd !a ino*('aion wi! #i'$" s+ore disease is Loo eB+ensi)e7Ha'!o(%!
no one fo(nd i so in !e 8M easern saes in !e 89MKs, And &" w!a sor of
a**o(nin% was !e Loo eB+ensi)e7 G(d%#en rea*!edJ 1erain'" no &" an" !a
assessed !e r(e *oss of !e oa' desr(*ion wro(%! &" s(*! +ro%ra#s as !e
S!e'don s+ra"in%, T!is G(d%#en a'so i%nores !e fa* !a ino*('aion wi! !e
s+ores need &e done on'" on*eI !e firs *os is !e on'" *os, We are o'd a'so !a
#i'$" s+ore disease *anno &e (sed on !e +eri+!er" of !e &ee'e7s ran%e &e*a(se
i *an &e esa&'is!ed on'" w!ere a 'ar%e %r(& +o+('aion is already +resen in !e
soi', Li$e #an" o!er sae#ens in s(++or of s+ra"in%, !is one needs o &e
.(esioned, T!e &a*eri(# !a *a(ses #i'$" s+ore disease !as &een fo(nd o infe*
a 'eas MK o!er s+e*ies of &ee'es w!i*! *o''e*i)e'" !a)e .(ie a wide disri&(ion
and wo('d in a'' +ro&a&i'i" ser)e o esa&'is! !e disease e)en w!ere !e ?a+anese
&ee'e +o+('aion is )er" s#a'' or noneBisen, =(r!er#ore, &e*a(se of !e 'on%
)ia&i'i" of !e s+ores in soi' !e" *an &e inrod(*ed e)en in !e *o#+'ee a&sen*e of
%r(&s, as on !e frin%e of !e +resen &ee'e infesaion, !ere o awai !e ad)an*in%
+o+('aion,
T!ose w!o wan i##ediae res('s, a w!ae)er *os, wi'' do(&'ess *onin(e o (se
*!e#i*a's a%ains !e &ee'e, So wi'' !ose w!o fa)or !e #odern rend o &(i'-in
o&so'es*en*e, for *!e#i*a' *onro' is se'f-+er+e(ain%, needin% fre.(en and *os'"
re+eiion, On !e o!er !and, !ose w!o are wi''in% o wai an eBra season or wo
for f('' res('s wi'' (rn o #i'$" diseaseI !e" wi'' &e rewarded wi! 'asin% *onro'
!a &e*o#es #ore, ra!er !an 'ess effe*i)e wi! !e +assa%e of i#e,
An eBensi)e +ro%ra# of resear*! is (nder wa" in !e Unied Saes De+ar#en of
A%ri*('(re 'a&oraor" a Peoria, I''inois, o find a wa" o *('(re !e or%anis# of
#i'$" disease on an arifi*ia' #edi(#, T!is wi'' %rea'" red(*e is *os and s!o('d
en*o(ra%e is #ore eBensi)e (se,
Afer "ears of wor$, so#e s(**ess !as now &een re+ored, W!en !is
L&rea$!ro(%!7 is !oro(%!'" esa&'is!ed +er!a+s so#e sani" and +ers+e*i)e wi'' &e
resored o o(r dea'in%s wi! !e ?a+anese &ee'e, w!i*! a !e +ea$ of is
de+redaions ne)er G(sified !e ni%!#are eB*esses of so#e of !ese 4idwesern
+ro%ra#s, , , ,
In*idens 'i$e !e easern I''inois s+ra"in% raise a .(esion !a is no on'" s*ienifi*
&( #ora', T!e .(esion is w!e!er an" *i)i'i3aion *an wa%e re'en'ess war on 'ife
wi!o( desro"in% ise'f, and wi!o( 'osin% !e ri%! o &e *a''ed *i)i'i3ed, T!ese
inse*i*ides are no se'e*i)e +oisonsI !e" do no sin%'e o( !e one s+e*ies of
w!i*! we desire o &e rid, Ea*! of !e# is (sed for !e si#+'e reason !a i is a
dead'" +oison, I !erefore +oisons a'' 'ife wi! w!i*! i *o#es in *ona*2 !e *a
&e'o)ed of so#e fa#i'", !e far#er7s *a'e, !e ra&&i in !e fie'd, and !e !orned 'ar$
o( of !e s$", T!ese *rea(res are inno*en of an" !ar# o #an, Indeed, &" !eir
)er" eBisen*e !e" and !eir fe''ows #a$e !is 'ife #ore +'easan, <e !e rewards
!e# wi! a dea! !a is no on'" s(dden &( !orri&'e, S*ienifi* o&ser)ers a
S!e'don des*ri&ed !e s"#+o#s of a #eadow'ar$ fo(nd near dea!2 LA'!o(%! i
'a*$ed #(s*('ar *oordinaion and *o('d no f'" or sand, i *onin(ed o &ea is win%s
and *'(*! wi! is oes w!i'e '"in% on is side, Is &ea$ was !e'd o+en and &rea!in%
was 'a&ored,7 E)en #ore +iif(' was !e #(e esi#on" of !e dead %ro(nd s.(irre's,
w!i*! LeB!i&ied a *!ara*erisi* ai(de in dea!, T!e &a*$ was &owed, and !e
fore'e%s wi! !e oes of !e fee i%!'" *'en*!ed were drawn *'ose o !e
!oraB,,,T!e !ead and ne*$ were o(sre*!ed and !e #o(! ofen *onained dir,
s(%%esin% !a !e d"in% ani#a' !ad &een &iin% a !e %ro(nd,7
B" a*.(ies*in% in an a* !a *an *a(se s(*! s(fferin% o a 'i)in% *rea(re, w!o
a#on% (s is no di#inis!ed as a !(#an &ein%J
8. An$ No B.'$s S.n%
OEER IN1REASINGL< 'ar%e areas of !e Unied Saes, s+rin% now *o#es
(n!era'ded &" !e re(rn of !e &irds, and !e ear'" #ornin%s are sran%e'" si'en
w!ere on*e !e" were fi''ed wi! !e &ea(" of &ird son%, T!is s(dden si'en*in% of !e
son% of &irds, !is o&'ieraion of !e *o'or and &ea(" and ineres !e" 'end o o(r
wor'd !a)e *o#e a&o( swif'", insidio(s'", and (nnoi*ed &" !ose w!ose
*o##(niies are as "e (naffe*ed, =ro# !e own of Hinsda'e, I''inois, a !o(sewife
wroe in des+air o one of !e wor'd7s 'eadin% orni!o'o%iss, Ro&er 1(s!#an
4(r+!", 1(raor E#eri(s of Birds a !e A#eri*an 4(se(# of Na(ra' Hisor",
Here in o(r )i''a%e !e e'# rees !a)e &een s+ra"ed for se)era' "ears Vs!e wroe in
89F8W, W!en we #o)ed !ere siB "ears a%o, !ere was a wea'! of &ird 'ifeI I +( (+ a
feeder and !ad a sead" srea# of *ardina's, *!i*$adees, downies and n(!a*!es
a'' winer, and !e *ardina's and *!i*$adees &ro(%! !eir "o(n% ones in !e s(##er,
Afer se)era' "ears of DDT s+ra", !e own is a'#os de)oid of ro&ins and sar'in%sI
*!i*$adees !a)e no &een on #" s!e'f for wo "ears, and !is "ear !e *ardina's are
%one ooI !e nesin% +o+('aion in !e nei%!&or!ood see#s o *onsis of one do)e
+air and +er!a+s one *a&ird fa#i'",
I is !ard o eB+'ain o !e *!i'dren !a !e &irds !a)e &een $i''ed off, w!en !e" !a)e
'earned in s*!oo' !a a =edera' 'aw +roe*s !e &irds fro# $i''in% or *a+(re, LWi''
!e" e)er *o#e &a*$J7 !e" as$, and I do no !a)e !e answer, T!e e'#s are si''
d"in%, and so are !e &irds, *s an"!in% &ein% doneJ Can an"!in% &e doneJ 1an *
do an"!in%J A "ear afer !e federa' %o)ern#en !ad 'a(n*!ed a #assi)e s+ra"in%
+ro%ra# a%ains !e fire an, an A'a&a#a wo#an wroe2 LO(r +'a*e !as &een a
)eria&'e &ird san*(ar" for o)er !a'f a *en(r", Las ?('" we a'' re#ar$ed, /T!ere are
#ore &irds !an e)er,0 T!en, s(dden'", in !e se*ond wee$ of A(%(s, !e" a''
disa++eared, I was a**(so#ed o risin% ear'" o *are for #" fa)orie #are !a !ad a
"o(n% fi''", T!ere was no a so(nd of !e son% of a &ird, I was eerie, errif"in%, W!a
was #an doin% o o(r +erfe* and &ea(if(' wor'dJ =ina''", fi)e #on!s 'aer a &'(e
Ga" a++eared and a wren,7 T!e a((#n #on!s o w!i*! s!e referred &ro(%! o!er
so#&er re+ors fro# !e dee+ So(!, w!ere in 4ississi++i, Lo(isiana, and A'a&a#a
!e -ield %otes +(&'is!ed .(arer'" &" !e Naiona' A(d(&on So*ie" and !e Unied
Saes =is! and Wi'd'ife Ser)i*e noed !e sri$in% +!eno#enon of L&'an$ s+os
weird'" e#+" of )ir(a''" all &ird 'ife7, T!e -ield %otes are a *o#+i'aion of !e re+ors
of seasoned o&ser)ers w!o !a)e s+en #an" "ears afie'd in !eir +ari*('ar areas
and !a)e (n+ara''e'ed $now'ed%e of !e nor#a' &ird 'ife of !e re%ion, One s(*!
o&ser)er re+ored !a in dri)in% a&o( so(!ern 4ississi++i !a fa'' s!e saw Lno 'and
&irds a a'' for 'on% disan*es7, Ano!er in Baon Ro(%e re+ored !a !e *onens of
!er feeders !ad 'ain (no(*!ed Lfor wee$s on end7, w!i'e fr(iin% s!r(&s in !er "ard,
!a ordinari'" wo('d &e sri++ed *'ean &" !a i#e, si'' were 'aden wi! &erries, Si''
ano!er re+ored !a !is +i*(re window, Lw!i*! ofen (sed o fra#e a s*ene
s+'as!ed wi! !e red of MK or FK *ardina's and *rowded wi! o!er s+e*ies, se'do#
+er#ied a )iew of as #an" as a &ird or wo a a i#e,7 Professor 4a(ri*e Broo$s of
!e Uni)ersi" of Wes Eir%inia, an a(!ori" on !e &irds of !e A++a'a*!ian re%ion,
re+ored !a !e Wes Eir%inia &ird +o+('aion !ad (nder%one Lan in*redi&'e
red(*ion7, One sor" #i%! ser)e as !e ra%i* s"#&o' of !e fae of !e &irdsHa fae
!a !as a'read" o)era$en so#e s+e*ies, and !a !reaens a'', I is !e sor" of !e
ro&in,
!e &ird $nown o e)er"one, To #i''ions of A#eri*ans, !e season7s firs ro&in #eans
!a !e %ri+ of winer is &ro$en, Is *o#in% is an e)en re+ored in news+a+ers and
o'd ea%er'" a !e &rea$fas a&'e, And as !e n(#&er of #i%rans %rows and !e firs
#iss of %reen a++ear in !e wood'ands, !o(sands of +eo+'e 'isen for !e firs dawn
*!or(s of !e ro&ins !ro&&in% in !e ear'" #ornin% 'i%!, B( now a'' is *!an%ed, and
no e)en !e re(rn of !e &irds #a" &e a$en for %raned, T!e s(r)i)a' of !e ro&in,
and indeed of #an" o!er s+e*ies as we'', see#s faef(''" 'in$ed wi! !e A#eri*an
e'#, a ree !a is +ar of !e !isor" of !o(sands of owns fro# !e A'ani* o !e
Ro*$ies, %ra*in% !eir srees and !eir )i''a%e s.(ares and *o''e%e *a#+(ses wi!
#aGesi* ar*!wa"s of %reen, Now !e e'#s are sri*$en wi! a disease !a aff'i*s
!e# !ro(%!o( !eir ran%e, a disease so serio(s !a #an" eB+ers &e'ie)e a''
effors o sa)e !e e'#s wi'' in !e end &e f(i'e, I wo('d &e ra%i* o 'ose !e e'#s,
&( i wo('d &e do(&'" ra%i* if, in )ain effors o sa)e !e#, we +'(n%e )as se%#ens
of o(r &ird +o+('aions ino !e ni%! of eBin*ion, <e !is is +re*ise'" w!a is
!reaened, T!e so-*a''ed D(*! e'# disease enered !e Unied Saes fro# E(ro+e
a&o( 89>K in e'# &(r' 'o%s i#+ored for !e )eneer ind(sr", I is a f(n%(s diseaseI
!e or%anis# in)ades !e waer-*ond(*in% )esse's of !e ree, s+reads &" s+ores
*arried &" !e f'ow of sa+, and &" is +oisono(s se*reions as we'' as &" #e*!ani*a'
*'o%%in% *a(ses !e &ran*!es o wi' and !e ree o die, T!e disease is s+read fro#
diseased o !ea'!" rees &" e'# &ar$ &ee'es, T!e %a''eries w!i*! !e inse*s !a)e
(nne'ed o( (nder !e &ar$ of dead rees &e*o#e *ona#inaed wi! s+ores of !e
in)adin% f(n%(s, and !e s+ores ad!ere o !e inse* &od" and are *arried w!ere)er
!e &ee'e f'ies, Effors o *onro' !e f(n%(s disease of !e e'#s !a)e &een dire*ed
'ar%e'" oward *onro' of !e *arrier inse*, In *o##(ni" afer *o##(ni", es+e*ia''"
!ro(%!o( !e sron%!o'ds of !e A#eri*an e'#, !e 4idwes and New En%'and,
inensi)e s+ra"in% !as &e*o#e a ro(ine +ro*ed(re,
W!a !is s+ra"in% *o('d #ean o &ird 'ife, and es+e*ia''" o !e ro&in, was firs #ade
*'ear &" !e wor$ of wo orni!o'o%iss a 4i*!i%an Sae Uni)ersi", Professor Geor%e
Wa''a*e and one of !is %rad(ae s(dens, ?o!n 4e!ner, W!en 4r, 4e!ner &e%an
wor$ for !e do*orae in 89FM, !e *!ose a resear*! +roGe* !a !ad o do wi! ro&in
+o+('aions, T!is was .(ie &" *!an*e, for a !a i#e no one s(s+e*ed !a !e
ro&ins were in dan%er, B( e)en as !e (nderoo$ !e wor$, e)ens o**(rred !a were
o *!an%e is *!ara*er and indeed o de+ri)e !i# of !is #aeria', S+ra"in% for D(*!
e'# disease &e%an in a s#a'' wa" on !e (ni)ersi" *a#+(s in 89FM, T!e fo''owin%
"ear !e *i" of Eas Lansin% 5w!ere !e (ni)ersi" is 'o*aed6 Goined in, s+ra"in% on !e
*a#+(s was eB+anded, and, wi! 'o*a' +ro%ra#s for %"+s" #o! and #os.(io
*onro' a'so (nder wa", !e rain of *!e#i*a's in*reased o a down+o(r, D(rin% 89FM,
!e "ear of !e firs 'i%! s+ra"in%, a'' see#ed we'', T!e fo''owin% s+rin% !e #i%rain%
ro&ins &e%an o re(rn o !e *a#+(s as (s(a', Li$e !e &'(e&e''s in To#'inson7s
!a(nin% essa" LT!e Los Wood7, !e" were LeB+e*in% no e)i'7 as !e" reo**(+ied !eir
fa#i'iar erriories, B( soon i &e*a#e e)iden !a so#e!in% was wron%, Dead and
d"in% ro&ins &e%an o a++ear in !e *a#+(s, =ew &irds were seen in !eir nor#a'
fora%in% a*i)iies or asse#&'in% in !eir (s(a' rooss, =ew ness were &(i'I few
"o(n% a++eared, T!e +aern was re+eaed wi! #onoono(s re%('ari" in
s(**eedin% s+rin%s, T!e s+ra"ed area !ad &e*o#e a 'e!a' ra+ in w!i*! ea*! wa)e
of #i%rain% ro&ins wo('d &e e'i#inaed in a&o( a wee$, T!en new arri)a's wo('d
*o#e in, on'" o add o !e n(#&ers of doo#ed &irds seen on !e *a#+(s in !e
a%oni3ed re#ors !a +re*ede dea!, LT!e *a#+(s is ser)in% as a %ra)e"ard for
#os of !e ro&ins !a ae#+ o a$e (+ residen*e in !e s+rin%,7 said Dr, Wa''a*e,
B( w!"J A firs !e s(s+e*ed so#e disease
of !e ner)o(s s"se#, &( soon i &e*a#e e)iden !a Lin s+ie of !e ass(ran*es of
!e inse*i*ide +eo+'e !a !eir s+ra"s were /!ar#'ess o &irds0 !e ro&ins were
rea''" d"in% of inse*i*ida' +oisonin%I !e" eB!i&ied !e we''-$nown s"#+o#s of
'oss of &a'an*e, fo''owed &" re#ors, *on)('sions, and dea!,7
Se)era' fa*s s(%%esed !a !e ro&ins were &ein% +oisoned, no so #(*! &" dire*
*ona* wi! !e inse*i*ides as indire*'", &" eain% ear!wor#s, 1a#+(s
ear!wor#s !ad &een fed inad)eren'" o *ra"fis! in a resear*! +roGe* and a'' !e
*ra"fis! !ad +ro#+'" died, A sna$e $e+ in a 'a&oraor" *a%e !ad %one ino )io'en
re#ors afer &ein% fed s(*! wor#s, And ear!wor#s are !e +rin*i+a' food of ro&ins
in !e s+rin%, A $e" +ie*e in !e Gi%saw +(33'e of !e doo#ed ro&ins was soon o &e
s(++'ied &" Dr, Ro" Bar$er of !e I''inois Na(ra' Hisor" S(r)e" a Ur&ana, Dr,
Bar$er7s wor$, +(&'is!ed in 89F8, ra*ed !e inri*ae *"*'e of e)ens &" w!i*! !e
ro&ins7 fae is 'in$ed o !e e'# rees &" wa" of !e ear!wor#s, T!e rees are
s+ra"ed in !e s+rin% 5(s(a''" a !e rae of ; o F +o(nds of DDT +er FK-foo ree,
w!i*! #a" &e !e e.(i)a'en of as #(*! as 82 pounds per acre w!ere e'#s are
n(#ero(s6 and ofen a%ain in ?('", a a&o( !a'f !is *on*enraion, Powerf('
s+ra"ers dire* a srea# of +oison o a'' +ars of !e a''es rees, $i''in% dire*'" no
on'" !e ar%e or%anis#, !e &ar$ &ee'e, &( o!er inse*s, in*'(din% +o''inain%
s+e*ies and +redaor" s+iders and &ee'es, T!e +oison for#s a ena*io(s fi'# o)er
!e 'ea)es and &ar$, Rains do no was! i awa", In !e a((#n !e 'ea)es fa'' o !e
%ro(nd, a**(#('ae in sodden 'a"ers, and &e%in !e s'ow +ro*ess of &e*o#in% one
wi! !e soi', In !is !e" are aided &" !e oi' of !e ear!wor#s, w!o feed in !e 'eaf
'ier, for e'# 'ea)es are a#on% !eir fa)orie foods, In feedin% on !e 'ea)es !e
wor#s a'so swa''ow !e inse*i*ide, a**(#('ain% and *on*enrain% i in !eir
&odies, Dr, Bar$er fo(nd de+osis of DDT !ro(%!o( !e di%esi)e ra*s of !e
wor#s, !eir &'ood )esse's, ner)es, and &od" wa'', Undo(&ed'" so#e of !e
ear!wor#s !e#se')es s(**(#&, &( o!ers s(r)i)e o &e*o#e L&io'o%i*a'
#a%nifiers7 of !e +oison, In !e s+rin% !e ro&ins re(rn o +ro)ide ano!er 'in$ in !e
*"*'e, As few as 88 'ar%e ear!wor#s *an ransfer a 'e!a' dose of DDT o a ro&in,
And 88 wor#s for# a s#a'' +ar of a da"7s raions o a &ird !a eas 8K o 8;
ear!wor#s in as #an" #in(es,
No a'' ro&ins re*ei)e a 'e!a' dose, &( ano!er *onse.(en*e #a" 'ead o !e
eBin*ion of !eir $ind as s(re'" as faa' +oisonin%, T!e s!adow of seri'i" 'ies o)er
a'' !e &ird s(dies and indeed 'en%!ens o in*'(de a'' 'i)in% !in%s wi!in is
+oenia' ran%e, T!ere are now on'" wo or !ree do3en ro&ins o &e fo(nd ea*!
s+rin% on !e enire 88F-a*re *a#+(s of 4i*!i%an Sae Uni)ersi", *o#+ared wi! a
*onser)ai)e'" esi#aed >OK ad('s in !is area &efore s+ra"in%, In 89FM e)er"
ro&in nes (nder o&ser)aion &" 4e!ner +rod(*ed "o(n%, Toward !e end of ?(ne,
89FO, w!en a 'eas >OK "o(n% &irds 5!e nor#a' re+'a*e#en of !e ad('
+o+('aion6 wo('d !a)e &een fora%in% o)er !e *a#+(s in !e "ears &efore s+ra"in%
&e%an, 4e!ner *o('d find only one young robin, A "ear 'aer Dr, Wa''a*e was o
re+or2 LA no i#e d(rin% !e s+rin% or s(##er Vof 89F8W did I see a f'ed%'in% ro&in
an"w!ere on !e #ain *a#+(s, and so far I !a)e fai'ed o find an"one e'se w!o !as
seen one !ere,7
Par of !is fai'(re o +rod(*e "o(n% is d(e, of *o(rse, o !e fa* !a one or #ore of
a +air of ro&ins dies &efore !e nesin% *"*'e is *o#+'eed, B( Wa''a*e !as
si%nifi*an re*ords w!i*! +oin o so#e!in% #ore siniserH!e a*(a' desr(*ion of
!e &irds7 *a+a*i" o re+rod(*e, He !as, for eBa#+'e, Lre*ords of ro&ins and o!er
&irds &(i'din% ness &( 'a"in% no e%%s, and o!ers 'a"in% e%%s and in*(&ain% !e#
&( no !a*!in% !e#, We !a)e one re*ord of a ro&in !a sa on is e%%s fai!f(''"
for ;8 da"s and !e" did no !a*!, T!e nor#a' in*(&aion +eriod
is 8> da"s,,,O(r ana'"ses are s!owin% !i%! *on*enraions of DDT in !e eses and
o)aries of &reedin% &irds,7 !e o'd a *on%ressiona' *o##iee in 89:K, LTen #a'es
!ad a#o(ns ran%in% fro# >K o 8K9 +ars +er #i''ion in !e eses, and wo fe#a'es
!ad 8F8 and ;88 +ars +er #i''ion res+e*i)e'" in !e e%% fo''i*'es in !eir o)aries,7
Soon s(dies in o!er areas &e%an o de)e'o+ findin%s e.(a''" dis#a', Professor
?ose+! Hi*$e" and !is s(dens a !e Uni)ersi" of Wis*onsin, afer *aref('
*o#+arai)e s(dies of s+ra"ed and (ns+ra"ed areas, re+ored !e ro&in #ora'i" o
&e a 'eas 8: o 88 +er *en, T!e 1ran&roo$ Insi(e of S*ien*e a B'oo#fie'd Hi''s,
4i*!i%an, in an effor o assess !e eBen of &ird 'oss *a(sed &" !e s+ra"in% of !e
e'#s, as$ed in 89F: !a a'' &irds !o(%! o &e )i*i#s of DDT +oisonin% &e (rned
in o !e insi(e for eBa#inaion, T!e re.(es !ad a res+onse &e"ond a''
eB+e*aions, Wi!in a few wee$s !e dee+-free3e fa*i'iies of !e insi(e were
aBed o *a+a*i", so !a o!er s+e*i#ens !ad o &e ref(sed, B" 89F9 a !o(sand
+oisoned &irds fro# !is sin%'e *o##(ni" !ad &een (rned in or re+ored, A'!o(%!
!e ro&in was !e *!ief )i*i# 5one wo#an *a''in% !e insi(e re+ored 8; ro&ins
'"in% dead on !er 'awn as s!e s+o$e6, :> differen s+e*ies were in*'(ded a#on% !e
s+e*i#ens eBa#ined a !e insi(e, T!e ro&ins, !en, are on'" one +ar of !e *!ain
of de)asaion 'in$ed o !e s+ra"in% of !e e'#s, e)en as !e e'# +ro%ra# is on'"
one of !e #('i(dino(s s+ra" +ro%ra#s !a *o)er o(r 'and wi! +oisons, Hea)"
#ora'i" !as o**(rred
a#on% a&o( 9K s+e*ies of &irds, in*'(din% !ose #os fa#i'iar o s(&(r&anies and
a#ae(r na(ra'iss, T!e +o+('aions of nesin% &irds in %enera' !a)e de*'ined as
#(*! as 9K +er *en in so#e of !e s+ra"ed owns, As we s!a'' see, a'' !e )ario(s
"+es of &irds are affe*edH%ro(nd feeders, reeo+ feeders, &ar$ feeders,
+redaors, I is on'" reasona&'e o s(++ose !a a'' &irds and #a##a's !ea)i'"
de+enden on ear!wor#s or o!er soi' or%anis#s for food are !reaened &" !e
ro&ins7 fae, So#e MF s+e*ies of &irds in*'(de ear!wor#s in !eir die, A#on% !e#
is !e wood*o*$, a s+e*ies !a winers in so(!ern areas re*en'" !ea)i'" s+ra"ed
wi! !e+a*!'or, Two si%nifi*an dis*o)eries !a)e now &een #ade a&o( !e
wood*o*$, Prod(*ion of "o(n% &irds on !e New Br(nswi*$ &reedin% %ro(nds is
definie'" red(*ed, and ad(' &irds !a !a)e &een ana'"3ed *onain 'ar%e resid(es
of DDT and !e+a*!'or, A'read" !ere are dis(r&in% re*ords of !ea)" #ora'i"
a#on% #ore !an ;K o!er s+e*ies of %ro(nd- feedin% &irds w!ose foodHwor#s,
ans, %r(&s, or o!er soi' or%anis#sH!as &een +oisoned, T!ese in*'(de !ree of !e
!r(s!es w!ose son%s are a#on% !e #os eB.(isie of &ird )oi*es, !e o'i)e-
&a*$ed, !e wood, and !e !er#i, And !e s+arrows !a f'i !ro(%! !e s!r(&&"
(ndersor" of !e wood'ands and fora%e wi! r(s'in% so(nds a#id !e fa''en 'ea)es
H!e son%
s+arrow and !e w!ie-!roaH!ese, oo, !a)e &een fo(nd a#on% !e )i*i#s of !e
e'# s+ra"s, 4a##a's, a'so, #a" easi'" &e in)o')ed in !e *"*'e, dire*'" or
indire*'", Ear!wor#s are i#+oran a#on% !e )ario(s foods of !e ra**oon, and
are eaen in !e s+rin% and fa'' &" o+oss(#s, S(*! s(&erranean (nne'ers as
s!rews and #o'es *a+(re !e# in n(#&ers, and !en +er!a+s +ass on !e +oison
o +redaors s(*! as s*ree*! ow's and &arn ow's,
Se)era' d"in% s*ree*! ow's were +i*$ed (+ in Wis*onsin fo''owin% !ea)" rains in
s+rin%, +er!a+s +oisoned &" feedin% on ear!wor#s, Haw$s and ow's !a)e &een
fo(nd in *on)('sionsH%rea !orned ow's, s*ree*! ow's, red-s!o('dered !aw$s,
s+arrow !aw$s, #ars! !aw$s, T!ese #a" &e *ases of se*ondar" +oisonin%, *a(sed
&" eain% &irds or #i*e !a !a)e a**(#('aed inse*i*ides in !eir 'i)ers or o!er
or%ans, Nor is i on'" !e *rea(res !a fora%e on !e %ro(nd or !ose w!o +re" on
!e# !a are endan%ered &" !e fo'iar s+ra"in% of !e e'#s, A'' of !e reeo+
feeders, !e &irds !a %'ean !eir inse* food fro# !e 'ea)es, !a)e disa++eared
fro#
!ea)i'" s+ra"ed areas, a#on% !e# !ose wood'and s+ries !e $in%'es, &o! r(&"-
*rowned and %o'den-*rowned, !e in" %na*a*!ers, and #an" of !e war&'ers,
w!ose #i%rain% !ordes f'ow !ro(%! !e rees in s+rin% in a #('i*o'ored ide of 'ife,
In 89F:, a 'ae s+rin% de'a"ed s+ra"in% so !a i *oin*ided wi! !e arri)a' of an
eB*e+iona''" !ea)" wa)e of war&'er #i%raion, Near'" a'' s+e*ies of war&'ers
+resen in !e area were re+resened in !e !ea)" $i'' !a fo''owed, In W!iefis! Ba",
Wis*onsin, a 'eas a !o(sand #"r'e war&'ers *o('d &e seen in #i%raion d(rin%
for#er "earsI in 89F8, afer !e s+ra"in% of !e e'#s, o&ser)ers *o('d find on'" wo,
So, wi! addiions fro# o!er *o##(niies, !e 'is %rows, and !e war&'ers $i''ed &"
!e s+ra" in*'(de !ose !a #os *!ar# and fas*inae a'' w!o are aware of !e#2
!e &'a*$-andw!ie, !e "e''ow, !e #a%no'ia, and !e 1a+e 4a"I !e o)en&ird,
w!ose *a'' !ro&s in !e 4a"i#e woodsI !e B'a*$&(rnian, w!ose win%s are o(*!ed
wi! f'a#eI !e *!esn(-sided, !e 1anadian, and !e &'a*$-!roaed %reen, T!ese
reeo+ feeders are affe*ed ei!er dire*'" &" eain% +oisoned inse*s or indire*'" &"
a s!ora%e of food,
T!e 'oss of food !as a'so sr(*$ !ard a !e swa''ows !a *r(ise !e s$ies, srainin%
o( !e aeria' inse*s as !errin% srain !e +'an$on of !e sea, A Wis*onsin na(ra'is
re+ored2 LSwa''ows !a)e &een !ard !i, E)er"one *o#+'ains of !ow few !e" !a)e
*o#+ared o fo(r or fi)e "ears a%o, O(r s$" o)er!ead was f('' of !e# on'" fo(r
"ears a%o, Now we se'do# see an",,,T!is *o('d &e &o! 'a*$ of inse*s &e*a(se of
s+ra", or +oisoned inse*s,7 Of o!er &irds !is sa#e o&ser)er wroe2 LAno!er sri$in%
'oss is !e +!oe&e, ='"*a*!ers are s*ar*e e)er"w!ere &( !e ear'" !ard" *o##on
+!oe&e is no #ore, I7)e seen one !is s+rin% and on'" one 'as s+rin%, O!er &irders
in Wis*onsin #a$e !e sa#e *o#+'ain, I !a)e !ad fi)e or siB +air of *ardina's in !e
+as, none now, Wrens, ro&ins, *a&irds and s*ree*! ow's !a)e nesed ea*! "ear in
o(r %arden, T!ere are none now, S(##er #ornin%s are wi!o( &ird son%, On'" +es
&irds, +i%eons, sar'in%s and En%'is! s+arrows re#ain, I is ra%i* and I *an7 &ear i,7
T!e dor#an s+ra"s a++'ied o !e e'#s in !e fa'', sendin% !e +oison ino e)er" 'i'e
*re)i*e in !e &ar$, are +ro&a&'" res+onsi&'e for !e se)ere red(*ion o&ser)ed in !e
n(#&er of *!i*$adees, n(!a*!es, i#i*e, wood+e*$ers, and &rown *ree+ers,
D(rin% !e winer of 89FO- F8, Dr, Wa''a*e saw no *!i*$adees or n(!a*!es a !is
!o#e feedin% saion for !e firs i#e in #an" "ears, T!ree n(!a*!es !e fo(nd
'aer +ro)ided a sorr" 'i'e se+-&"-se+ 'esson in *a(se and effe*2 one was feedin%
on an e'#, ano!er was fo(nd d"in% of "+i*a' DDT s"#+o#s, !e !ird was dead,
T!e d"in% n(!a*! was 'aer fo(nd o !a)e ;;: +ars +er #i''ion of DDT in is
iss(es, T!e feedin% !a&is of a'' !ese &irds no on'" #a$e !e# es+e*ia''"
)('nera&'e o inse* s+ra"s &( a'so #a$e !eir 'oss a de+'ora&'e one for e*ono#i*
as we'' as 'ess an%i&'e reasons, T!e s(##er food of !e w!ie-&reased n(!a*!
and !e &rown *ree+er, for eBa#+'e, in*'(des !e e%%s, 'ar)ae, and ad('s of a )er"
'ar%e n(#&er of inse*s inG(rio(s o rees, A&o( !ree .(arers of !e food of !e
*!i*$adee is ani#a', in*'(din% a'' sa%es of !e 'ife *"*'e of #an" inse*s, T!e
*!i*$adee7s #e!od of feedin% is des*ri&ed in Ben7s #on(#ena' :ife Histories of
Nor! A#eri*an &irds2 LAs !e f'o*$ #o)es a'on% ea*! &ird eBa#ines #in(e'" &ar$,
wi%s, and &ran*!es, sear*!in% for in" &is of food 5s+iders7 e%%s, *o*oons, or o!er
dor#an inse* 'ife6,7 Eario(s s*ienifi* s(dies !a)e esa&'is!ed !e *rii*a' ro'e of
&irds in inse* *onro' in )ario(s si(aions, T!(s, wood+e*$ers are !e +ri#ar"
*onro' of !e En%e'#ann s+r(*e &ee'e, red(*in% is +o+('aions fro# MF o 98 +er
*en and are i#+oran in !e *onro' of !e *od'in% #o! in a++'e or*!ards,
1!i*$adees and o!er winer-residen &irds *an +roe*
or*!ards a%ains !e *an$erwor#,
B( w!a !a++ens in na(re is no a''owed o !a++en in !e #odern, *!e#i*a'-
dren*!ed wor'd, w!ere s+ra"in% desro"s no on'" !e inse*s &( !eir +rin*i+a'
ene#", !e &irds, W!en 'aer !ere is a res(r%en*e of !e inse* +o+('aion, as
a'#os a'wa"s !a++ens, !e &irds are no !ere o $ee+ !eir n(#&ers in *!e*$, As
!e 1(raor of Birds a !e 4i'wa($ee P(&'i* 4(se(#, Owen ?, Gro##e, wroe o
!e 4i'wa($ee ;ournal2 LT!e %reaes ene#" of inse* 'ife is o!er +redaor" inse*s,
&irds, and so#e s#a'' #a##a's, &( DDT $i''s indis*ri#inae'", in*'(din% na(re7s
own safe%(ards or +o'i*e#en,,, In !e na#e of +ro%ress are we o &e*o#e )i*i#s of
o(r own dia&o'i*a' #eans of inse* *onro' o +ro)ide e#+orar" *o#for, on'" o 'ose
o( o desro"in% inse*s 'aer onJ B" w!a #eans wi'' we *onro' new +ess, w!i*!
wi'' aa*$ re#ainin% ree s+e*ies afer !e e'#s are %one, w!en na(re7s safe%(ards
5!e &irds6 !a)e &een wi+ed o( &" +oisonJ7
4r, Gro##e re+ored !a *a''s and 'eers a&o( dead and d"in% &irds !ad &een
in*reasin% seadi'" d(rin% !e "ears sin*e s+ra"in% &e%an in Wis*onsin, N(esionin%
a'wa"s re)ea'ed !a s+ra"in% or fo%%in% !ad &een done in !e area w!ere !e &irds
were d"in%,
4r, Gro##e7s eB+erien*e !as &een s!ared &" orni!o'o%iss and *onser)aioniss a
#os of !e resear*! *eners of !e 4idwes s(*! as !e 1ran&roo$ Insi(e in
4i*!i%an, !e I''inois Na(ra' Hisor" S(r)e", and !e Uni)ersi" of Wis*onsin, A
%'an*e a !e Leers-fro#-Readers *o'(#n of news+a+ers a'#os an"w!ere !a
s+ra"in% is &ein% done #a$es *'ear !e fa* !a *ii3ens are no on'" &e*o#in%
aro(sed and indi%nan &( !a ofen !e" s!ow a $eener (ndersandin% of !e
dan%ers and in*onsisen*ies of s+ra"in% !an do !e offi*ia's w!o order i done, LI a#
dreadin% !e da"s o *o#e soon now w!en #an" &ea(if(' &irds wi'' &e d"in% in o(r
&a*$ "ard,7 wroe a 4i'wa($ee wo#an, LT!is is a +iif(', !ear&rea$in% eB+erien*e,,, I
is, #oreo)er, fr(srain% and eBas+erain%, for i e)iden'" does no ser)e !e +(r+ose
!is s'a(%!er was inended o ser)e,,, Ta$in% a 'on% 'oo$, *an "o( sa)e rees wi!o(
a'so sa)in% &irdsJ Do !e" no, in !e e*ono#" of na(re, sa)e ea*! o!erJ Isn7 i
+ossi&'e o !e'+ !e &a'an*e of na(re wi!o( desro"in% iJ7 T!e idea !a !e e'#s,
#aGesi* s!ade rees !o(%! !e" are, are no Lsa*red *ows7 and do no G(sif" an
Lo+en end7 *a#+ai%n of desr(*ion a%ains a'' o!er for#s of 'ife is eB+ressed in
o!er 'eers, LI !a)e a'wa"s 'o)ed o(r e'# rees w!i*! see#ed 'i$e rade#ar$s on
o(r 'ands*a+e,7 wroe ano!er Wis*onsin wo#an, LB( !ere are #an" $inds of
rees,,,We #(s sa)e o(r &irds, oo, 1an an"one i#a%ine an"!in% so *!eer'ess and
drear" as a s+rin%i#e wi!o( a ro&in7s son%J7 To !e +(&'i* !e *!oi*e #a" easi'"
a++ear o &e one of sar$ &'a*$-or-w!ie si#+'i*i"2 S!a'' we !a)e &irds or s!a'' we
!a)e e'#sJ B( i is no as si#+'e as !a, and &" one of !e ironies !a a&o(nd
!ro(%!o( !e fie'd of *!e#i*a' *onro' we #a" )er" we'' end &" !a)in% nei!er if we
*onin(e on o(r +resen, we''-ra)e'ed road, S+ra"in% is $i''in% !e &irds &( i is no
sa)in% !e e'#s, T!e i''(sion !a sa')aion of !e e'#s 'ies a !e end of a s+ra"
no33'e is a dan%ero(s wi''-o7- !e-wis+ !a is 'eadin% one *o##(ni" afer ano!er
ino a #orass of !ea)" eB+endi(res, wi!o( +rod(*in% 'asin% res('s, Greenwi*!,
1onne*i*( s+ra"ed re%('ar'" for en "ears, T!en a dro(%! "ear &ro(%! *ondiions
es+e*ia''" fa)ora&'e o !e &ee'e and !e #ora'i" of e'#s wen (+ 8KKK +er *en, In
Ur&ana, I''inois, w!ere !e Uni)ersi" of I''inois is 'o*aed, D(*! e'# disease firs
a++eared in 89F8, S+ra"in% was (ndera$en in 89F>, B" 89F9, in s+ie of siB "ears7
s+ra"in%, !e (ni)ersi" *a#+(s !ad 'os 8: +er *en of is e'#s, !a'f of !e# )i*i#s
of D(*! e'# disease, In To'edo, O!io, a si#i'ar eB+erien*e *a(sed !e
S(+erinenden of =oresr", ?ose+! A, Sweene", o a$e a rea'isi* 'oo$ a !e res('s
of s+ra"in%, S+ra"in% was &e%(n !ere in 89F> and *onin(ed
!ro(%! 89F9, 4eanw!i'e, !owe)er, 4r, Sweene" !ad noi*ed !a a *i"-wide
infesaion of !e *oon" #a+'e s*a'e was worse afer !e s+ra"in% re*o##ended &"
L!e &oo$s and !e a(!oriies7 !an i !ad &een &efore, He de*ided o re)iew !e
res('s of s+ra"in% for D(*! e'# disease for !i#se'f, His findin%s s!o*$ed !i#, In
!e *i" of To'edo, !e fo(nd, L!e on'" areas (nder an" *onro' were !e areas w!ere
we (sed so#e +ro#+ness in re#o)in% !e diseased or &rood rees, W!ere we
de+ended on s+ra"in% !e disease was o( of *onro', In !e *o(nr" w!ere no!in%
!as &een done !e disease !as no s+read as fas as i !as in !e *i", T!is indi*aes
!a s+ra"in% desro"s an" na(ra' ene#ies, LWe are a&andonin% s+ra"in% for !e
D(*! e'# disease, T!is !as &ro(%! #e ino *onf'i* wi! !e +eo+'e w!o &a*$ an"
re*o##endaions &" !e Unied Saes De+ar#en of A%ri*('(re &( I !a)e !e
fa*s and wi'' si*$ wi! !e#,7 I is diffi*(' o (ndersand w!" !ese #idwesern
owns, o w!i*! !e e'# disease s+read on'" ra!er re*en'", !a)e so (n.(esionin%'"
e#&ar$ed on a#&iio(s and eB+ensi)e s+ra"in% +ro%ra#s, a++aren'" wi!o(
waiin% o in.(ire ino !e eB+erien*e of o!er areas !a !a)e !ad 'on%er
a*.(ainan*e wi! !e +ro&'e#, New <or$ Sae, for eBa#+'e, !as *erain'" !ad !e
'on%es !isor" of *onin(o(s eB+erien*e wi! D(*! e'# disease, for i was )ia !e
Por of New <or$ !a diseased e'# wood is !o(%! o !a)e enered !e Unied
Saes a&o( 89>K, And New <or$ Sae oda" !as a #os i#+ressi)e re*ord of
*onainin% and s(++ressin% !e disease, <e i !as no re'ied (+on s+ra"in%, In fa*,
is a%ri*('(ra' eBension ser)i*e does no re*o##end s+ra"in% as a *o##(ni"
#e!od of *onro',
How, !en, !as New <or$ a*!ie)ed is fine re*ordJ =ro# !e ear'" "ears of !e &a'e
for !e e'#s o !e +resen i#e, i !as re'ied (+on ri%oro(s saniaion, or !e +ro#+
re#o)a' and desr(*ion of a'' diseased or infe*ed wood, In !e &e%innin% so#e of
!e res('s were disa++oinin%, &( !is was &e*a(se i was no a firs (ndersood
!a no on'" diseased rees &( a'' e'# wood in w!i*! !e &ee'es #i%! &reed #(s
&e desro"ed, Infe*ed e'# wood, afer &ein% *( and sored for firewood, wi'' re'ease
a *ro+ of f(n%(s-*arr"in% &ee'es (n'ess &(rned &efore s+rin%, I is !e ad(' &ee'es,
e#er%in% fro# !i&ernaion o feed in 'ae A+ri' and 4a", !a rans#i D(*! e'#
disease, New <or$ eno#o'o%iss !a)e 'earned &" eB+erien*e w!a $inds of &ee'e-
&reedin% #aeria' !a)e rea' i#+oran*e in !e s+read of !e disease, B"
*on*enrain% on !is dan%ero(s #aeria', i !as &een +ossi&'e no on'" o %e %ood
res('s, &( o $ee+ !e *os of !e saniaion +ro%ra# wi!in reasona&'e 'i#is, B"
89FK !e in*iden*e of D(*! e'# disease in New <or$ 1i" !ad &een red(*ed o of 8
+er *en of !e *i"7s FF,KKK e'#s, A saniaion +ro%ra# was 'a(n*!ed in Wes*!eser
1o(n" in 89M;,
D(rin% !e neB 8M "ears !e a)era%e ann(a' 'oss of e'#s was on'" of 8 +er *en a
"ear, B(ffa'o, wi! 88F,KKK e'#s, !as an eB*e''en re*ord of *onainin% !e disease
&" saniaion, wi! re*en ann(a' 'osses a#o(nin% o on'" of 8 +er *en, In o!er
words, a !is rae of 'oss i wo('d a$e a&o( >KK "ears o e'i#inae B(ffa'o7s e'#s,
W!a !as !a++ened in S"ra*(se is es+e*ia''" i#+ressi)e, T!ere no effe*i)e
+ro%ra# was in o+eraion &efore 89FO, Beween 89F8 and 89F: S"ra*(se 'os
near'" >KKK e'#s, T!en, (nder !e dire*ion of Howard 1, 4i''er of !e New <or$
Sae Uni)ersi" 1o''e%e of =oresr", an inensi)e dri)e was #ade o re#o)e a''
diseased e'# rees and a'' +ossi&'e so(r*es of &ee'e-&reedin% e'# wood, T!e rae
of 'oss is now we'' &e'ow 8 +er *en a "ear, T!e e*ono#" of !e saniaion #e!od is
sressed &" New <or$ eB+ers in D(*! e'# disease *onro', LIn #os *ases !e
a*(a' eB+ense is s#a'' *o#+ared wi! !e +ro&a&'e sa)in%,7 sa"s ?, G, 4a!"sse of
!e New <or$ Sae 1o''e%e of A%ri*('(re, LIf i is a *ase of a dead or &ro$en 'i#&,
!e 'i#& wo('d !a)e o &e re#o)ed e)en(a''", as a +re*a(ion
a%ains +ossi&'e +ro+er" da#a%e or +ersona' inG(r", If i is a f(e'-wood +i'e, !e
wood *an &e (sed &efore s+rin%, !e &ar$ *an &e +ee'ed fro# !e wood, or !e wood
*an &e sored in a dr" +'a*e, In !e *ase of d"in% or dead e'# rees, !e eB+ense of
+ro#+ re#o)a' o +re)en D(*! e'# disease s+read is (s(a''" no %reaer !an
wo('d &e ne*essar" 'aer, for #os dead rees in (r&an re%ions #(s &e re#o)ed
e)en(a''",7 T!e si(aion wi! re%ard o D(*! e'# disease is !erefore no enire'"
!o+e'ess +ro)ided infor#ed and ine''i%en #eas(res are a$en, W!i'e i *anno &e
eradi*aed &" an" #eans now $nown, on*e i !as &e*o#e esa&'is!ed in a
*o##(ni", i *an &e s(++ressed and *onained wi!in reasona&'e &o(nds &"
saniaion, and wi!o( !e (se of #e!ods !a are no on'" f(i'e &( in)o')e ra%i*
desr(*ion of &ird 'ife, O!er +ossi&i'iies 'ie wi!in !e fie'd of fores %enei*s, w!ere
eB+eri#ens offer !o+e of de)e'o+in% a !"&rid e'# resisan o D(*! e'# disease,
T!e E(ro+ean e'# is !i%!'" resisan, and #an" of !e# !a)e &een +'aned in
Was!in%on, D,1, E)en d(rin% a +eriod w!en a !i%! +er*ena%e of !e *i"7s e'#s
were affe*ed, no *ases of D(*! e'# disease were fo(nd a#on% !ese rees,
Re+'anin% !ro(%! an i##ediae ree n(rser" and foresr" +ro%ra# is &ein% (r%ed in
*o##(niies !a are 'osin% 'ar%e n(#&ers of e'#s, T!is is i#+oran, and a'!o(%!
s(*! +ro%ra#s #i%! we'' in*'(de !e resisan E(ro+ean e'#s, !e" s!o('d ai# a a
)arie" of s+e*ies so !a no f((re e+ide#i* *o('d de+ri)e a *o##(ni" of is rees,
T!e $e" o a !ea'!" +'an or ani#a' *o##(ni" 'ies in w!a !e Briis! e*o'o%is
1!ar'es E'on *a''s L!e *onser)aion of )arie"7, W!a is !a++enin% now is in 'ar%e
+ar a res(' of !e &io'o%i*a' (nso+!isi*aion of +as %eneraions, E)en a %eneraion
a%o no one $new !a o fi'' 'ar%e areas wi! a sin%'e s+e*ies of ree was o in)ie
disaser, And so w!o'e owns 'ined !eir srees and doed !eir +ar$s wi! e'#s, and
oda" !e e'#s die and so do !e &irds, , , ,
Li$e !e ro&in, ano!er A#eri*an &ird see#s o &e on !e )er%e of eBin*ion, T!is is
!e naiona' s"#&o', !e ea%'e, Is +o+('aions !a)e dwind'ed a'ar#in%'" wi!in !e
+as de*ade, T!e fa*s s(%%es !a so#e!in% is a wor$ in !e ea%'e7s en)iron#en
w!i*! !as )ir(a''" desro"ed is a&i'i" o re+rod(*e, W!a !is #a" &e is no "e
definie'" $nown, &( !ere is so#e e)iden*e !a inse*i*ides are res+onsi&'e,
T!e #os inensi)e'" s(died ea%'es in Nor! A#eri*a !a)e &een !ose nesin% a'on%
a sre*! of *oas fro# Ta#+a o =or 4"ers on !e wesern *oas of ='orida, T!ere a
reired &an$er fro# Winni+e%, 1!ar'es Bro'e", a*!ie)ed orni!o'o%i*a' fa#e &"
&andin% #ore !an 8,KKK "o(n% &a'd ea%'es d(rin% !e "ears 89>9-M9, 5On'" 8::
ea%'es !ad &een &anded in a'' !e ear'ier !isor" of &ird&andin%,6 4r, Bro'e" &anded
ea%'es as "o(n% &irds d(rin% !e winer #on!s &efore !e" !ad 'ef !eir ness, Laer
re*o)eries of &anded &irds s!owed !a !ese ='orida-&orn ea%'es ran%e nor!ward
a'on% !e *oas ino 1anada as far as Prin*e Edward Is'and, a'!o(%! !e" !ad
+re)io(s'" &een *onsidered non#i%raor", In !e fa'' !e" re(rn o !e So(!, !eir
#i%raion &ein% o&ser)ed a s(*! fa#o(s )ana%e +oins as Haw$ 4o(nain in
easern Penns"')ania, D(rin% !e ear'" "ears of !is &andin%, 4r, Bro'e" (sed o find
8;F a*i)e ness a "ear on !e sre*! of *oas !e !ad *!osen for !is wor$, T!e
n(#&er of "o(n% &anded ea*! "ear was a&o( 8FK, In 89MO !e +rod(*ion of "o(n%
&irds &e%an o de*'ine, So#e ness *onained no e%%sI o!ers *onained e%%s !a
fai'ed o !a*!, Beween 89F; and 89FO, a&o( 8K +er *en of !e ness fai'ed o
+rod(*e "o(n%, In !e 'as "ear of !is +eriod on'" M> ness were o**(+ied, Se)en of
!e# +rod(*ed "o(n% 58 ea%'es6I ;> *onained e%%s !a fai'ed o !a*!I 8> were
(sed #ere'" as feedin% saions &" ad(' ea%'es and *onained no e%%s, In 89F8 4r,
Bro'e" ran%ed o)er 8KK #i'es of *oas &efore findin% and &andin% one ea%'e, Ad('
ea%'es, w!i*! !ad &een
seen a M> ness in 89FO, were so s*ar*e !a !e o&ser)ed !e# a on'" 8K ness,
A'!o(%! 4r, Bro'e"7s dea! in 89F9 er#inaed !is )a'(a&'e series of (ninerr(+ed
o&ser)aions, re+ors &" !e ='orida A(d(&on So*ie", as we'' as fro# New ?erse"
and Penns"')ania, *onfir# !e rend !a #a" we'' #a$e i ne*essar" for (s o find a
new naiona' e#&'e#, T!e re+ors of 4a(ri*e Bro(n, *(raor of !e Haw$ 4o(nain
San*(ar", are es+e*ia''" si%nifi*an, Haw$ 4o(nain is a +i*(res.(e #o(naino+ in
so(!easern Penns"')ania, w!ere !e easern#os rid%es of !e A++a'a*!ians for#
a 'as &arrier o !e weser'" winds &efore dro++in% awa" oward !e *oasa' +'ain,
Winds sri$in% !e #o(nains are def'e*ed (+ward so !a on #an" a((#n da"s
!ere is a *onin(o(s (+draf on w!i*! !e &road-win%ed !aw$s and ea%'es ride
wi!o( effor, *o)erin% #an" #i'es of !eir so(!ward #i%raion in a da", A Haw$
4o(nain !e rid%es *on)er%e and so do !e aeria' !i%!wa"s, T!e res(' is !a fro#
a wides+read errior" o !e nor! &irds +ass !ro(%! !is raffi* &o'ene*$, In !is
#ore !an a s*ore of "ears as *(sodian of !e san*(ar" !ere, 4a(ri*e Bro(n !as
o&ser)ed and a*(a''" a&('aed #ore !aw$s and ea%'es !an an" o!er A#eri*an,
T!e +ea$ of !e &a'd ea%'e #i%raion *o#es in 'ae A(%(s and ear'" Se+e#&er,
T!ese are ass(#ed o &e ='orida &irds, re(rnin% o !o#e errior" afer a s(##er in
!e Nor!, 5Laer in !e fa'' and ear'" winer a few 'ar%er ea%'es drif !ro(%!, T!ese
are !o(%! o &e'on% o a nor!ern ra*e, &o(nd for an (n$nown winerin% %ro(nd,6
D(rin% !e firs "ears afer !e san*(ar" was esa&'is!ed, fro# 89>F o 89>9, MK +er
*en of !e ea%'es o&ser)ed were "ear'in%s, easi'" idenified &" !eir (nifor#'" dar$
+'(#a%e, B( in re*en "ears !ese i##a(re &irds !a)e &e*o#e a rari", Beween
89FF and 89F9, !e" #ade (+ on'" ;K +er *en of !e oa' *o(n, and in one "ear
589FO6 !ere was on'" one "o(n% ea%'e for e)er" >; ad('s, O&ser)aions a Haw$
4o(nain are in 'ine wi! findin%s e'sew!ere, One s(*! re+or *o#es fro# E'on
=aw$s, an offi*ia' of !e Na(ra' Reso(r*es 1o(n*i' of I''inois, Ea%'esH +ro&a&'"
nor!ern nesersHwiner a'on% !e 4ississi++i and I''inois Ri)ers, In 89F8 4r, =aw$s
re+ored !a a re*en *o(n of F9 ea%'es !ad in*'(ded on'" one i##a(re &ird,
Si#i'ar indi*aions of !e d"in% o( of !e ra*e *o#e fro# !e wor'd7s on'" san*(ar"
for ea%'es a'one, 4o(n ?o!nson Is'and in !e S(s.(e!anna Ri)er, T!e is'and,
a'!o(%! on'" 8 #i'es a&o)e 1onowin%o Da# and a&o( !a'f a #i'e o( fro# !e
Lan*aser 1o(n" s!ore, reains is +ri#ii)e wi'dness, Sin*e 89>M is sin%'e ea%'e
nes !as &een (nder o&ser)aion &" Professor Her&er H, Be*$, an orni!o'o%is of
Lan*aser and *(sodian of !e san*(ar", Beween 89>F and 89MO (se of !e nes
was re%('ar and (nifor#'" s(**essf(', Sin*e 89MO, a'!o(%! !e ad('s !a)e
o**(+ied !e nes and !ere is e)iden*e of e%% 'a"in%, no "o(n% ea%'es !a)e &een
+rod(*ed, On 4o(n ?o!nson Is'and as we'' as in ='orida, !en, !e sa#e si(aion
+re)ai'sH !ere is so#e o**(+an*" of ness &" ad('s, so#e +rod(*ion of e%%s, &(
few or no "o(n% &irds, In see$in% an eB+'anaion, on'" one a++ears o fi a'' !e fa*s,
T!is is !a !e re+rod(*i)e *a+a*i" of !e &irds !as &een so 'owered &" so#e
en)iron#ena' a%en !a !ere are now a'#os no ann(a' addiions of "o(n% o
#ainain !e ra*e,
EBa*'" !is sor of si(aion !as &een +rod(*ed arifi*ia''" in o!er &irds &" )ario(s
eB+eri#eners, noa&'" Dr, ?a#es DeWi of !e Unied Saes =is! and Wi'd'ife
Ser)i*e, Dr, DeWi7s now *'assi* eB+eri#ens on !e effe* of a series of inse*i*ides
on .(ai' and +!easans !a)e esa&'is!ed !e fa* !a eB+os(re o DDT or re'aed
*!e#i*a's, e)en w!en doin% no o&ser)a&'e !ar# o !e +aren &irds, #a" serio(s'"
affe* re+rod(*ion, T!e wa" !e effe* is eBered #a" )ar", &( !e end res(' is
a'wa"s !e sa#e, =or eBa#+'e, .(ai' ino w!ose die DDT was inrod(*ed !ro(%!o(
!e &reedin% season s(r)i)ed and e)en +rod(*ed nor#a'
n(#&ers of feri'e e%%s, B( few of !e e%%s !a*!ed, L4an" e#&r"os a++eared o
de)e'o+ nor#a''" d(rin% !e ear'" sa%es of in*(&aion, &( died d(rin% !e !a*!in%
+eriod,7 Dr, DeWi said, Of !ose !a did !a*!, #ore !an !a'f died wi!in F da"s, In
o!er ess in w!i*! &o! +!easans and .(ai' were !e s(&Ge*s, !e ad('s +rod(*ed
no e%%s w!ae)er if !e" !ad &een fed inse*i*ide-*ona#inaed dies !ro(%!o( !e
"ear, And a !e Uni)ersi" of 1a'ifornia, Dr, Ro&er R(dd and Dr, Ri*!ard Gene''"
re+ored si#i'ar findin%s, W!en +!easans re*ei)ed die'drin in !eir dies, Le%%
+rod(*ion was #ar$ed'" 'owered and *!i*$ s(r)i)a' was +oor,7 A**ordin% o !ese
a(!ors, !e de'a"ed &( 'e!a' effe* on !e "o(n% &irds fo''ows fro# sora%e of
die'drin in !e "o'$ of !e e%%, fro# w!i*! i is %rad(a''" assi#i'aed d(rin% in*(&aion
and afer !a*!in%, T!is s(%%esion is sron%'" s(++ored &" re*en s(dies &" Dr,
Wa''a*e and a %rad(ae s(den, Ri*!ard =, Bernard, w!o fo(nd !i%! *on*enraions
of DDT in ro&ins on !e 4i*!i%an Sae Uni)ersi" *a#+(s, T!e" fo(nd !e +oison in
a'' of !e eses of #a'e ro&ins eBa#ined, in de)e'o+in% e%% fo''i*'es, in !e o)aries of
fe#a'es, in *o#+'eed &( (n'aid e%%s, in !e o)id(*s, in (n!a*!ed e%%s fro#
desered ness, in e#&r"os wi!in !e e%%s, and in a new'" !a*!ed, dead nes'in%,
T!ese i#+oran s(dies esa&'is! !e fa* !a !e inse*i*ida' +oison affe*s a
%eneraion on*e re#o)ed fro# iniia' *ona* wi! i, Sora%e of +oison in !e e%%, in
!e "o'$ #aeria' !a no(ris!es !e de)e'o+in% e#&r"o, is a )ir(a' dea! warran
and eB+'ains w!" so #an" of DeWi7s &irds died in !e e%% or a few da"s afer
!a*!in%,
La&oraor" a++'i*aion of !ese s(dies o ea%'es +resens diffi*('ies !a are near'"
ins(+era&'e, &( fie'd s(dies are now (nder wa" in ='orida, New ?erse", and
e'sew!ere in !e !o+e of a*.(irin% definie e)iden*e as o w!a !as *a(sed !e
a++aren seri'i" of #(*! of !e ea%'e +o+('aion, 4eanw!i'e, !e a)ai'a&'e
*ir*(#sania' e)iden*e +oins o inse*i*ides, In 'o*a'iies w!ere fis! are a&(ndan
!e" #a$e (+ a 'ar%e +ar of !e ea%'e7s die 5a&o( :F +er *en in A'as$aI a&o( F;
+er *en in !e 1!esa+ea$e Ba" area6, A'#os (n.(esiona&'" !e ea%'es so 'on%
s(died &" 4r, Bro'e" were +redo#inan'" fis! eaers, Sin*e 89MF !is +ari*('ar
*oasa' area !as &een s(&Ge*ed o re+eaed s+ra"in%s wi! DDT disso')ed in f(e'
oi', T!e +rin*i+a' ar%e of !e aeria' s+ra"in% was !e sa'-#ars! #os.(io, w!i*!
in!a&is !e #ars!es and *oasa' areas !a are "+i*a' fora%in% areas for !e ea%'es,
=is!es and *ra&s were $i''ed in enor#o(s n(#&ers, La&oraor" ana'"ses of !eir
iss(es re)ea'ed !i%! *on*enraions of DDTH as #(*! as M: +ars +er #i''ion, Li$e
!e %re&es of 1'ear La$e, w!i*! a**(#('aed !ea)" *on*enraions of inse*i*ide
resid(es fro# eain% !e fis! of !e 'a$e, !e ea%'es !a)e a'#os *erain'" &een
sorin% (+ !e DDT in !e iss(es of !eir &odies, And 'i$e !e %re&es, !e +!easans,
!e .(ai', and !e ro&ins, !e" are 'ess and 'ess a&'e o +rod(*e "o(n% and o
+reser)e !e *onin(i" of !eir ra*e, , , ,
=ro# a'' o)er !e wor'd *o#e e*!oes of !e +eri' !a fa*es &irds in o(r #odern
wor'd, T!e re+ors differ in deai', &( a'wa"s re+ea !e !e#e of dea! o wi'd'ife in
!e wa$e of +esi*ides, S(*! are !e sories of !(ndreds of s#a'' &irds and
+arrid%es d"in% in =ran*e afer )ine s(#+s were reaed wi! an arseni*-*onainin%
!er&i*ide, or of +arrid%e s!oos in Be'%i(#, on*e fa#o(s for !e n(#&ers of !eir
&irds, den(ded of +arrid%es afer !e s+ra"in% of near&" far#'ands, In En%'and !e
#aGor +ro&'e# see#s o &e a s+e*ia'i3ed one, 'in$ed wi! !e %rowin% +ra*i*e of
reain% seed wi! inse*i*ides &efore sowin%, Seed rea#en is no a w!o''" new
!in%, &( in ear'ier "ears !e *!e#i*a's +rin*i+a''" (sed were f(n%i*ides, No effe*s
on &irds see# o !a)e &een noi*ed, T!en a&o( 89F: !ere was a *!an%e o d(a'-
+(r+ose
rea#enI in addiion o a f(n%i*ide, die'drin, a'drin, or !e+a*!'or was added o
*o#&a soi' inse*s, T!ere(+on !e si(aion *!an%ed for !e worse,
In !e s+rin% of 89:K a de'(%e of re+ors of dead &irds rea*!ed Briis! wi'd'ife
a(!oriies, in*'(din% !e Briis! Tr(s for Orni!o'o%", !e Ro"a' So*ie" for !e
Proe*ion of Birds, and !e Ga#e Birds Asso*iaion, LT!e +'a*e is 'i$e a &a'efie'd,7
a 'andowner in Norfo'$ wroe, L4" $ee+er !as fo(nd inn(#era&'e *or+ses, in*'(din%
#asses of s#a'' &irdsH 1!affin*!es, Greenfin*!es, Linnes, Hed%e S+arrows, a'so
Ho(se S+arrows,,,!e desr(*ion of wi'd 'ife is .(ie +iif(',7 A %a#e$ee+er wroe2 L4"
Parrid%es !a)e &een wi+ed o( wi! !e dressed *orn, a'so so#e P!easans and a''
o!er &irds, !(ndreds of &irds !a)e &een $i''ed,,, As a 'ife'on% %a#e$ee+er i !as
&een a disressin% eB+erien*e for #e, I is &ad o see +airs of Parrid%es !a !a)e
died o%e!er,7 In a Goin re+or, !e Briis! Tr(s for Orni!o'o%" and !e Ro"a' So*ie"
for !e Proe*ion of Birds des*ri&ed so#e :O $i''s of &irdsHa far fro# *o#+'ee
'isin% of !e desr(*ion !a oo$ +'a*e in !e s+rin% of 89:K, Of !ese :O, F9 were
*a(sed &" seed dressin%s, 8 &" oBi* s+ra"s, A new wa)e of +oisonin% se in !e
fo''owin% "ear, T!e dea! of :KK &irds on a sin%'e esae in Norfo'$ was re+ored o
!e Ho(se of Lords, and 8KK +!easans died on a far# in Nor! EsseB, I soon
&e*a#e e)iden !a #ore *o(nies were in)o')ed !an in 89:K 5>M *o#+ared wi!
;>6, Lin*o'ns!ire, !ea)i'" a%ri*('(ra', see#ed o !a)e s(ffered #os, wi! re+ors of
8K,KKK &irds dead, B( desr(*ion in)o')ed a'' of a%ri*('(ra' En%'and, fro# An%(s in
!e nor! o 1ornwa'' in !e so(!, fro# An%'ese" in !e wes o Norfo'$ in !e eas, In
!e s+rin% of 89:8 *on*ern rea*!ed s(*! a +ea$ !a a s+e*ia' *o##iee of !e
Ho(se of 1o##ons #ade an in)esi%aion of !e #aer, a$in% esi#on" fro#
far#ers, 'andowners, and re+resenai)es of !e 4inisr" of A%ri*('(re and of
)ario(s %o)ern#ena' and non%o)ern#ena' a%en*ies *on*erned wi! wi'd'ife,
LPi%eons are s(dden'" dro++in% o( of !e s$" dead,7 said one winess, L<o( *an
dri)e a !(ndred or wo !(ndred #i'es o(side London and no see a sin%'e $esre',7
re+ored ano!er, LT!ere !as &een no +ara''e' in !e +resen *en(r", or a an" i#e
so far as I a# aware, V!is isW !e &i%%es ris$ o wi'd'ife and %a#e !a e)er o**(rred
in !e *o(nr",7 offi*ia's of !e Na(re 1onser)an*" esified,
=a*i'iies for *!e#i*a' ana'"sis of !e )i*i#s were #os inade.(ae o !e as$, wi!
on'" wo *!e#iss in !e *o(nr" a&'e o #a$e !e ess 5one !e %o)ern#en
*!e#is, !e o!er in !e e#+'o" of !e Ro"a' So*ie" for !e Proe*ion of Birds6,
Winesses des*ri&ed !(%e &onfires on w!i*! !e &odies of !e &irds were &(rned,
B( effors were #ade o !a)e *ar*asses *o''e*ed for eBa#inaion, and of !e &irds
ana'"3ed, a'' &( one *onained +esi*ide resid(es, T!e sin%'e eB*e+ion was a
sni+e, w!i*! is no a seed-eain% &ird, A'on% wi! !e &irds, foBes a'so #a" !a)e
&een affe*ed, +ro&a&'" indire*'" &" eain% +oisoned #i*e or &irds, En%'and,
+'a%(ed &" ra&&is, sore'" needs !e foB as a +redaor, B( &eween No)e#&er 89F9
and A+ri' 89:K a 'eas 8>KK foBes died, Dea!s were !ea)ies in !e sa#e *o(nies
fro# w!i*! s+arrow !aw$s, $esre's, and o!er &irds of +re" )ir(a''" disa++eared,
s(%%esin% !a !e +oison was s+readin% !ro(%! !e food *!ain, rea*!in% o( fro#
!e seed eaers o !e f(rred and fea!ered *arni)ores, T!e a*ions of !e #ori&(nd
foBes were !ose of ani#a's +oisoned &" *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&on inse*i*ides, T!e"
were seen wanderin% in *ir*'es, da3ed and !a'f &'ind, &efore d"in% in *on)('sions,
T!e !earin%s *on)in*ed !e *o##iee !a !e !rea o wi'd'ife was L#os a'ar#in%7I
i
a**ordin%'" re*o##ended o !e Ho(se of 1o##ons !a L!e 4iniser of A%ri*('(re
and !e
Se*rear" of Sae for S*o'and s!o('d se*(re !e i##ediae +ro!i&iion for !e (se
as seed
dressin%s of *o#+o(nds *onainin% die'drin, a'drin, or !e+a*!'or, or *!e#i*a's of
*o#+ara&'e oBi*i",7 T!e *o##iee a'so re*o##ended #ore ade.(ae *onro's o
ens(re !a *!e#i*a's were ade.(ae'" esed (nder fie'd as we'' as 'a&oraor"
*ondiions &efore &ein% +( on !e #ar$e, T!is, i is wor! e#+!asi3in%, is one of !e
%rea &'an$ s+os in +esi*ide resear*! e)er"w!ere, 4an(fa*(rers7 ess on !e
*o##on 'a&oraor" ani#a'sHras, do%s, %(inea +i%sHin*'(de no wi'd s+e*ies, no
&irds as a r('e, no fis!es, and are *ond(*ed (nder *onro''ed and arifi*ia'
*ondiions, T!eir a++'i*aion o wi'd'ife in !e fie'd is an"!in% &( +re*ise, En%'and is
&" no #eans a'one in is +ro&'e# of +roe*in% &irds fro# reaed seeds, Here in !e
Unied Saes !e +ro&'e# !as &een #os ro(&'eso#e in !e ri*e-%rowin% areas of
1a'ifornia and !e So(!, =or a n(#&er of "ears 1a'ifornia ri*e %rowers !a)e &een
reain% seed wi! DDT as +roe*ion a%ains ad+o'e s!ri#+ and s*a)en%er &ee'es
w!i*! so#ei#es da#a%e seed'in% ri*e, 1a'ifornia s+ors#en !a)e enGo"ed
eB*e''en !(nin% &e*a(se of !e *on*enraions of waerfow' and +!easans in !e
ri*e fie'ds, B( for !e +as de*ade +ersisen re+ors of &ird 'osses, es+e*ia''"
a#on% +!easans, d(*$s, and &'a*$&irds, !a)e *o#e fro# !e ri*e-%rowin% *o(nies,
LP!easan si*$ness7 &e*a#e a we''-$nown +!eno#enon2 &irds Lsee$ waer, &e*o#e
+ara'"3ed, and are fo(nd on !e di*! &an$s and ri*e *!e*$s .(i)erin%,7 a**ordin% o
one o&ser)er, T!e Lsi*$ness7 *o#es in !e s+rin%, a !e i#e !e ri*e fie'ds are
seeded, T!e *on*enraion of DDT (sed is #an" i#es !e a#o(n !a wi'' $i'' an
ad(' +!easan,
T!e +assa%e of a few "ears and !e de)e'o+#en of e)en #ore +oisono(s
inse*i*ides ser)ed o in*rease !e !a3ard fro# reaed seed, A'drin, w!i*! is 8KK
i#es as oBi* as DDT o +!easans, is now wide'" (sed as a seed *oain%, In !e
ri*e fie'ds of easern TeBas, !is +ra*i*e !as serio(s'" red(*ed !e +o+('aions of !e
fa#o(s ree d(*$, a awn"-*o'ored, %oose'i$e d(*$ of !e G('f 1oas, Indeed, !ere
is so#e reason o !in$ !a !e ri*e %rowers, !a)in% fo(nd a wa" o red(*e !e
+o+('aions of &'a*$&irds, are (sin% !e inse*i*ide for a d(a' +(r+ose, wi!
disasro(s effe*s on se)era' &ird s+e*ies of !e ri*e fie'ds, As !e !a&i of $i''in%
%rowsH!e resor o Leradi*ain%7 an" *rea(re !a #a" anno" or in*on)enien*e (s
H&irds are #ore and #ore findin% !e#se')es a dire* ar%e of +oisons ra!er !an
an in*idena' one, T!ere is a %rowin% rend oward aeria' a++'i*aions of s(*! dead'"
+oisons as +ara!ion o L*onro'7 *on*enraions of &irds disasef(' o far#ers, T!e
=is! and Wi'd'ife Ser)i*e !as fo(nd i ne*essar" o eB+ress serio(s *on*ern o)er !is
rend, +oinin% o( !a L+ara!ion reaed areas *onsi(e a +oenia' !a3ard o
!(#ans, do#esi* ani#a's, and wi'd'ife,7 In so(!ern Indiana, for eBa#+'e, a %ro(+ of
far#ers wen o%e!er in !e s(##er of 89F9 o en%a%e a s+ra" +'ane o rea an
area of ri)er &oo#'and wi! +ara!ion, T!e area was a fa)ored roosin% sie for
!o(sands of &'a*$&irds !a were feedin% in near&" *orn fie'ds, T!e +ro&'e# *o('d
!a)e &een so')ed easi'" &" a s'i%! *!an%e in a%ri*('(ra' +ra*i*e s!if o a )arie" of
*orn wi! dee+-se ears no a**essi&'e o !e &irdsH&( !e far#ers !ad &een
+ers(aded of !e #eris of $i''in% &" +oison, and so !e" sen in !e +'anes on !eir
#ission of dea!,
T!e res('s +ro&a&'" %raified !e far#ers, for !e *as(a'" 'is in*'(ded so#e :F,KKK
red- win%ed &'a*$&irds and sar'in%s, W!a o!er wi'd'ife dea!s #a" !a)e %one
(nnoi*ed and (nre*orded is no $nown, Para!ion is no a s+e*ifi* for &'a*$&irds2 i
is a (ni)ersa' $i''er, B( s(*! ra&&is or ra**oons or o+oss(#s as #a" !a)e roa#ed
!ose &oo#'ands and +er!a+s ne)er )isied !e far#ers7 *ornfie'ds were doo#ed
&" a G(d%e and G(r" w!o nei!er $new of !eir eBisen*e nor *ared, And w!a of
!(#an &ein%sJ In 1a'ifornia or*!ards s+ra"ed wi! !is
sa#e +ara!ion, wor$ers !and'in% fo'ia%e !a !ad &een reaed a #on! ear'ier
*o''a+sed and wen ino s!o*$, and es*a+ed dea! on'" !ro(%! s$i''ed #edi*a'
aenion,
Does Indiana si'' raise an" &o"s w!o roa# !ro(%! woods or fie'ds and #i%! e)en
eB+'ore !e #ar%ins of a ri)erJ If so, w!o %(arded !e +oisoned area o $ee+ o( an"
w!o #i%! wander in, in #is%(ided sear*! for (ns+oi'ed na(reJ W!o $e+ )i%i'an
wa*! o e'' !e inno*en sro''er !a !e fie'ds !e was a&o( o ener were dead'"H
a'' !eir )e%eaion *oaed wi! a 'e!a' fi'#J <e a so fearf(' a ris$ !e far#ers, wi!
none o !inder !e#, wa%ed !eir need'ess war on &'a*$&irds, In ea*! of !ese
si(aions, one (rns awa" o +onder !e .(esion2 W!o !as #ade !e de*ision !a
ses in #oion !ese *!ains of +oisonin%s, !is e)er-widenin% wa)e of dea! !a
s+reads o(, 'i$e ri++'es w!en a +e&&'e is dro++ed ino a si'' +ondJ W!o !as +'a*ed
in one +an of !e s*a'es !e 'ea)es !a #i%! !a)e &een eaen &" !e &ee'es and in
!e o!er !e +iif(' !ea+s of #an"-!(ed fea!ers, !e 'ife'ess re#ains of !e &irds
!a fe'' &efore !e (nse'e*i)e &'(d%eon of inse*i*ida' +oisonsJ W!o !as de*ided H
w!o !as !e right o de*ideH for !e *o(n'ess 'e%ions of +eo+'e w!o were no
*ons('ed !a !e s(+re#e )a'(e is a wor'd wi!o( inse*s, e)en !o(%! i &e a'so a
seri'e wor'd (n%ra*ed &" !e *(r)in% win% of a &ird in f'i%!J T!e de*ision is !a of
!e a(!oriarian e#+orari'" enr(sed wi! +owerI !e !as #ade i d(rin% a #o#en
of inaenion &" #i''ions o w!o# &ea(" and !e ordered wor'd of na(re si'' !a)e a
#eanin% !a is dee+ and i#+erai)e,
9. R.7e's o+ De)t-
=RO4 THE GREEN DEPTHS of !e offs!ore A'ani* #an" +a!s 'ead &a*$ o
!e *oas, T!e" are +a!s fo''owed &" fis!I a'!o(%! (nseen and inan%i&'e, !e" are
'in$ed wi! !e o(f'ow of waers fro# !e *oasa' ri)ers, =or !o(sands (+on
!o(sands of "ears !e sa'#on !a)e $nown and fo''owed !ese !reads of fres!
waer !a 'ead !e# &a*$ o !e ri)ers, ea*! re(rnin% o !e ri&(ar" in w!i*! i
s+en !e firs #on!s or "ears of 'ife, So, in !e s(##er and fa'' of 89F>, !e sa'#on
of !e ri)er *a''ed 4ira#i*!i on !e *oas of New Br(nswi*$ #o)ed in fro# !eir
feedin% %ro(nds in !e far A'ani* and as*ended !eir nai)e ri)er, In !e (++er
rea*!es of !e 4ira#i*!i, in srea#s !a %a!er o%e!er a newor$ of s!adowed
&roo$s, !e sa'#on de+osied !eir e%%s !a a((#n in &eds of %ra)e' o)er w!i*!
!e srea# waer f'owed swif and *o'd, S(*! +'a*es, !e waers!eds of !e %rea
*onifero(s foress of s+r(*e and &a'sa#, of !e#'o*$ and +ine, +ro)ide !e $ind of
s+awnin% %ro(nds !a sa'#on #(s !a)e in order o s(r)i)e,
T!ese e)ens re+eaed a +aern !a was a%e-o'd, a +aern !a !ad #ade !e
4ira#i*!i one of !e fines sa'#on srea#s in Nor! A#eri*a, B( !a "ear !e
+aern was o &e &ro$en, D(rin% !e fa'' and winer !e sa'#on e%%s, 'ar%e and
!i*$s!e''ed, 'a" in s!a''ow %ra)e'-fi''ed ro(%!s, or redds, w!i*! !e #o!er fis! !ad
d(% in !e srea# &oo#, In !e *o'd of winer !e" de)e'o+ed s'ow'", as was !eir
wa", and on'" w!en s+rin% a 'as &ro(%! !awin% and re'ease o !e fores srea#s
did !e "o(n% !a*!, A firs !e" !id a#on% !e +e&&'es of !e srea# &edHin" fis!
a&o( !a'f an in*! 'on%, T!e" oo$ no food, 'i)in% in !e 'ar%e "o'$ sa*, No (ni' i
was a&sor&ed wo('d !e" &e%in o sear*! !e srea# for s#a'' inse*s,
Wi! !e new'" !a*!ed sa'#on in !e 4ira#i*!i !a s+rin% of 89FM were "o(n% of
+re)io(s !a*!in%s, sa'#on a "ear or wo o'd, "o(n% fis! in &ri''ian *oas #ar$ed
wi! &ars and &ri%! red s+os, T!ese "o(n% fed )ora*io(s'", see$in% o( !e sran%e
and )aried inse* 'ife of !e srea#, As !e s(##er a++roa*!ed, a'' !is was
*!an%ed, T!a "ear !e waers!ed of !e Nor!wes 4ira#i*!i was in*'(ded in a )as
s+ra"in% +ro%ra# w!i*! !e 1anadian Go)ern#en !ad e#&ar$ed (+on !e +re)io(s
"earHa +ro%ra# desi%ned o sa)e !e foress fro# !e s+r(*e &(dwor#, T!e
&(dwor# is a nai)e inse* !a aa*$s se)era' $inds of e)er%reens, In easern
1anada i see#s o &e*o#e eBraordinari'" a&(ndan a&o( e)er" >F "ears, T!e
ear'" 89FKs !ad seen s(*! an (+s(r%e in !e &(dwor# +o+('aions, To *o#&a i,
s+ra"in% wi! DDT was &e%(n, firs in a s#a'' wa", !en a a s(dden'" a**e'eraed
rae in 89F>, 4i''ions of a*res of foress were s+ra"ed insead of !o(sands as
&efore, in an effor o sa)e !e &a'sa#s, w!i*! are !e #ainsa" of !e +('+ and
+a+er ind(sr",
So in 89FM, in !e #on! of ?(ne, !e +'anes )isied !e foress of !e Nor!wes
4ira#i*!i and w!ie *'o(ds of se'in% #is #ar$ed !e *riss*ross +aern of !eir
f'i%!, T!e s+ra"Hone !a'f +o(nd of DDT o !e a*re in a so'(ion of oi'H fi'ered
down !ro(%! !e &a'sa# foress and so#e of i fina''" rea*!ed !e %ro(nd and !e
f'owin% srea#s, T!e +i'os, !eir !o(%!s on'" on !eir assi%ned as$, #ade no effor
o a)oid !e srea#s or o s!( off !e s+ra" no33'es w!i'e f'"in% o)er !e#I &(
&e*a(se s+ra" drifs so far in e)en !e s'i%!es sirrin%s of air, +er!a+s !e res('
wo('d !a)e &een 'i'e differen if !e" !ad,
Soon afer !e s+ra"in% !ad ended !ere were (n#isa$a&'e si%ns !a a'' was no
we'', Wi!in
wo da"s dead and d"in% fis!, in*'(din% #an" "o(n% sa'#on, were fo(nd a'on% !e
&an$s of !e
srea#, Broo$ ro( a'so a++eared a#on% !e dead fis!, and a'on% !e roads and in !e
woods &irds were d"in%, A'' !e 'ife of !e srea# was si''ed, Before !e s+ra"in%
!ere !ad &een a ri*! assor#en of !e waer 'ife !a for#s !e food of sa'#on and
ro(H*addis f'" 'ar)ae, 'i)in% in 'oose'" fiin% +roe*i)e *ases of 'ea)es, se#s or
%ra)e' *e#ened o%e!er wi! sa'i)a, sone f'" n"#+!s *'in%in% o ro*$s in !e
swir'in% *(rrens, and !e wor#'i$e 'ar)ae of &'a*$f'ies ed%in% !e sones (nder riff'es
or w!ere !e srea# s+i''s o)er see+'" s'anin% ro*$s, B( now !e srea# inse*s
were dead, $i''ed &" !e DDT, and !ere was no!in% for a "o(n% sa'#on o ea, A#id
s(*! a +i*(re of dea! and desr(*ion, !e "o(n% sa'#on !e#se')es *o('d !ard'"
!a)e &een eB+e*ed o es*a+e, and !e" did no, B" A(%(s no one of !e "o(n%
sa'#on !a !ad e#er%ed fro# !e %ra)e' &eds !a s+rin% re#ained, A w!o'e "ear7s
s+awnin% !ad *o#e o no!in%, T!e o'der "o(n%, !ose !a*!ed a "ear or #ore
ear'ier, fared on'" s'i%!'" &eer, =or e)er" siB "o(n% of !e 89F> !a*! !a !ad
fora%ed in !e srea# as !e +'anes a++roa*!ed, on'" one re#ained, <o(n% sa'#on
of !e 89F; !a*!, a'#os read" o %o o sea, 'os a !ird of !eir n(#&ers, A'' !ese
fa*s are $nown &e*a(se !e =is!eries Resear*! Board of 1anada !ad &een
*ond(*in% a sa'#on s(d" on !e Nor!wes 4ira#i*!i sin*e 89FK, Ea*! "ear i !ad
#ade a *ens(s of !e fis! 'i)in% in !is srea#, T!e re*ords of !e &io'o%iss *o)ered
!e n(#&er of ad(' sa'#on as*endin% o s+awn, !e n(#&er of "o(n% of ea*! a%e
%ro(+ +resen in !e srea#, and !e nor#a' +o+('aion no on'" of sa'#on &( of
o!er s+e*ies of fis! in!a&iin% !e srea#, Wi! !is *o#+'ee re*ord of +res+ra"in%
*ondiions, i was +ossi&'e o #eas(re !e da#a%e done &" !e s+ra"in% wi! an
a**(ra*" !a !as se'do# &een #a*!ed e'sew!ere, T!e s(r)e" s!owed #ore !an
!e 'oss of "o(n% fis!I i re)ea'ed a serio(s *!an%e in !e srea#s !e#se')es,
Re+eaed s+ra"in%s !a)e now *o#+'ee'" a'ered !e srea# en)iron#en, and !e
a.(ai* inse*s !a are !e food of sa'#on and ro( !a)e &een $i''ed, A %rea dea' of
i#e is re.(ired, e)en afer a sin%'e s+ra"in%, for #os of !ese inse*s o &(i'd (+
s(ffi*ien n(#&ers o s(++or a nor#a' sa'#on +o+('aionHi#e #eas(red in "ears
ra!er !an #on!s, T!e s#a''er s+e*ies, s(*! as #id%es and &'a*$f'ies, &e*o#e
reesa&'is!ed ra!er .(i*$'", T!ese are s(ia&'e food for !e s#a''es sa'#on, !e fr"
on'" a few #on!s o'd, B( !ere is no s(*! ra+id re*o)er" of !e 'ar%er a.(ai*
inse*s, on w!i*! sa'#on in !eir se*ond and !ird "ears de+end, T!ese are !e
'ar)a' sa%es of *addis f'ies, sonef'ies, and #a"f'ies, E)en in !e se*ond "ear afer
DDT eners a srea#, a fora%in% sa'#on +arr wo('d !a)e ro(&'e findin% an"!in%
#ore !an an o**asiona' s#a'' sonef'", T!ere wo('d &e no 'ar%e sonef'ies, no
#a"f'ies, no *addis f'ies, In an effor o s(++'" !is na(ra' food, !e 1anadians !a)e
ae#+ed o rans+'an *addis f'" 'ar)ae and o!er inse*s o !e &arren rea*!es of !e
4ira#i*!i, B( of *o(rse s(*! rans+'ans wo('d &e wi+ed o( &" an" re+eaed
s+ra"in%, T!e &(dwor# +o+('aions, insead of dwind'in% as eB+e*ed, !a)e +ro)ed
refra*or", and fro# 89FF o 89FO s+ra"in% was re+eaed in )ario(s +ars of New
Br(nswi*$ and N(e&e*, so#e +'a*es &ein% s+ra"ed as #an" as !ree i#es, B"
89FO, near'" 8F #i''ion a*res !ad &een s+ra"ed, A'!o(%! s+ra"in% was !en
enai)e'" s(s+ended, a s(dden res(r%en*e of &(dwor#s 'ed o is res(#+ion in
89:K and 89:8, Indeed !ere is no e)iden*e an"w!ere !a *!e#i*a' s+ra"in% for
&(dwor# *onro' is #ore !an a so+%a+ #eas(re 5ai#ed a sa)in% !e rees fro#
dea! !ro(%! defo'iaion o)er se)era' s(**essi)e "ears6, and so is (nfor(nae side
effe*s wi'' *onin(e o &e fe' as s+ra"in% is *onin(ed, In an effor o #ini#i3e !e
desr(*ion of fis!, !e 1anadian foresr" offi*ia's !a)e red(*ed !e *on*enraion of
DDT fro# !e 8Y; +o(nd +re)io(s'" (sed o 8YM +o(nd o !e a*re, on
!e re*o##endaion of !e =is!eries Resear*! Board, 5In !e Unied Saes !e
sandard and !i%!'" 'e!a' +o(nd-o-!e-a*re si'' +re)ai's,6 Now, afer se)era' "ears
in w!i*! o o&ser)e !e effe*s of s+ra"in%, !e 1anadians find a #iBed si(aion, &(
one !a affords )er" 'i'e *o#for o de)oees of sa'#on fis!in%, +ro)ided s+ra"in% is
*onin(ed,
A )er" (n(s(a' *o#&inaion of *ir*(#san*es !as so far sa)ed !e r(ns of !e
Nor!wes 4ira#i*!i fro# !e desr(*ion !a was ani*i+aedHa *onse''aion of
!a++enin%s !a #i%! no o**(r a%ain in a *en(r", I is i#+oran o (ndersand
w!a !as !a++ened !ere, and !e reasons for i, In 89FM, as we !a)e seen, !e
waers!ed of !is &ran*! of !e 4ira#i*!i was !ea)i'" s+ra"ed, T!ereafer, eB*e+ for
a narrow &and s+ra"ed in 89F:, !e w!o'e (++er waers!ed of !is &ran*! was
eB*'(ded fro# !e s+ra"in% +ro%ra#, In !e fa'' of 89FM a ro+i*a' sor# +'a"ed is
+ar in !e for(nes of !e 4ira#i*!i sa'#on, H(rri*ane Edna, a )io'en sor# o !e
)er" end of is nor!ward +a!, &ro(%! orrenia' rains o !e New En%'and and
1anadian *oass, T!e res('in% fres!es *arried srea#s of fres! waer far o( o sea
and drew in (n(s(a' n(#&ers of sa'#on, As a res(', !e %ra)e' &eds of !e srea#s
w!i*! !e sa'#on see$ o( for s+awnin% re*ei)ed an (n(s(a' a&(ndan*e of e%%s,
T!e "o(n% sa'#on !a*!in% in !e Nor!wes 4ira#i*!i in !e s+rin% of 89FF fo(nd
*ir*(#san*es +ra*i*a''" idea' for !eir s(r)i)a', W!i'e !e DDT !ad $i''ed off a''
srea# inse*s !e "ear &efore, !e s#a''es of !e inse*sH!e #id%es and
&'a*$f'ies !ad re(rned in n(#&ers, T!ese are !e nor#a' food of &a&" sa'#on, T!e
sa'#on fr" of !a "ear no on'" fo(nd a&(ndan food &( !e" !ad few *o#+eiors
for i, T!is was &e*a(se of !e %ri# fa* !a !e o'der "o(n% sa'#on !ad &een $i''ed
off &" !e s+ra"in% in 89FM, A**ordin%'", !e fr" of 89FF %rew )er" fas and s(r)i)ed
in eB*e+iona' n(#&ers, T!e" *o#+'eed !eir srea# %row! ra+id'" and wen o sea
ear'", 4an" of !e# re(rned in 89F9 o %i)e 'ar%e r(ns of %ri'se o !e nai)e srea#,
If !e r(ns in !e Nor!wes 4ira#i*!i are si'' in re'ai)e'" %ood *ondiion !is is
&e*a(se s+ra"in% was done in one "ear on'", T!e res('s of re+eaed s+ra"in% are
*'ear'" seen in o!er srea#s of !e waers!ed, w!ere a'ar#in% de*'ines in !e
sa'#on +o+('aions are o**(rrin%,
In a'' s+ra"ed srea#s, "o(n% sa'#on of e)er" si3e are s*ar*e, T!e "o(n%es are
ofen L+ra*i*a''" wi+ed o(7, !e &io'o%iss re+or, In !e #ain So(!wes 4ira#i*!i,
w!i*! was s+ra"ed in 89F: and 89FO, !e 89F9 *a*! was !e 'owes in a de*ade,
=is!er#en re#ar$ed on !e eBre#e s*ar*i" of %ri'seH!e "o(n%es %ro(+ of
re(rnin% fis!, A !e sa#+'in% ra+ in !e es(ar" of !e 4ira#i*!i !e *o(n of %ri'se
was on'" a fo(r! as 'ar%e in 89F9 as !e "ear &efore, In 89F9 !e w!o'e 4ira#i*!i
waers!ed +rod(*ed on'" a&o( :KK,KKK s#o' 5"o(n% sa'#on des*endin% o !e
sea6, T!is was 'ess !an a !ird of !e r(ns of !e !ree +re*edin% "ears, A%ains
s(*! a &a*$%ro(nd, !e f((re of !e sa'#on fis!eries in New Br(nswi*$ #a" we''
de+end on findin% a s(&si(e for dren*!in% foress wi! DDT, , , ,
T!e easern 1anadian si(aion is no (ni.(e, eB*e+ +er!a+s in !e eBen of fores
s+ra"in% and !e wea'! of fa*s !a !a)e &een *o''e*ed, 4aine, oo, !as is foress
of s+r(*e and &a'sa#, and is +ro&'e# of *onro''in% fores inse*s, 4aine, oo, !as
is sa'#on r(nsHa re#nan of !e #a%nifi*en r(ns of for#er da"s, &( a re#nan
!ard won &" !e wor$ of &io'o%iss and *onser)aioniss o sa)e so#e !a&ia for
sa'#on in srea#s &(rdened wi! ind(sria' +o''(ion and *!o$ed wi! 'o%s, A'!o(%!
s+ra"in% !as &een ried as a wea+on a%ains !e (&i.(io(s &(dwor#, !e areas
affe*ed !a)e &een re'ai)e'" s#a'' and !a)e no, as "e, in*'(ded i#+oran
s+awnin% srea#s for sa'#on, B( w!a !a++ened o srea# fis! in an area
o&ser)ed &" !e 4aine De+ar#en of In'and =is!eries and Ga#e is +er!a+s a
+oren of !in%s
o *o#e, LI##ediae'" afer !e 89F8 s+ra"in%,7 !e De+ar#en re+ored, L#ori&(nd
s(*$ers were o&ser)ed in 'ar%e n(#&ers in Bi% Goddard Broo$, T!ese fis! eB!i&ied
!e "+i*a' s"#+o#s of DDT +oisonin%I !e" swa# errai*a''", %as+ed a !e
s(rfa*e, and eB!i&ied re#ors and s+as#s, In !e firs fi)e da"s afer s+ra"in%, ::8
dead s(*$ers were *o''e*ed fro# wo &'o*$in% nes, 4innows and s(*$ers were
a'so $i''ed in 'ar%e n(#&ers in Li'e Goddard, 1arr", A'der, and B'a$e Broo$s, =is!
were ofen seen f'oain% +assi)e'" downsrea# in a wea$ened and #ori&(nd
*ondiion, In se)era' insan*es, &'ind and d"in% ro( were fo(nd f'oain% +assi)e'"
downsrea# #ore !an a wee$ afer s+ra"in%,7
5T!e fa* !a DDT #a" *a(se &'indness in fis! is *onfir#ed &" )ario(s s(dies, A
1anadian &io'o%is w!o o&ser)ed s+ra"in% on nor!ern Ean*o()er Is'and in 89FO
re+ored !a *(!roa ro( fin%er'in%s *o('d &e +i*$ed o( of !e srea#s &" !and,
for !e fis! were #o)in% s'(%%is!'" and #ade no ae#+ o es*a+e, On eBa#inaion,
!e" were fo(nd o !a)e an o+a.(e w!ie fi'# *o)erin% !e e"e, indi*ain% !a )ision
!ad &een i#+aired or desro"ed, La&oraor" s(dies &" !e 1anadian De+ar#en of
=is!eries s!owed !a a'#os a'' fis! V1o!o sa'#onW no a*(a''" $i''ed &" eB+os(re o
'ow *on*enraions of DDT V> +ars +er #i''ionW s!owed s"#+o#s of &'indness, wi!
#ar$ed o+a*i" of !e 'ens,6 W!ere)er !ere are %rea foress, #odern #e!ods of
inse* *onro' !reaen !e fis!es in!a&iin% !e srea#s in !e s!e'er of !e rees,
One of !e &es-$nown eBa#+'es of fis! desr(*ion in !e Unied Saes oo$ +'a*e
in 89FF, as a res(' of s+ra"in% in and near <e''owsone Naiona' Par$, B" !e fa'' of
!a "ear, so #an" dead fis! !ad &een fo(nd in !e <e''owsone Ri)er !a s+ors#en
and 4onana fis!-and-%a#e ad#inisraors &e*a#e a'ar#ed, A&o( 9K #i'es of !e
ri)er were affe*ed, In one >KK-"ard 'en%! of s!ore'ine, :KK dead fis! were *o(ned,
in*'(din% &rown ro(, w!iefis!, and s(*$ers, Srea# inse*s, !e na(ra' food of
ro(, !ad disa++eared, =ores Ser)i*e offi*ia's de*'ared !e" !ad a*ed on ad)i*e
!a 8 +o(nd of DDT o !e a*re was Lsafe7, B( !e res('s of !e s+ra"in% s!o('d
!a)e &een eno(%! o *on)in*e an"one !a !e ad)i*e !ad &een far fro# so(nd, A
*oo+erai)e s(d" was &e%(n in 89F: &" !e 4onana =is! and Ga#e De+ar#en
and wo federa' a%en*ies, !e =is! and Wi'd'ife Ser)i*e and !e =ores Ser)i*e,
S+ra"in% in 4onana !a "ear *o)ered 9KK,KKK a*resI 8KK,KKK a*res were a'so
reaed in 89FO, T!e &io'o%iss !erefore !ad no ro(&'e findin% areas for !eir s(d",
A'wa"s, !e +aern of dea! ass(#ed a *!ara*erisi* s!a+e2 !e s#e'' of DDT o)er
!e foress, an oi' fi'# on !e waer s(rfa*e, dead ro( a'on% !e s!ore'ine, A'' fis!
ana'"3ed, w!e!er a$en a'i)e or dead, !ad sored DDT in !eir iss(es, As in easern
1anada, one of !e #os serio(s effe*s of s+ra"in% was !e se)ere red(*ion of food
or%anis#s, On #an" s(d" areas a.(ai* inse*s and o!er srea#-&oo# fa(na
were red(*ed o a en! of !eir nor#a' +o+('aions, On*e desro"ed, +o+('aions of
!ese inse*s, so essenia' o !e s(r)i)a' of ro(, a$e a 'on% i#e o re&(i'd, E)en
&" !e end of !e se*ond s(##er afer s+ra"in%, on'" #ea%er .(aniies of a.(ai*
inse*s !ad reesa&'is!ed !e#se')es, and on one srea#Hfor#er'" ri*! in &oo#
fa(naHs*ar*e'" an" *o('d &e fo(nd, In !is +ari*('ar srea#, %a#e fis! !ad &een
red(*ed &" 8K +er *en,
T!e fis! do no ne*essari'" die i##ediae'", In fa*, de'a"ed #ora'i" #a" &e #ore
eBensi)e !an !e i##ediae $i'' and, as !e 4onana &io'o%iss dis*o)ered, i #a"
%o (nre+ored &e*a(se i o**(rs afer !e fis!in% season, 4an" dea!s o**(rred in
!e s(d" srea#s a#on% a((#n s+awnin% fis!, in*'(din% &rown ro(, &roo$ ro(,
and w!iefis!, T!is is no s(r+risin%, &e*a(se in i#e of +!"sio'o%i*a' sress !e
or%anis#, &e i fis! or #an, draws on sored fa for ener%", T!is eB+oses i o !e f(''
'e!a' effe* of !e DDT sored in !e iss(es,
I was !erefore #ore !an *'ear !a s+ra"in% a !e rae of a +o(nd of DDT o !e
a*re +osed a serio(s !rea o !e fis!es in fores srea#s, 4oreo)er, *onro' of !e
&(dwor# !ad no &een a*!ie)ed and #an" areas were s*!ed('ed for re-s+ra"in%,
T!e 4onana =is! and Ga#e De+ar#en re%isered sron% o++osiion o f(r!er
s+ra"in%, sa"in% i was Lno wi''in% o *o#+ro#ise !e s+or fis!er" reso(r*e for
+ro%ra#s of .(esiona&'e ne*essi" and do(&f(' s(**ess,7 T!e De+ar#en
de*'ared, !owe)er, !a i wo('d *onin(e o *oo+erae wi! !e =ores Ser)i*e Lin
deer#inin% wa"s o #ini#i3e ad)erse effe*s,7
B( *an s(*! *oo+eraion a*(a''" s(**eed in sa)in% !e fis!J An eB+erien*e in
Briis! 1o'(#&ia s+ea$s )o'(#es on !is +oin, T!ere an o(&rea$ of !e &'a*$-
!eaded &(dwor# !ad &een ra%in% for se)era' "ears, =oresr" offi*ia's, fearin% !a
ano!er season7s defo'iaion #i%! res(' in se)ere 'oss of rees, de*ided o *arr" o(
*onro' o+eraions in 89FO, T!ere were #an" *ons('aions wi! !e Ga#e
De+ar#en, w!ose offi*ia's were *on*erned a&o( !e sa'#on r(ns, T!e =ores
Bio'o%" Di)ision a%reed o #odif" !e s+ra"in% +ro%ra# in e)er" +ossi&'e wa" s!or
of desro"in% is effe*i)eness, in order o red(*e ris$s o !e fis!, Des+ie !ese
+re*a(ions, and des+ie !e fa* !a a sin*ere effor was a++aren'" #ade, in at
least four +a<or strea+s al+ost 933 per cent of the sal+on were 'illed.
In one of !e ri)ers, !e "o(n% of a r(n of MK,KKK ad(' 1o!o sa'#on were a'#os
*o#+'ee'" anni!i'aed, So were !e "o(n% sa%es of se)era' !o(sand see'!ead
ro( and o!er s+e*ies of ro(, T!e 1o!o sa'#on !as a !ree-"ear 'ife *"*'e and !e
r(ns are *o#+osed a'#os enire'" of fis! of a sin%'e a%e %ro(+, Li$e o!er s+e*ies
of sa'#on, !e 1o!o !as a sron% !o#in% insin*, re(rnin% o is naa' srea#, T!ere
wi'' &e no re+o+('aion fro# o!er srea#s, T!is #eans, !en, !a e)er" !ird "ear
!e r(n of sa'#on ino !is ri)er wi'' &e a'#os noneBisen, (ni' s(*! i#e as *aref('
#ana%e#en, &" arifi*ia' +ro+a%aion or o!er #eans, !as &een a&'e o re&(i'd !is
*o##er*ia''" i#+oran r(n, T!ere are wa"s o so')e !is +ro&'e#Ho +reser)e !e
foress and o sa)e !e fis!es, oo, To ass(#e !a we #(s resi%n o(rse')es o
(rnin% o(r waerwa"s ino ri)ers of dea! is o fo''ow !e *o(nse' of des+air and
defeais#, We #(s #a$e wider (se of a'ernai)e #e!ods !a are now $nown, and
we #(s de)oe o(r in%en(i" and reso(r*es o de)e'o+in% o!ers, T!ere are *ases
on re*ord w!ere na(ra' +arasiis# !as $e+ !e &(dwor# (nder *onro' #ore
effe*i)e'" !an s+ra"in%, S(*! na(ra' *onro' needs o &e (i'i3ed o !e f(''es
eBen, T!ere are +ossi&i'iies of (sin% 'ess oBi* s+ra"s or, &eer si'', of inrod(*in%
#i*roor%anis#s !a wi'' *a(se disease a#on% !e &(dwor#s wi!o( affe*in% !e
w!o'e we& of fores 'ife, We s!a'' see 'aer w!a so#e of !ese a'ernai)e #e!ods
are and w!a !e" +ro#ise,
4eanw!i'e, i is i#+oran o rea'i3e !a *!e#i*a' s+ra"in% of fores inse*s is nei!er
!e on'" wa" nor !e &es wa", T!e +esi*ide !rea o fis!es #a" &e di)ided ino
!ree +ars, One, as we !a)e seen, re'aes o !e fis!es of r(nnin% srea#s in
nor!ern foress and o !e sin%'e +ro&'e# of fores s+ra"in%, I is *onfined a'#os
enire'" o !e effe*s of DDT, Ano!er is )as, s+raw'in%, and diff(se, for i *on*erns
!e #an" differen $inds of fis!esH&ass, s(nfis!, ra++ies, s(*$ers, and o!ers !a
in!a&i #an" $inds of waers, si'' or f'owin%, in #an" +ars of !e *o(nr", I a'so
*on*erns a'#os !e w!o'e %a#( of inse*i*ides now in a%ri*('(ra' (se, a'!o(%! a
few +rin*i+a' offenders 'i$e endrin, oBa+!ene, die'drin, and !e+a*!'or *an easi'" &e
+i*$ed o(, Si'' ano!er +ro&'e# #(s now &e *onsidered 'ar%e'" in er#s of w!a we
#a" 'o%i*a''" s(++ose wi'' !a++en in !e f((re, &e*a(se !e s(dies !a wi''
dis*'ose !e fa*s are on'" &e%innin% o &e #ade, T!is !as o do wi! !e fis!es of
sa' #ars!es, &a"s, and es(aries,
I was ine)ia&'e !a serio(s desr(*ion of fis!es wo('d fo''ow !e wides+read (se of
!e new or%ani* +esi*ides,
=is!es are a'#os fanasi*a''" sensii)e o !e *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&ons !a #a$e
(+ !e &('$ of #odern inse*i*ides, And w!en #i''ions of ons of +oisono(s
*!e#i*a's are a++'ied o !e s(rfa*e of !e 'and, i is ine)ia&'e !a so#e of !e# wi''
find !eir wa" ino !e *ease'ess *"*'e of waers #o)in% &eween 'and and sea,
Re+ors of fis! $i''s, so#e of disasro(s +ro+orions, !a)e now &e*o#e so *o##on
!a !e Unied Saes P(&'i* Hea'! Ser)i*e !as se (+ an offi*e o *o''e* s(*!
re+ors fro# !e saes as an indeB of waer +o''(ion, T!is is a +ro&'e# !a
*on*erns a %rea #an" +eo+'e, So#e ;F #i''ion A#eri*ans 'oo$ o fis!in% as a #aGor
so(r*e of re*reaion and ano!er 8F #i''ion are a 'eas *as(a' an%'ers, T!ese +eo+'e
s+end !ree &i''ion do''ars ann(a''" for 'i*enses, a*$'e, &oas, *a#+in% e.(i+#en,
%aso'ine, and 'od%in%s, An"!in% !a de+ri)es !e# of !eir s+or wi'' a'so rea*! o(
and affe* a 'ar%e n(#&er of e*ono#i* ineress, T!e *o##er*ia' fis!eries re+resen
s(*! an ineres, and e)en #ore i#+oran'", an essenia' so(r*e of food, In'and and
*oasa' fis!eries 5eB*'(din% !e offs!ore *a*!6 "ie'd an esi#aed !ree &i''ion
+o(nds a "ear, <e, as we s!a'' see, !e in)asion of srea#s, +onds, ri)ers, and &a"s
&" +esi*ides is now a !rea o &o! re*reaiona' and *o##er*ia' fis!in%,
EBa#+'es of !e desr(*ion of fis! &" a%ri*('(ra' *ro+ s+ra"in%s and d(sin%s are
e)er"w!ere o &e fo(nd, In 1a'ifornia, for eBa#+'e, !e 'oss of so#e :K,KKK %a#e
fis!, #os'" &'(e%i'' and o!er s(nfis!, fo''owed an ae#+ o *onro' !e ri*e'eaf
#iner wi! die'drin, In Lo(isiana >K or #ore insan*es of !ea)" fis! #ora'i"
o**(rred in one "ear a'one 589:K6 &e*a(se of !e (se of endrin in !e s(%ar*ane
fie'ds, In Penns"')ania fis! !a)e &een $i''ed in n(#&ers &" endrin, (sed in or*!ards
o *o#&a #i*e, T!e (se of *!'ordane for %rass!o++er *onro' on !e !i%! wesern
+'ains !as &een fo''owed &" !e dea! of #an" srea# fis!, Pro&a&'" no o!er
a%ri*('(ra' +ro%ra# !as &een *arried o( on so 'ar%e a s*a'e as !e d(sin% nd
s+ra"in% of #i''ions of a*res of 'and in so(!ern Unied Saes o *onro' !e fire an,
He+a*!'or, !e *!e#i*a' *!ief'" (sed, is on'" s'i%!'" 'ess oBi* o fis! !an DDT,
Die'drin, ano!er fire an +oison, !as a we''- do*(#ened !isor" of eBre#e !a3ard
o a'' a.(ai* 'ife, On'" endrin and oBa+!ene re+resen a %reaer dan%er o fis!, A''
areas wi!in !e fire an *onro' area, w!e!er reaed wi! !e+a*!'or or die'drin,
re+ored disasro(s effe*s on a.(ai* 'ife, A few eB*er+s wi'' %i)e !e f'a)or of !e
re+ors fro# &io'o%iss w!o s(died !e da#a%e2 =ro# TeBas, LHea)" 'oss of a.(ai*
'ife des+ie effors o +roe* *ana's7, LDead fis!,,,were +resen in a'' reaed waer7,
L=is! $i'' was !ea)" and *onin(ed for o)er > wee$s7, =ro# A'a&a#a, L4os ad(' fis!
were $i''ed Vin Wi'*oB 1o(n"W wi!in a few da"s afer rea#en,7 LT!e fis! in
e#+orar" waers and s#a'' ri&(ar" srea#s a++eared o !a)e &een *o#+'ee'"
eradi*aed,7
In Lo(isiana, far#ers *o#+'ained of 'oss in far# +onds, A'on% one *ana' #ore !an
FKK dead fis! were seen f'oain% or '"in% on !e &an$ on a sre*! of 'ess !an a
.(arer of a #i'e, In ano!er +aris! 8FK dead s(nfis! *o('d &e fo(nd for e)er" M !a
re#ained a'i)e, =i)e o!er s+e*ies a++eared o !a)e &een wi+ed o( *o#+'ee'", In
='orida, fis! fro# +onds in a reaed area were fo(nd o *onain resid(es of
!e+a*!'or and a deri)ed *!e#i*a', !e+a*!'or e+oBide, In*'(ded a#on% !ese fis!
were s(nfis! and &ass, w!i*! of *o(rse are fa)ories of an%'ers and *o##on'" find
!eir wa" o !e dinner a&'e, <e !e *!e#i*a's !e" *onained are a#on% !ose !e
=ood and Dr(% Ad#inisraion *onsiders oo dan%ero(s for !(#an *ons(#+ion,
e)en in #in(e .(aniies, So eBensi)e were !e re+ored $i''s of fis!, fro%s, and
o!er 'ife of !e
waers !a !e A#eri*an So*ie" of I*!!"o'o%iss and Her+eo'o%iss, a )enera&'e
s*ienifi* or%ani3aion de)oed o !e s(d" of fis!es, re+i'es, and a#+!i&ians,
+assed a reso'(ion in 89F8 *a''in% on !e De+ar#en of A%ri*('(re and !e
asso*iaed sae a%en*ies o *ease Laeria' disri&(ion of !e+a*!'or, die'drin, and
e.(i)a'en +oisonsH&efore irre+ara&'e !ar# is done,7 T!e So*ie" *a''ed aenion o
!e %rea )arie" of s+e*ies of fis! and o!er for#s of 'ife in!a&iin% !e so(!easern
+ar of !e Unied Saes, in*'(din% s+e*ies !a o**(r now!ere e'se in !e wor'd,
L4an" of !ese ani#a's,7 !e So*ie" warned, Lo**(+" on'" s#a'' areas and !erefore
#i%! readi'" &e *o#+'ee'" eBer#inaed,7 =is!es of !e so(!ern saes !a)e a'so
s(ffered !ea)i'" fro# inse*i*ides (sed a%ains *oon inse*s, T!e s(##er of 89FK
was a season of disaser in !e *oon-%rowin% *o(nr" of nor!ern A'a&a#a, Before
!a "ear, on'" 'i#ied (se !ad &een #ade of or%ani* inse*i*ides for !e *onro' of
!e &o'' wee)i', B( in 89FK !ere were #an" wee)i's &e*a(se of a series of #i'd
winers, and so an esi#aed 8K o 9F +er *en of !e far#ers, on !e (r%in% of !e
*o(n" a%ens, (rned o !e (se of inse*i*ides, T!e *!e#i*a' #os +o+('ar wi! !e
far#ers was oBa+!ene, one of !e #os desr(*i)e o fis!es, Rains were fre.(en
and !ea)" !a s(##er, T!e" was!ed !e *!e#i*a's ino !e srea#s, and as !is
!a++ened !e far#ers a++'ied #ore, An a)era%e a*re of *oon !a "ear re*ei)ed :>
+o(nds of oBa+!ene, So#e far#ers (sed as #(*! as ;KK +o(nds +er a*reI one, in
an eBraordinar" eB*ess of 3ea', a++'ied #ore !an a .(arer of a on o !e a*re,
T!e res('s *o('d easi'" !a)e &een foreseen, W!a !a++ened in ='in 1ree$, f'owin%
!ro(%! FK #i'es of A'a&a#a *oon *o(nr" &efore e#+"in% ino W!ee'er Reser)oir,
was "+i*a' of !e re%ion, On A(%(s 8, orrens of rain des*ended on !e ='in 1ree$
waers!ed, In ri*$'es, in ri)('es, and fina''" in f'oods !e waer +o(red off !e 'and
ino !e srea#s, T!e waer 'e)e' rose siB in*!es in ='in 1ree$, B" !e neB #ornin%
i was o&)io(s !a a %rea dea' #ore !an rain !ad &een *arried ino !e srea#,
=is! swa# a&o( in ai#'ess *ir*'es near !e s(rfa*e, So#ei#es one wo('d !row
ise'f o( of !e waer ono !e &an$, T!e" *o('d easi'" &e *a(%!I one far#er +i*$ed
(+ se)era' and oo$ !e# o a s+rin%-fed +oo', T!ere, in !e +(re waer, !ese few
re*o)ered, B( in !e srea# dead fis! f'oaed down a'' da", T!is was &( !e +re'(de
o #ore, for ea*! rain was!ed #ore of !e inse*i*ide ino !e ri)er, $i''in% #ore fis!,
T!e rain of A(%(s 8K res('ed in s(*! a !ea)" fis! $i'' !ro(%!o( !e ri)er !a few
re#ained o &e*o#e )i*i#s of !e neB s(r%e of +oison ino !e srea#, w!i*!
o**(rred on A(%(s 8F, B( e)iden*e of !e dead'" +resen*e of !e *!e#i*a's was
o&ained &" +'a*in% es %o'dfis! in *a%es in !e ri)erI !e" were dead wi!in a da",
T!e doo#ed fis! of ='in 1ree$ in*'(ded 'ar%e n(#&ers of w!ie *ra++ies, a fa)orie
a#on% an%'ers, Dead &ass and s(nfis! were a'so fo(nd, o**(rrin% a&(ndan'" in
W!ee'er Reser)oir, ino w!i*! !e *ree$ f'ows, A'' !e ro(%!-fis! +o+('aion of !ese
waers was desro"ed a'soH !e *ar+, &(ffa'o, dr(#, %i33ard s!ad, and *afis!,
None s!owed si%ns of diseaseHon'" !e errai* #o)e#ens of !e d"in% and a
sran%e dee+ wine *o'or of !e %i''s, In !e war# en*'osed waers of far# +onds,
*ondiions are )er" 'i$e'" o &e 'e!a' for fis! w!en inse*i*ides are a++'ied in !e
)i*ini", As #an" eBa#+'es s!ow, !e +oison is *arried in &" rains and r(noff fro#
s(rro(ndin% 'ands, So#ei#es !e +onds re*ei)e no on'" *ona#inaed r(noff &(
a'so a dire* dose as *ro+-d(sin% +i'os ne%'e* o s!( off !e d(ser in +assin% o)er
a +ond, E)en wi!o( s(*! *o#+'i*aions, nor#a' a%ri*('(ra' (se s(&Ge*s fis! o far
!ea)ier *on*enraions of *!e#i*a's !an wo('d &e re.(ired o $i'' !e#, In o!er
words, a #ar$ed red(*ion in !e +o(nda%es (sed wo('d !ard'" a'er !e 'e!a'
si(aion, for a++'i*aions of o)er K,8 +o(nd +er
a*re o !e +ond ise'f are %enera''" *onsidered !a3ardo(s, And !e +oison, on*e
inrod(*ed, is !ard o %e rid of, One +ond !a !ad &een reaed wi! DDT o re#o)e
(nwaned s!iners re#ained so +oisono(s !ro(%! re+eaed drainin%s and f'(s!in%s
!a i $i''ed 9M +er *en of !e s(nfis! wi! w!i*! i was 'aer so*$ed, A++aren'" !e
*!e#i*a' re#ained in !e #(d of !e +ond &oo#,
1ondiions are e)iden'" no &eer now !an w!en !e #odern inse*i*ides firs *a#e
ino (se, T!e O$'a!o#a Wi'd'ife 1onser)aion De+ar#en saed in 89:8 !a
re+ors of fis! 'osses in far# +onds and s#a'' 'a$es !ad &een *o#in% in a !e rae
of a 'eas one a wee$, and !a s(*! re+ors were in*reasin%, T!e *ondiions (s(a''"
res+onsi&'e for !ese 'osses in O$'a!o#a were !ose #ade fa#i'iar &" re+eiion
o)er !e "ears2 !e a++'i*aion of inse*i*ides o *ro+s, a !ea)" rain, and +oison
was!ed ino !e +onds, In so#e +ars of !e wor'd !e *('i)aion of fis! in +onds
+ro)ides an indis+ensa&'e so(r*e of food, In s(*! +'a*es !e (se of inse*i*ides
wi!o( re%ard for !e effe*s on fis! *reaes i##ediae +ro&'e#s, In R!odesia, for
eBa#+'e, !e "o(n% of an i#+oran food fis!, !e Kaf(e &rea#, are $i''ed &"
eB+os(re o on'" K,KM +ars +er #i''ion of DDT in s!a''ow +oo's, E)en s#a''er doses
of #an" o!er inse*i*ides wo('d &e 'e!a', T!e s!a''ow waers in w!i*! !ese fis!
'i)e are fa)ora&'e #os.(io-&reedin% +'a*es, T!e +ro&'e# of *onro''in% #os.(ioes
and a !e sa#e i#e *onser)in% a fis! i#+oran in !e 1enra' Afri*an die !as
o&)io(s'" no &een so')ed saisfa*ori'",
4i'$fis! far#in% in !e P!i'i++ines, 1!ina, Eiena#, T!ai'and, Indonesia, and India
fa*es a si#i'ar +ro&'e#, T!e #i'$fis! is *('i)aed in s!a''ow +onds a'on% !e *oass
of !ese *o(nries, S*!oo's of "o(n% s(dden'" a++ear in !e *oasa' waers 5fro# no
one $nows w!ere6 and are s*oo+ed (+ and +'a*ed in i#+o(nd#ens, w!ere !e"
*o#+'ee !eir %row!, So i#+oran is !is fis! as a so(r*e of ani#a' +roein for !e
ri*e-eain% #i''ions of So(!eas Asia and India !a !e Pa*ifi* S*ien*e 1on%ress
!as re*o##ended an inernaiona' effor o sear*! for !e now (n$nown s+awnin%
%ro(nds, in order o de)e'o+ !e far#in% of !ese fis! on a #assi)e s*a'e, <e
s+ra"in% !as &een +er#ied o *a(se !ea)" 'osses in eBisin% i#+o(nd#ens, In !e
P!i'i++ines aeria' s+ra"in% for #os.(io *onro' !as *os +ond owners dear'", In one
s(*! +ond *onainin% 8;K,KKK #i'$fis!, #ore !an !a'f !e fis! died afer a s+ra"
+'ane !ad +assed o)er, in s+ie of des+erae effors &" !e owner o di'(e !e +oison
&" f'oodin% !e +ond,
One of !e #os s+e*a*('ar fis! $i''s of re*en "ears o**(rred in !e 1o'orado Ri)er
&e'ow A(sin, TeBas, in 89:8, S!or'" afer da"'i%! on S(nda" #ornin%, ?an(ar" 8F,
dead fis! a++eared in !e new Town La$e in A(sin and in !e ri)er for a disan*e of
a&o( F #i'es &e'ow !e 'a$e, None !ad &een seen !e da" &efore, On 4onda" !ere
were re+ors of dead fis! FK #i'es downsrea#, B" !is i#e i was *'ear !a a wa)e
of so#e +oisono(s s(&san*e was #o)in% down in !e ri)er waer, B" ?an(ar" ;8,
fis! were &ein% $i''ed 8KK #i'es downsrea# near La Gran%e, and a wee$ 'aer !e
*!e#i*a's were doin% !eir 'e!a' wor$ ;KK #i'es &e'ow A(sin, D(rin% !e 'as wee$
of ?an(ar" !e 'o*$s on !e Inra*oasa' Waerwa" were *'osed o eB*'(de !e oBi*
waers fro# 4aa%orda Ba" and di)er !e# ino !e G('f of 4eBi*o, 4eanw!i'e,
in)esi%aors in A(sin noi*ed an odor asso*iaed wi! !e inse*i*ides *!'ordane
and oBa+!ene, I was es+e*ia''" sron% in !e dis*!ar%e fro# one of !e sor#
sewers, T!is sewer !ad in !e +as &een asso*iaed wi! ro(&'e fro# ind(sria'
wases, and w!en offi*ers of !e TeBas Ga#e and =is! 1o##ission fo''owed i &a*$
fro# !e 'a$e, !e" noi*ed an odor 'i$e !a of &en3ene !eBa*!'oride a a'' o+enin%s
as far &a*$ as a feeder 'ine fro# a *!e#i*a' +'an, A#on% !e #aGor +rod(*s of !is
+'an were DDT, &en3ene !eBa*!'oride, *!'ordane, and
oBa+!ene, as we'' as s#a''er .(aniies of o!er inse*i*ides, T!e #ana%er of !e
+'an ad#ied !a .(aniies of +owdered inse*i*ide !ad &een was!ed ino !e
sor# sewer re*en'" and, #ore si%nifi*an'", !e a*$now'ed%ed !a s(*! dis+osa' of
inse*i*ide s+i''a%e and resid(es !ad &een *o##on +ra*i*e for !e +as 8K "ears,
On sear*!in% f(r!er, !e fis!er" offi*ers fo(nd o!er +'ans w!ere rains or ordinar"
*'ean-(+ waers wo('d *arr" inse*i*ides ino !e sewer, T!e fa* !a +ro)ided !e
fina' 'in$ in !e *!ain, !owe)er, was !e dis*o)er" !a a few da"s &efore !e waer in
'a$e and ri)er &e*a#e 'e!a' o fis! !e enire sor#-sewer s"se# !ad &een f'(s!ed
o( wi! se)era' #i''ion %a''ons of waer (nder !i%! +ress(re o *'ear i of de&ris, T!is
f'(s!in% !ad (ndo(&ed'" re'eased inse*i*ides 'od%ed in !e a**(#('aion of %ra)e',
sand, and r(&&'e and *arried !e# ino !e 'a$e and !en*e o !e ri)er, w!ere
*!e#i*a' ess 'aer esa&'is!ed !eir +resen*e, As !e 'e!a' #ass drifed down !e
1o'orado i *arried dea! &efore i, =or 8MK #i'es downsrea# fro# !e 'a$e !e $i'' of
fis! #(s !a)e &een a'#os *o#+'ee, for w!en seines were (sed 'aer in an effor o
dis*o)er w!e!er an" fis! !ad es*a+ed !e" *a#e (+ e#+", Dead fis! of ;O s+e*ies
were o&ser)ed, oa'in% a&o( 8KKK +o(nds o a #i'e of ri)er&an$, T!ere were
*!anne' *as, !e *!ief %a#e fis! of !e ri)er, T!ere were &'(e and f'a!ead *afis!,
&(''!eads, fo(r s+e*ies of s(nfis!, s!iners, da*e, sone ro''ers, 'ar%e#o(! &ass,
*ar+, #(''e, s(*$ers, T!ere were ee's, %ar, *ar+, ri)er *ar+s(*$ers, %i33ard s!ad,
and &(ffa'o, A#on% !e# were so#e of !e +ariar*!s of !e ri)er, fis! !a &" !eir
si3e #(s !a)e &een of %rea a%eH#an" f'a!ead *afis! wei%!in% o)er ;F +o(nds,
so#e of :K +o(nds re+ored'" +i*$ed (+ &" 'o*a' residens a'on% !e ri)er, and a
%ian &'(e *afis! offi*ia''" re*orded as wei%!in% 8M +o(nds, T!e Ga#e and =is!
1o##ission +redi*ed !a e)en wi!o( f(r!er +o''(ion !e +aern of !e fis!
+o+('aion of !e ri)er wo('d &e a'ered for "ears, So#e s+e*iesH!ose eBisin% a
!e 'i#is of !eir na(ra' ran%eH#i%! ne)er &e a&'e o reesa&'is! !e#se')es, and
!e o!ers *o('d do so on'" wi! !e aid of eBensi)e so*$in% o+eraions &" !e sae,
T!is #(*! of !e A(sin fis! disaser is $nown, &( !ere was a'#os *erain'" a
se.(e', T!e oBi* ri)er waer was si'' +ossessed of is dea!-dea'in% +ower afer
+assin% #ore !an ;KK #i'es downsrea#, I was re%arded as oo dan%ero(s o &e
ad#ied o !e waers of 4aa%orda Ba", wi! is o"ser &eds and s!ri#+ fis!eries,
and so !e w!o'e oBi* o(f'ow was di)ered o !e waers of !e o+en G('f, W!a
were is effe*s !ereJ And w!a of !e o(f'ow of s*ores of o!er ri)ers, *arr"in%
*ona#inans +er!a+s e.(a''" 'e!a'J
A +resen o(r answers o !ese .(esions are for !e #os +ar on'" *onGe*(res, &(
!ere is %rowin% *on*ern a&o( !e ro'e of +esi*ide +o''(ion in es(aries, sa'
#ars!es, &a"s, and o!er *oasa' waers, No on'" do !ese areas re*ei)e !e
*ona#inaed dis*!ar%e of ri)ers &( a'' oo *o##on'" !e" are s+ra"ed dire*'" in
effors o *onro' #os.(ioes or o!er inse*s,
Now!ere !as !e effe* of +esi*ides on !e 'ife of sa' #ars!es, es(aries, and a''
.(ie in'es fro# !e sea &een #ore %ra+!i*a''" de#onsraed !an on !e easern
*oas of ='orida, in !e Indian Ri)er *o(nr", T!ere, in !e s+rin% of 89FF, so#e ;KKK
a*res of sa' #ars! in S, L(*ie 1o(n" were reaed wi! die'drin in an ae#+ o
e'i#inae !e 'ar)ae of !e sandf'", T!e *on*enraion (sed was one +o(nd of a*i)e
in%redien o !e a*re, T!e effe* on !e 'ife of !e waers was *aasro+!i*, S*ieniss
fro# !e Eno#o'o%" Resear*! 1ener of !e Sae Board of Hea'! s(r)e"ed !e
*arna%e afer !e s+ra"in% and re+ored !a !e fis! $i'' was Ls(&sania''" *o#+'ee7,
E)er"w!ere dead fis!es 'iered !e s!ores, =ro# !e air s!ar$s *o('d &e seen
#o)in% in, ara*ed &" !e !e'+'ess and d"in% fis!es in !e waer, No s+e*ies was
s+ared, A#on% !e dead were #(''es, snoo$, #oGarras, %a#&(sia,
T!e #ini#(# i##ediae o)era'' $i'' !ro(%!o( !e #ars!es, eB*'(si)e of !e Indian
Ri)er s!ore'ine, was ;K->K ons of fis!es, or a&o( 8,8OF,KKK fis!es, of a 'eas >K
s+e*ies Vre+ored R, W, Harrin%on, ?r, and W,L, Bid'in%#a"er of !e s(r)e" ea#W,
4o''(s$s see#ed o &e (n!ar#ed &" die'drin, 1r(sa*eans were )ir(a''"
eBer#inaed !ro(%!o( !e area, T!e enire a.(ai* *ra& +o+('aion was a++aren'"
desro"ed and !e fidd'er *ra&s, a'' &( anni!i'aed, s(r)i)ed e#+orari'" on'" in
+a*!es of #ars! e)iden'" #issed &" !e +e''es, T!e 'ar%er %a#e and food fis!es
s(**(#&ed #os ra+id'",,,1ra&s ne (+on and desro"ed !e #ori&(nd fis!es, &(
!e neB da" were dead !e#se')es, Snai's *onin(ed o de)o(r fis! *ar*asses, Afer
wo wee$s, no ra*e re#ained of !e 'ier of dead fis!es, T!e sa#e #e'an*!o'"
+i*(re was +ained &" !e 'ae Dr, Her&er R, 4i''s fro# !is o&ser)aions in Ta#+a
Ba" on !e o++osie *oas of ='orida, w!ere !e Naiona' A(d(&on So*ie" o+eraes
a san*(ar" for sea&irds in !e area in*'(din% W!is$e" S(#+ Ke", T!e san*(ar"
ironi*a''" &e*a#e a +oor ref(%e afer !e 'o*a' !ea'! a(!oriies (nderoo$ a
*a#+ai%n o wi+e o( !e sa'-#ars! #os.(ioes, A%ain fis!es and *ra&s were !e
+rin*i+a' )i*i#s, T!e fidd'er *ra&, !a s#a'' and +i*(res.(e *r(sa*ean w!ose
!ordes #o)e o)er #(d f'as or sand f'as 'i$e %ra3in% *a'e, !as no defense a%ains
!e s+ra"ers, Afer s(**essi)e s+ra"in%s d(rin% !e s(##er and fa'' #on!s 5so#e
areas were s+ra"ed as #an" as 8: i#es6, !e sae of !e fidd'er *ra&s was
s(##ed (+ &" Dr, 4i''s2 LA +ro%ressi)e s*ar*i" of fidd'ers !ad &" !is i#e &e*o#e
a++aren, W!ere !ere s!o('d !a)e &een in !e nei%!&or!ood of 8KK,KKK fidd'ers
(nder !e ide and wea!er *ondiions of !e da" VO*o&er 8;W !ere were no o)er
8KK w!i*! *o('d &e seen an"w!ere on !e &ea*!, and !ese were a'' dead or si*$,
.(i)erin%, wi*!in%, s(#&'in%, s*ar*e'" a&'e o *raw'I a'!o(%! in nei%!&orin%
(ns+ra"ed areas fidd'ers were +'enif(',7
T!e +'a*e of !e fidd'er *ra& in !e e*o'o%" of !e wor'd i in!a&is is a ne*essar"
one, no easi'" fi''ed, I is an i#+oran so(r*e of food for #an" ani#a's, 1oasa'
ra**oons feed on !e#, So do #ars!-in!a&iin% &irds 'i$e !e *'a++er rai', s!ore-
&irds, and e)en )isiin% sea&irds, In !e New ?erse" sa' #ars! s+ra"ed wi! DDT,
!e nor#a' +o+('aion of 'a(%!in% %(''s was de*reased &" 8F +er *en for se)era'
wee$s, +res(#a&'" &e*a(se !e &irds *o('d no find s(ffi*ien food afer !e
s+ra"in%, T!e #ars! fidd'ers are i#+oran in o!er wa"s as we'', &ein% (sef('
s*a)en%ers and aerain% !e #(d of !e #ars!es &" !eir eBensi)e &(rrowin%s,
T!e" a'so f(rnis! .(aniies of &ai for fis!er#en, T!e fidd'er *ra& is no !e on'"
*rea(re of ida' #ars! and es(ar" o &e !reaened &" +esi*idesI o!ers of #ore
o&)io(s i#+oran*e o #an are endan%ered, T!e fa#o(s &'(e *ra& of !e
1!esa+ea$e Ba" and o!er A'ani* 1oas areas is an eBa#+'e, T!ese *ra&s are so
!i%!'" s(s*e+i&'e o inse*i*ides !a e)er" s+ra"in% of *ree$s, di*!es, and +onds in
ida' #ars!es $i''s #os of !e *ra&s 'i)in% !ere, No on'" do !e 'o*a' *ra&s die, &(
o!ers #o)in% ino a s+ra"ed area fro# !e sea s(**(#& o !e 'in%erin% +oison,
And so#ei#es +oisonin% #a" &e indire*, as in !e #ars!es near Indian Ri)er,
w!ere s*a)en%er *ra&s aa*$ed !e d"in% fis!es, &( soon !e#se')es s(**(#&ed
o !e +oison, Less is $nown a&o( !e !a3ard o !e 'o&ser, Howe)er, i &e'on%s o
!e sa#e %ro(+ of ar!ro+ods as !e &'(e *ra&, !as essenia''" !e sa#e +!"sio'o%",
and wo('d +res(#a&'" s(ffer !e sa#e effe*s, T!is wo('d &e r(e a'so of !e sone
*ra& and o!er *r(sa*eans w!i*! !a)e dire* e*ono#i* i#+oran*e as !(#an food,
T!e ins!ore waersH!e &a"s, !e so(nds, !e ri)er es(aries, !e ida' #ars!esH
for# an
e*o'o%i*a' (ni of !e (#os i#+oran*e, T!e" are 'in$ed so ini#ae'" and
indis+ensa&'" wi!
!e 'i)es of #an" fis!es, #o''(s$s, and *r(sa*eans !a were !e" no 'on%er
!a&ia&'e !ese
seafoods wo('d disa++ear fro# o(r a&'es, E)en a#on% fis!es !a ran%e wide'" in
*oasa' waers, #an" de+end (+on +roe*ed ins!ore areas o ser)e as n(rser" and
feedin% %ro(nds for !eir "o(n%, Ba&" ar+on are a&(ndan in a'' !a 'a&"rin! of
#an%ro)e-'ined srea#s and *ana's &orderin% !e 'ower !ird of !e wesern *oas of
='orida, On !e A'ani* 1oas !e sea ro(, *roa$er, s+o, and dr(# s+awn on sand"
s!oa's off !e in'es &eween !e is'ands or L&an$s7 !a 'ie 'i$e a +roe*i)e *!ain off
#(*! of !e *oas so(! of New <or$, T!e "o(n% fis! !a*! and are *arried !ro(%!
!e in'es &" !e ides, In !e &a"s and so(ndsH 1(rri(*$, Pa#'i*o, Bo%(e, and
#an" o!ersH!e" find a&(ndan food and %row ra+id'", Wi!o( !ese n(rser" areas
of war# +roe*ed, food-ri*! waers !e +o+('aions of !ese and #an" o!er s+e*ies
*o('d no &e #ainained, <e we are a''owin% +esi*ides o ener !e# )ia !e ri)ers
and &" dire* s+ra"in% o)er &orderin% #ars!'ands, And !e ear'" sa%es of !ese
fis!es, e)en #ore !an !e ad('s, are es+e*ia''" s(s*e+i&'e o dire* *!e#i*a'
+oisonin%, S!ri#+, oo, de+end on ins!ore feedin% %ro(nds for !eir "o(n%, One
a&(ndan and wide'" ran%in% s+e*ies s(++ors !e enire *o##er*ia' fis!er" of !e
so(!ern A'ani* and G('f saes, A'!o(%! s+awnin% o**(rs a sea, !e "o(n% *o#e
ino !e es(aries and &a"s w!en a few wee$s o'd o (nder%o s(**essi)e #o's and
*!an%es of for#, T!ere !e" re#ain fro# 4a" or ?(ne (ni' fa'', feedin% on !e
&oo# deri(s, In !e enire +eriod of !eir ins!ore 'ife, !e we'fare of !e s!ri#+
+o+('aions and of !e ind(sr" !e" s(++or de+ends (+on fa)ora&'e *ondiions in
!e es(aries,
Do +esi*ides re+resen a !rea o !e s!ri#+ fis!eries and o !e s(++'" for !e
#ar$esJ T!e answer #a" &e *onained in re*en 'a&oraor" eB+eri#ens *arried o(
&" !e B(rea( of 1o##er*ia' =is!eries, T!e inse*i*ide o'eran*e of "o(n%
*o##er*ia' s!ri#+ G(s +as 'ar)a' 'ife was fo(nd o &e eB*eedin%'" 'owH#eas(red
in +ars +er billion insead of !e #ore *o##on'" (sed sandard of +ars +er #i''ion,
=or eBa#+'e, !a'f !e s!ri#+ in one eB+eri#en were $i''ed &" die'drin a a
*on*enraion of on'" 8F +er &i''ion, O!er *!e#i*a's were e)en #ore oBi*, Endrin,
a'wa"s one of !e #os dead'" of !e +esi*ides, $i''ed !a'f !e s!ri#+ a a
*on*enraion of on'" half of one part per billion. T!e !rea o o"sers and *'a#s is
#('i+'e, A%ain, !e "o(n% sa%es are #os )('nera&'e, T!ese s!e''fis! in!a&i !e
&oo#s of &a"s and so(nds and ida' ri)ers fro# New En%'and o TeBas and
s!e'ered areas of !e Pa*ifi* 1oas, A'!o(%! sedenar" in ad(' 'ife, !e" dis*!ar%e
!eir s+awn ino !e sea, w!ere !e "o(n% are free-'i)in% for a +eriod of se)era'
wee$s, On a s(##er da" a fine-#es!ed ow ne drawn &e!ind a &oa wi'' *o''e*,
a'on% wi! !e o!er drifin% +'an and ani#a' 'ife !a #a$e (+ !e +'an$on, !e
infinie'" s#a'', fra%i'e-as-%'ass 'ar)ae of o"sers and *'a#s, No 'ar%er !an %rains of
d(s, !ese rans+aren 'ar)ae swi# a&o( in !e s(rfa*e waers, feedin% on !e
#i*ros*o+i* +'an 'ife of !e +'an$on, If !e *ro+ of #in(e sea )e%eaion fai's, !e
"o(n% s!e''fis! wi'' sar)e, <e +esi*ides #a" we'' desro" s(&sania' .(aniies of
+'an$on, So#e of !e !er&i*ides in *o##on (se on 'awns, *('i)aed fie'ds, and
roadsides and e)en in *oasa' #ars!es are eBraordinari'" oBi* o !e +'an +'an$on
w!i*! !e 'ar)a' #o''(s$s (se as foodHso#e a on'" a few +ars +er &i''ion,
T!e de'i*ae 'ar)ae !e#se')es are $i''ed &" )er" s#a'' .(aniies of #an" of !e
*o##on inse*i*ides, E)en eB+os(res o 'ess !an 'e!a' .(aniies #a" in !e end
*a(se dea! of !e 'ar)ae, for ine)ia&'" !e %row! rae is rearded, T!is +ro'on%s !e
+eriod !e 'ar)ae #(s s+end in !e !a3ardo(s wor'd of !e +'an$on and so
de*reases !e *!an*e !e" wi'' 'i)e o ad('!ood, =or ad(' #o''(s$s !ere is
a++aren'" 'ess dan%er of dire* +oisonin%, a 'eas &" so#e of !e +esi*ides, T!is is
no ne*essari'" reass(rin%, !owe)er, O"sers and *'a#s #a"
*on*enrae !ese +oisons in !eir di%esi)e or%ans and o!er iss(es, Bo! "+es of
s!e''fis! are nor#a''" eaen w!o'e and so#ei#es raw, Dr, P!i'i+ B('er of !e B(rea(
of 1o##er*ia' =is!eries !as +oined o( an o#ino(s +ara''e' in !a we #a" find
o(rse')es in !e sa#e si(aion as !e ro&ins, T!e ro&ins, !e re#inds (s, did no die
as a dire* res(' of !e s+ra"in% of DDT, T!e" died &e*a(se !e" !ad eaen
ear!wor#s !a !ad a'read" *on*enraed !e +esi*ides in !eir iss(es, , , ,
A'!o(%! !e s(dden dea! of !o(sands of fis! or *r(sa*eans in so#e srea# or
+ond as !e dire* and )isi&'e effe* of inse* *onro' is dra#ai* and a'ar#in%, !ese
(nseen and as "e 'ar%e'" (n$nown and (n#eas(ra&'e effe*s of +esi*ides rea*!in%
es(aries indire*'" in srea#s and ri)ers #a" in !e end &e #ore disasro(s, T!e
w!o'e si(aion is &ese wi! .(esions for w!i*! !ere are a +resen no saisfa*or"
answers, We $now !a +esi*ides *onained in r(noff fro# far#s and foress are
now &ein% *arried o !e sea in !e waers of #an" and +er!a+s a'' of !e #aGor
ri)ers, B( we do no $now !e ideni" of a'' !e *!e#i*a's or !eir oa' .(ani", and
we do no +resen'" !a)e an" de+enda&'e ess for idenif"in% !e# in !i%!'" di'(ed
sae on*e !e" !a)e rea*!ed !e sea, A'!o(%! we $now !a !e *!e#i*a's !a)e
a'#os *erain'" (nder%one *!an%e d(rin% !e 'on% +eriod of ransi, we do no $now
w!e!er !e a'ered *!e#i*a' is #ore oBi* !an !e ori%ina' or 'ess, Ano!er a'#os
(neB+'ored area is !e .(esion of inera*ions &eween *!e#i*a's, a .(esion !a
&e*o#es es+e*ia''" (r%en w!en !e" ener !e #arine en)iron#en w!ere so #an"
differen #inera's are s(&Ge*ed o #iBin% and rans+or, A'' of !ese .(esions
(r%en'" re.(ire !e +re*ise answers !a on'" eBensi)e resear*! *an +ro)ide, "e
f(nds for s(*! +(r+oses are +iif(''" s#a'',
T!e fis!eries of fres! and sa' waer are a reso(r*e of %rea i#+oran*e, in)o')in%
!e ineress and !e we'fare of a )er" 'ar%e n(#&er of +eo+'e, T!a !e" are now
serio(s'" !reaened &" !e *!e#i*a's enerin% o(r waers *an no 'on%er &e do(&ed,
If we wo('d di)er o *onsr(*i)e resear*! e)en a s#a'' fra*ion of !e #one" s+en
ea*! "ear on !e de)e'o+#en of e)er #ore oBi* s+ra"s, we *o('d find wa"s o (se
'ess dan%ero(s #aeria's and o $ee+ +oisons o( of o(r waerwa"s, W!en wi'' !e
+(&'i* &e*o#e s(ffi*ien'" aware of !e fa*s o de#and s(*! a*ionJ
(:. In$.s'.&.n)te#; +'o& t-e S!.es
=RO4 S4ALL BEGINNINGS o)er far#'ands and foress !e s*o+e of aeria'
s+ra"in% !as widened and is )o'(#e !as in*reased so !a i !as &e*o#e w!a a
Briis! e*o'o%is re*en'" *a''ed Lan a#a3in% rain of dea!7 (+on !e s(rfa*e of !e
ear!, O(r ai(de owards +oisons !as (nder%one a s(&'e *!an%e, On*e !e" were
$e+ in *onainers #ar$ed wi! s$('' and *ross&onesI !e infre.(en o**asions of
!eir (se were #ar$ed wi! (#os *are !a !e" s!o('d *o#e in *ona* wi! !e
ar%e and wi! no!in% e'se, Wi! !e de)e'o+#en of !e new or%ani* inse*i*ides
and !e a&(ndan*e of s(r+'(s +'anes afer !e Se*ond Wor'd War, a'' !is was
for%oen, A'!o(%! oda"7s +oisons are #ore dan%ero(s !an an" $nown &efore,
!e" !a)e a#a3in%'" &e*o#e so#e!in% o &e s!owered down indis*ri#inae'" fro#
!e s$ies, No on'" !e ar%e inse* or +'an, &( an"!in%H!(#an or non!(#anH
wi!in ran%e of !e *!e#i*a' fa''o( #a" $now !e siniser o(*! of !e +oison, No
on'" foress and *('i)aed fie'ds are s+ra"ed, &( owns and *iies as we'',
A %ood #an" +eo+'e now !a)e #is%i)in%s a&o( !e aeria' disri&(ion of 'e!a'
*!e#i*a's o)er #i''ions of a*res, and wo #ass-s+ra"in% *a#+ai%ns (ndera$en in
!e 'ae 89FKs !a)e done #(*! o in*rease !ese do(&s, T!ese were !e
*a#+ai%ns a%ains !e %"+s" #o! in !e nor!easern saes and !e fire an in !e
So(!, Nei!er is a nai)e inse* &( &o! !a)e &een in !is *o(nr" for #an" "ears
wi!o( *reain% a si(aion *a''in% for des+erae #eas(res, <e drasi* a*ion was
s(dden'" a$en a%ains !e#, (nder !e end-G(sifies-!e-#eans +!i'oso+!" !a !as
oo 'on% dire*ed !e *onro' di)isions of o(r De+ar#en of A%ri*('(re,
T!e %"+s" #o! +ro%ra# s!ows w!a a )as a#o(n of da#a%e *an !e done w!en
re*$'ess 'ar%e-s*a'e rea#en is s(&si(ed for 'o*a' and #oderae *onro', T!e
*a#+ai%n a%ains !e fire an is a +ri#e eBa#+'e of a *a#+ai%n &ased on %ross
eBa%%eraion of !e need for *onro', &'(nderin%'" 'a(n*!ed wi!o( s*ienifi*
$now'ed%e of !e dosa%e of +oison re.(ired o desro" !e ar%e or of is effe*s on
o!er 'ife, Nei!er +ro%ra# !as a*!ie)ed is %oa', , , ,
T!e %"+s" #o!, a nai)e of E(ro+e, !as &een in !e Unied Saes for near'" a
!(ndred "ears, In 88:9 a =ren*! s*ienis, Leo+o'd Tro()e'o, a**idena''" a''owed a
few of !ese #o!s o es*a+e fro# !is 'a&oraor" in 4edford, 4assa*!(ses, w!ere
!e was ae#+in% o *ross !e# wi! si'$wor#s, Li'e &" 'i'e !e %"+s" #o! !as
s+read !ro(%!o( New En%'and, T!e +ri#ar" a%en of is +ro%ressi)e s+read is !e
windI !e 'ar)a', or *aer+i''ar, sa%e is eBre#e'" 'i%! and *an &e *arried o
*onsidera&'e !ei%!s and o)er %rea disan*es, Ano!er #eans is !e s!i+#en of
+'ans *arr"in% !e e%% #asses, !e for# in w!i*! !e s+e*ies eBiss o)er winer, T!e
%"+s" #o!, w!i*! in is 'ar)a' sa%e aa*$s !e fo'ia%e of oa$ rees and a few o!er
!ardwoods for a few wee$s ea*! s+rin%, now o**(rs in a'' !e New En%'and saes, I
a'so o**(rs s+oradi*a''" in New ?erse", w!ere i was inrod(*ed in 8988 on a
s!i+#en of s+r(*e rees fro# Ho''and, and in 4i*!i%an, w!ere is #e!od of enr" is
no $nown, T!e New En%'and !(rri*ane of 89>8 *arried i ino Penns"')ania and
New <or$, &( !e Adironda*$s !a)e %enera''" ser)ed as a &arrier o is wesward
ad)an*e, &ein% foresed wi! s+e*ies no ara*i)e o i,
T!e as$ of *onfinin% !e %"+s" #o! o !e nor!easern *orner of !e *o(nr" !as
&een a**o#+'is!ed &" a )arie" of #e!ods, and in !e near'" one !(ndred "ears
sin*e is arri)a' on !is *oninen !e fear !a i wo('d in)ade !e %rea !ardwood
foress of !e so(!ern A++a'a*!ians !as no &een G(sified, T!ireen +arasies and
+redaors were i#+ored fro#
a&road and s(**essf(''" esa&'is!ed in New En%'and, T!e A%ri*('(re De+ar#en ise'f
!as *redied !ese i#+oraions wi! a++re*ia&'" red(*in% !e fre.(en*" and
desr(*i)eness of %"+s" #o! o(&rea$s, T!is na(ra' *onro', +'(s .(aranine
#eas(res and 'o*a' s+ra"in%, a*!ie)ed w!a !e De+ar#en in 89FF des*ri&ed as
Lo(sandin% resri*ion of disri&(ion and da#a%e7, <e on'" a "ear afer eB+ressin%
saisfa*ion wi! !e sae of affairs, is P'an Pes 1onro' Di)ision e#&ar$ed on a
+ro%ra# *a''in% for !e &'an$e s+ra"in% of se)era' #i''ion a*res a "ear wi! !e
anno(n*ed inenion of e)en(a''" Leradi*ain%7 !e %"+s" #o!, 5LEradi*aion7 #eans
!e *o#+'ee and fina' eBin*ion or eBer#inaion of a s+e*ies !ro(%!o( is ran%e,
<e as s(**essi)e +ro%ra#s !a)e fai'ed, !e De+ar#en !as fo(nd i ne*essar" o
s+ea$ of se*ond or !ird Leradi*aions7 of !e sa#e s+e*ies in !e sa#e area,6
T!e De+ar#en7s a''-o( *!e#i*a' war on !e %"+s" #o! &e%an on an a#&iio(s
s*a'e, In 89F: near'" a #i''ion a*res were s+ra"ed in !e saes of Penns"')ania,
New ?erse", 4i*!i%an, and New <or$, 4an" *o#+'ains of da#a%e were #ade &"
+eo+'e in !e s+ra"ed areas, 1onser)aioniss &e*a#e in*reasin%'" dis(r&ed as !e
+aern of s+ra"in% !(%e areas &e%an o esa&'is! ise'f, W!en +'ans were
anno(n*ed for s+ra"in% > #i''ion a*res in 89FO o++osiion &e*a#e e)en sron%er,
Sae and federa' a%ri*('(re offi*ia's *!ara*erisi*a''" s!r(%%ed off indi)id(a'
*o#+'ains as (ni#+oran, T!e Lon% Is'and area in*'(ded wi!in !e %"+s" #o!
s+ra"in% in 89FO *onsised *!ief'" of !ea)i'" +o+('aed owns and s(&(r&s and of
so#e *oasa' areas wi! &orderin% sa' #ars!, Nassa( 1o(n", Lon% Is'and, is !e
#os dense'" se'ed *o(n" in New <or$ a+ar fro# New <or$ 1i" ise'f, In w!a
see#s !e !ei%! of a&s(rdi", !e L!rea of infesaion of !e New <or$ 1i"
#ero+o'ian area7 !as &een *ied as an i#+oran G(sifi*aion of !e +ro%ra#, T!e
%"+s" #o! is a fores inse*, *erain'" no an in!a&ian of *iies, Nor does i 'i)e in
#eadows, *('i)aed fie'ds, %ardens, or #ars!es, Ne)er!e'ess, !e +'anes !ired &"
!e Unied Saes De+ar#en of A%ri*('(re and !e New <or$ De+ar#en of
A%ri*('(re and 4ar$es in 89FO s!owered down !e +res*ri&ed DDT-in-f(e'-oi' wi!
i#+aria'i", T!e" s+ra"ed r(*$ %ardens and dair" far#s, fis! +onds and sa'
#ars!es, T!e" s+ra"ed !e .(arer-a*re 'os of s(&(r&ia, dren*!in% a !o(sewife
#a$in% a des+erae effor o *o)er !er %arden &efore !e roarin% +'ane rea*!ed !er,
and s!owerin% inse*i*ide o)er *!i'dren a +'a" and *o##(ers a rai'wa" saions, A
Sea($e a fine .(arer !orse dran$ fro# a ro(%! in a fie'd w!i*! !e +'anes !ad
s+ra"edI en !o(rs 'aer i was dead, A(o#o&i'es were s+oed wi! !e oi'" #iB(reI
f'owers and s!r(&s were r(ined, Birds, fis!, *ra&s, and (sef(' inse*s were $i''ed,
A %ro(+ of Lon% Is'and *ii3ens 'ed &" !e wor'd-fa#o(s orni!o'o%is Ro&er
1(s!#an 4(r+!" !ad so(%! a *o(r inG(n*ion o +re)en !e 89FO s+ra"in%,
Denied a +re'i#inar" inG(n*ion, !e +roesin% *ii3ens !ad o s(ffer !e +res*ri&ed
dren*!in% wi! DDT, &( !ereafer +ersised in effors o o&ain a +er#anen
inG(n*ion, B( &e*a(se !e a* !ad a'read" &een +erfor#ed !e *o(rs !e'd !a !e
+eiion for an inG(n*ion was L#oo7, T!e *ase was *arried a'' !e wa" o !e
S(+re#e 1o(r, w!i*! de*'ined o !ear i, ?(si*e Wi''ia# O, Do(%'as, sron%'"
dissenin% fro# !e de*ision no o re)iew !e *ase, !e'd !a L!e a'ar#s !a #an"
eB+ers and res+onsi&'e offi*ia's !a)e raised a&o( !e +eri's of DDT (nder'ine !e
+(&'i* i#+oran*e of !is *ase,7
T!e s(i &ro(%! &" !e Lon% Is'and *ii3ens a 'eas ser)ed o fo*(s +(&'i* aenion
on !e %rowin% rend o #ass a++'i*aion of inse*i*ides, and on !e +ower and
in*'inaion of !e *onro' a%en*ies o disre%ard s(++osed'" in)io'ae +ro+er" ri%!s of
+ri)ae *ii3ens,
T!e *ona#inaion of #i'$ and of far# +rod(*e in !e *o(rse of !e %"+s" #o!
s+ra"in% *a#e as an (n+'easan s(r+rise o #an" +eo+'e, W!a !a++ened on !e ;KK-
a*re Wa''er far# in nor!ern Wes*!eser 1o(n", New <or$, was re)ea'in%, 4rs,
Wa''er !ad s+e*ifi*a''" re.(esed A%ri*('(re offi*ia's no o s+ra" !er +ro+er",
&e*a(se i wo('d &e i#+ossi&'e o a)oid !e +as(res in s+ra"in% !e wood'ands, S!e
offered o !a)e !e 'and *!e*$ed for %"+s" #o!s and o !a)e an" infesaion
desro"ed &" s+o s+ra"in%, A'!o(%! s!e was ass(red !a no far#s wo('d &e
s+ra"ed, !er +ro+er" re*ei)ed wo dire* s+ra"in%s and, in addiion, was wi*e
s(&Ge*ed o drifin% s+ra", 4i'$ sa#+'es a$en fro# !e Wa''ers7 +(re&red G(ernse"
*ows M8 !o(rs 'aer *onained DDT in !e a#o(n of 8M +ars +er #i''ion, =ora%e
sa#+'es fro# fie'ds w!ere !e *ows !ad %ra3ed were of *o(rse *ona#inaed a'so,
A'!o(%! !e *o(n" Hea'! De+ar#en was noified, no insr(*ions were %i)en !a
!e #i'$ s!o('d no &e #ar$eed, T!is si(aion is (nfor(nae'" "+i*a' of !e 'a*$ of
*ons(#er +roe*ion !a is a'' oo *o##on, A'!o(%! !e =ood and Dr(%
Ad#inisraion +er#is no resid(es of +esi*ides in #i'$, is resri*ions are no on'"
inade.(ae'" +o'i*ed &( !e" a++'" so'e'" o inersae s!i+#ens, Sae and *o(n"
offi*ia's are (nder no *o#+('sion o fo''ow !e federa' +esi*ides o'eran*es (n'ess
'o*a' 'aws !a++en o *onfor#Hand !e" se'do# do,
Tr(*$ %ardeners a'so s(ffered, So#e 'eaf *ro+s were so &(rned and s+oed as o &e
(n#ar$ea&'e, O!ers *arried !ea)" resid(esI a sa#+'e of +eas ana'"3ed a 1orne''
Uni)ersi"7s A%ri*('(ra' EB+eri#en Saion *onained 8M o ;K +ars +er #i''ion of
DDT, T!e 'e%a' #aBi#(# is O +ars +er #i''ion, Growers !erefore !ad o s(sain
!ea)" 'osses or find !e#se')es in !e +osiion of se''in% +rod(*e *arr"in% i''e%a'
resid(es, So#e of !e# so(%! and *o''e*ed da#a%es, As !e aeria' s+ra"in% of
DDT in*reased, so did !e n(#&er of s(is fi'ed in !e *o(rs, A#on% !e# were s(is
&ro(%! &" &ee$ee+ers in se)era' areas of New <or$ Sae, E)en &efore !e 89FO
s+ra"in%, !e &ee$ee+ers !ad s(ffered !ea)i'" fro# (se of DDT in or*!ards, LU+ o
89F> I !ad re%arded as %os+e' e)er"!in% !a e#anaed fro# !e U,S, De+ar#en
of A%ri*('(re and !e a%ri*('(ra' *o''e%es,7 one of !e# re#ar$ed &ier'", B( in 4a"
of !a "ear !is #an 'os 8KK *o'onies afer !e sae !ad s+ra"ed a 'ar%e area, So
wides+read and !ea)" was !e 'oss !a 8M o!er &ee$ee+ers Goined !i# in s(in% !e
sae for a .(arer of a #i''ion do''ars in da#a%es, Ano!er &ee$ee+er, w!ose MKK
*o'onies were in*idena' ar%es of !e 89FO s+ra", re+ored !a 8KK +er *en of !e
fie'd for*e of &ees 5!e wor$ers o( %a!erin% ne*ar and +o''en for !e !i)es6 !ad
&een $i''ed in foresed areas and (+ o FK +er *en in far#in% areas s+ra"ed 'ess
inensi)e'",
LI is a )er" disressf(' !in%,7 !e wroe, Lo wa'$ ino a "ard in 4a" and no !ear a &ee
&(33,7
T!e %"+s" #o! +ro%ra#s were #ar$ed &" #an" a*s of irres+onsi&i'i", Be*a(se
!e s+ra" +'anes were +aid &" !e %a''on ra!er !an &" !e a*re !ere was no effor
o &e *onser)ai)e, and #an" +ro+eries were s+ra"ed no on*e &( se)era' i#es,
1onra*s for aeria' s+ra"in% were in a 'eas one *ase awarded o an o(-of-sae
fir# wi! no 'o*a' address, w!i*! !ad no *o#+'ied wi! !e 'e%a' re.(ire#en of
re%iserin% wi! sae offi*ia's for !e +(r+ose of esa&'is!in% 'e%a' res+onsi&i'i", In
!is eB*eedin%'" s'i++er" si(aion, *ii3ens w!o s(ffered dire* finan*ia' 'oss fro#
da#a%e o a++'e or*!ards or &ees dis*o)ered !a !ere was no one o s(e, Afer !e
disasro(s 89FO s+ra"in% !e +ro%ra# was a&r(+'" and drasi*a''" *(rai'ed, wi!
)a%(e sae#ens a&o( Le)a'(ain%7 +re)io(s wor$ and esin% a'ernai)e
inse*i*ides, Insead of !e >8Y; #i''ion a*res s+ra"ed in 89FO, !e reaed areas fe''
o 8Y; #i''ion in 89F8 and o a&o(
8KK,KKK a*res in 89F9, 89:K, and 89:8, D(rin% !is iner)a', !e *onro' a%en*ies #(s
!a)e fo(nd news fro# Lon% Is'and dis.(iein%, T!e %"+s" #o! !ad rea++eared !ere
in n(#&ers, T!e eB+ensi)e s+ra"in% o+eraion !a !ad *os !e De+ar#en dear'"
in +(&'i* *onfiden*e and %ood wi''H!e o+eraion !a was inended o wi+e o( !e
%"+s" #o! for e)erH!ad in rea'i" a**o#+'is!ed no!in% a a'', , , ,
4eanw!i'e, !e De+ar#en7s P'an Pes 1onro' #en !ad e#+orari'" for%oen
%"+s" #o!s, for !e" !ad &een &(s" 'a(n*!in% an e)en #ore a#&iio(s +ro%ra# in
!e So(!, T!e word Leradi*aion7 si'' *a#e easi'" fro# !e De+ar#en7s
#i#eo%ra+! #a*!inesI !is i#e !e +ress re'eases were +ro#isin% !e eradi*aion
of !e fire an, T!e fire an, an inse* na#ed for is fier" sin%, see#s o !a)e enered
!e Unied Saes fro# So(! A#eri*a &" wa" of !e +or of 4o&i'e, A'a&a#a, w!ere
i was dis*o)ered s!or'" afer !e end of !e =irs Wor'd War, B" 89;8 i !ad s+read
ino !e s(&(r&s of 4o&i'e and !ereafer *onin(ed an in)asion !a !as now *arried
i ino #os of !e so(!ern saes, D(rin% #os of !e for"-odd "ears sin*e is arri)a'
in !e Unied Saes !e fire an see#s o !a)e ara*ed 'i'e aenion, T!e saes
w!ere i was #os a&(ndan *onsidered i a n(isan*e, *!ief'" &e*a(se i &(i'ds 'ar%e
ness or #o(nds a foo or #ore !i%!, T!ese #a" !a#+er !e o+eraion of far#
#a*!iner", B( on'" wo saes 'ised i a#on% !eir ;K #os i#+oran inse* +ess,
and !ese +'a*ed i near !e &oo# of !e 'is, No offi*ia' or +ri)ae *on*ern see#s o
!a)e &een fe' a&o( !e fire an as a #ena*e o *ro+s or 'i)eso*$, Wi! !e
de)e'o+#en of *!e#i*a's of &road 'e!a' +owers, !ere *a#e a s(dden *!an%e in
!e offi*ia' ai(de oward !e fire an, In 89FO !e Unied Saes De+ar#en of
A%ri*('(re 'a(n*!ed one of !e #os re#ar$a&'e +(&'i*i" *a#+ai%ns in is !isor",
T!e fire an s(dden'" &e*a#e !e ar%e of a &arra%e of %o)ern#en re'eases,
#oion +i*(res, and %o)ern#en-ins+ired sories +orra"in% i as a des+oi'er of
so(!ern a%ri*('(re and a $i''er of &irds, 'i)eso*$, and #an, A #i%!" *a#+ai%n was
anno(n*ed, in w!i*! !e federa' %o)ern#en in *oo+eraion wi! !e aff'i*ed saes
wo('d ('i#ae'" rea so#e ;K,KKK,KKK a*res in nine so(!ern saes, LUnied Saes
+esi*ide #a$ers a++ear o !a)e a++ed a sa'es &onan3a in !e in*reasin% n(#&ers
of &road-s*a'e +es e'i#inaion +ro%ra#s *ond(*ed &" !e U,S, De+ar#en of
A%ri*('(re,7 *!eerf(''" re+ored one rade Go(rna' in 89F8, as !e fire an +ro%ra# %o
(nder wa",
Ne)er !as an" +esi*ide +ro%ra# &een so !oro(%!'" and deser)ed'" da#ned &"
+ra*i*a''" e)er"one eB*e+ !e &enefi*iaries of !is Lsa'es &onan3a7, I is an
o(sandin% eBa#+'e of an i''- *on*ei)ed, &ad'" eBe*(ed, and !oro(%!'" deri#ena'
eB+eri#en in !e #ass *onro' of inse*s, an eB+eri#en so eB+ensi)e in do''ars, in
desr(*ion of ani#a' 'ife, and in 'oss of +(&'i* *onfiden*e in !e A%ri*('(re
De+ar#en !a i is in*o#+re!ensi&'e !a an" f(nds s!o('d si'' &e de)oed o i,
1on%ressiona' s(++or of !e +roGe* was iniia''" won &" re+resenaions !a were
'aer dis*redied, T!e fire an was +i*(red as a serio(s !rea o so(!ern a%ri*('(re
!ro(%! desr(*ion of *ro+s and o wi'd'ife &e*a(se of aa*$s on !e "o(n% of
%ro(nd-nesin% &irds, Is sin% was said o #a$e i a serio(s #ena*e o !(#an
!ea'!, ?(s !ow so(nd were !ese *'ai#sJ T!e sae#ens #ade &" De+ar#en
winesses see$in% a++ro+riaions were no in a**ord wi! !ose *onained in $e"
+(&'i*aions of !e A%ri*('(re De+ar#en, T!e 89FO &(''ein *nsecticide
Reco++endations...for the Control of *nsects "ttac'ing Crops and :ivestoc' did no
so #(*! as #enion !e fire anHan eBraordinar" o#ission if !e De+ar#en
&e'ie)es is own +ro+a%anda, 4oreo)er, is en*"*'o+edi* &earboo' for 89F;, w!i*!
was de)oed o inse*s,
*onained on'" one s!or +ara%ra+! on !e fire an o( of is !a'f-#i''ion words of eB,
A%ains !e De+ar#en7s (ndo*(#ened *'ai# !a !e fire an desro"s *ro+s and
aa*$s 'i)eso*$ is !e *aref(' s(d" of !e A%ri*('(ra' EB+eri#en Saion in !e
sae !a !as !ad !e #os ini#ae eB+erien*e wi! !is inse*, A'a&a#a, A**ordin%
o A'a&a#a s*ieniss, Lda#a%e o +'ans in %enera' is rare,7 Dr, =, S, Aran, an
eno#o'o%is a !e A'a&a#a Po'"e*!ni* Insi(e and in 89:8 +residen of !e
Eno#o'o%i*a' So*ie" of A#eri*a, saes !a !is de+ar#en L!as no re*ei)ed a
sin%'e re+or of da#a%e o +'ans &" ans in !e +as fi)e "ears,,,No da#a%e o
'i)eso*$ !as &een o&ser)ed,7 T!ese #en, w!o !a)e a*(a''" o&ser)ed !e ans in
!e fie'd and in !e 'a&oraor", sa" !a !e fire ans feed *!ief'" on a )arie" of o!er
inse*s, #an" of !e# *onsidered !ar#f(' o #an7s ineress, =ire ans !a)e &een
o&ser)ed +i*$in% 'ar)ae of !e &o'' wee)i' off *oon, T!eir #o(nd-&(i'din% a*i)iies
ser)e a (sef(' +(r+ose in aerain% and drainin% !e soi', T!e A'a&a#a s(dies !a)e
&een s(&saniaed &" in)esi%aions a !e 4ississi++i Sae Uni)ersi", and are far
#ore i#+ressi)e !an !e A%ri*('(re De+ar#en7s e)iden*e, a++aren'" &ased
ei!er on *on)ersaions wi! far#ers, w!o #a" easi'" #isa$e one an for ano!er, or
on o'd resear*!, So#e eno#o'o%iss &e'ie)e !a !e an7s food !a&is !a)e
*!an%ed as i !as &e*o#e #ore a&(ndan, so !a o&ser)aions #ade se)era'
de*ades a%o !a)e 'i'e )a'(e now, T!e *'ai# !a !e an is a #ena*e o !ea'! and
'ife a'so &ears *onsidera&'e #odifi*aion, T!e A%ri*('(re De+ar#en s+onsored a
+ro+a%anda #o)ie 5o %ain s(++or for is +ro%ra#6 in w!i*! !orror s*enes were &(i'
aro(nd !e fire an7s sin%, Ad#ied'" !is is +ainf(' and one is we'' ad)ised o a)oid
&ein% s(n%, G(s as one ordinari'" a)oids !e sin% of was+ or &ee, Se)ere rea*ions
#a" o**asiona''" o**(r in sensii)e indi)id(a's, and #edi*a' 'iera(re re*ords one
dea! +ossi&'", !o(%! no definie'", ari&(a&'e o fire an )eno#, In *onras o !is,
!e Offi*e of Eia' Saisi*s re*ords >> dea!s in 89F9 a'one fro# !e sin% of &ees
and was+s, <e no one see#s o !a)e +ro+osed Leradi*ain%7 !ese inse*s, A%ain,
'o*a' e)iden*e is #os *on)in*in%, A'!o(%! !e fire an !as in!a&ied A'a&a#a for MK
"ears and is #os !ea)i'" *on*enraed !ere, !e A'a&a#a Sae Hea'! Offi*er
de*'ares !a L!ere !as ne)er &een re*orded in A'a&a#a a !(#an dea! res('in%
fro# !e &ies of i#+ored fire ans,7 and *onsiders !e #edi*a' *ases res('in% fro#
!e &ies of fire ans Lin*idena'7, An #o(nds on 'awns or +'a"%ro(nds #a" *reae a
si(aion w!ere *!i'dren are 'i$e'" o &e s(n%, &( !is is !ard'" an eB*(se for
dren*!in% #i''ions of a*res wi! +oisons, T!ese si(aions *an easi'" &e !and'ed &"
indi)id(a' rea#en of !e #o(nds,
Da#a%e o %a#e &irds was a'so a''e%ed, wi!o( s(++orin% e)iden*e, 1erain'" a
#an we'' .(a'ified o s+ea$ on !is iss(e is !e 'eader of !e Wi'd'ife Resear*! Uni
a A(&(rn, A'a&a#a, Dr, 4a(ri*e =, Ba$er, w!o !as !ad #an" "ears7 eB+erien*e in
!e area, B( Dr, Ba$er7s o+inion is dire*'" o++osie o !e *'ai#s of !e A%ri*('(re
De+ar#en, He de*'ares2 LIn so(! A'a&a#a and nor!wes ='orida we are a&'e o
!a)e eB*e''en !(nin% and &o&w!ie +o+('aions *oeBisen wi! !ea)" +o+('aions
of !e i#+ored fire an,,,in !e a'#os MK "ears !a so(! A'a&a#a !as !ad !e fire
an, %a#e +o+('aions !a)e s!own a sead" and )er" s(&sania' in*rease, 1erain'",
if !e i#+ored fire an were a serio(s #ena*e o wi'd'ife, !ese *ondiions *o('d no
eBis,7 W!a wo('d !a++en o wi'd'ife as a res(' of !e inse*i*ide (sed a%ains !e
ans was ano!er #aer, T!e *!e#i*a's o &e (sed were die'drin and !e+a*!'or,
&o! re'ai)e'" new, T!ere was 'i'e eB+erien*e of fie'd (se for ei!er, and no one
$new w!a !eir effe*s wo('d &e on wi'd &irds, fis!es, or #a##a's w!en a++'ied on
a #assi)e s*a'e, I was $nown, !owe)er, !a &o! +oisons were #an" i#es #ore
oBi* !an DDT, w!i*! !ad &een
(sed &" !a i#e for a++roBi#ae'" a de*ade, and !ad $i''ed so#e &irds and #an"
fis! e)en a a rae of 8 +o(nd +er a*re, And !e dosa%e of die'drin and !e+a*!'or
was !ea)ierH; +o(nds o !e a*re (nder #os *ondiions, or > +o(nds of die'drin if
!e w!ie-frin%ed &ee'e was a'so o &e *onro''ed, In er#s of !eir effe*s on &irds,
!e +res*ri&ed (se of !e+a*!'or wo('d &e e.(i)a'en o ;K +o(nds of DDT o !e
a*re, !a of die'drin o 8;K +o(ndsQ
Ur%en +roess were #ade &" #os of !e sae *onser)aion de+ar#ens, &"
naiona' *onser)aion a%en*ies, and &" e*o'o%iss and e)en &" so#e eno#o'o%iss,
*a''in% (+on !e !en Se*rear" of A%ri*('(re, E3ra Benson, o de'a" !e +ro%ra# a
'eas (ni' so#e resear*! !ad &een done o deer#ine !e effe*s of !e+a*!'or and
die'drin on wi'd and do#esi* ani#a's and o find !e #ini#(# a#o(n !a wo('d
*onro' !e ans, T!e +roess were i%nored and !e +ro%ra# was 'a(n*!ed in 89F8,
A #i''ion a*res were reaed !e firs "ear, I was *'ear !a an" resear*! wo('d &e in
!e na(re of a +os #ore#,
As !e +ro%ra# *onin(ed, fa*s &e%an o a**(#('ae fro# s(dies #ade &"
&io'o%iss of sae and federa' wi'd'ife a%en*ies and se)era' (ni)ersiies, T!e s(dies
re)ea'ed 'osses r(nnin% a'' !e wa" (+ o *o#+'ee desr(*ion of wi'd'ife on so#e of
!e reaed areas, Po('r", 'i)eso*$, and +es were a'so $i''ed, T!e A%ri*('(re
De+ar#en &r(s!ed awa" a'' e)iden*e of da#a%e as eBa%%eraed and #is'eadin%,
T!e fa*s, !owe)er, *onin(e o a**(#('ae, In Hardin 1o(n", TeBas, for eBa#+'e,
o+oss(#s, ar#adi''os, and an a&(ndan ra**oon +o+('aion )ir(a''" disa++eared
afer !e *!e#i*a' was 'aid down, E)en !e se*ond a((#n afer rea#en !ese
ani#a's were s*ar*e, T!e few ra**oons !en fo(nd in !e area *arried resid(es of
!e *!e#i*a' in !eir iss(es, Dead &irds fo(nd in !e reaed areas !ad a&sor&ed or
swa''owed !e +oisons (sed a%ains !e fire ans, a fa* *'ear'" s!own &" *!e#i*a'
ana'"sis of !eir iss(es, 5T!e on'" &ird s(r)i)in% in an" n(#&ers was !e !o(se
s+arrow, w!i*! in o!er areas oo !as %i)en so#e e)iden*e !a i #a" &e re'ai)e'"
i##(ne,6 On a ra* in A'a&a#a reaed in 89F9 !a'f of !e &irds were $i''ed, S+e*ies
!a 'i)e on !e %ro(nd or fre.(en 'ow )e%eaion s(ffered 8KK +er *en #ora'i",
E)en a
"ear afer rea#en, a s+rin% die-off of son%&irds o**(rred and #(*! %ood nesin%
errior" 'a" si'en and (no**(+ied, In TeBas, dead &'a*$&irds, di*$*isse's, and
#eadow'ar$s were fo(nd a !e ness, and #an" ness were desered, W!en
s+e*i#ens of dead &irds fro# TeBas, Lo(isiana, A'a&a#a, Geor%ia, and ='orida were
sen o !e =is! and Wi'd'ife Ser)i*e for ana'"sis, #ore !an 9K +er *en were fo(nd
o *onain resid(es of die'drin or a for# of !e+a*!'or, in a#o(ns (+ o >8 +ars +er
#i''ion,
Wood*o*$s, w!i*! winer in Lo(isiana &( &reed in !e Nor!, now *arr" !e ain of
!e fire an +oisons in !eir &odies, T!e so(r*e of !is *ona#inaion is *'ear,
Wood*o*$s feed !ea)i'" on ear!wor#s, w!i*! !e" +ro&e for wi! !eir 'on% &i''s,
S(r)i)in% wor#s in Lo(isiana were fo(nd o !a)e as #(*! as ;K +ars +er #i''ion of
!e+a*!'or in !eir iss(es : o 8K #on!s afer rea#en of !e area, A "ear 'aer
!e" !ad (+ o 8K +ars +er #i''ion, T!e *onse.(en*es of !e s(&'e!a' +oisonin% of
!e wood*o*$ are now seen in a #ar$ed de*'ine in !e +ro+orion of "o(n% &irds o
ad('s, firs o&ser)ed in !e season afer fire an rea#ens &e%an, So#e of !e #os
(+sein% news for so(!ern s+ors#en *on*erned !e &o&w!ie .(ai', T!is &ird, a
%ro(nd neser and fora%er, was a'' &( e'i#inaed on reaed areas, In A'a&a#a, for
eBa#+'e, &io'o%iss of !e A'a&a#a 1oo+erai)e Wi'd'ife Resear*! Uni *ond(*ed a
+re'i#inar" *ens(s of !e .(ai' +o+('aion in a >:KK-a*re area !a was s*!ed('ed
for rea#en, T!ireen residen *o)e"sH 8;8 .(ai'Hran%ed o)er !e area, Two
wee$s afer rea#en on'" dead .(ai' *o('d &e fo(nd, A''
s+e*i#ens sen o !e =is! and Wi'd'ife Ser)i*e for ana'"sis were fo(nd o *onain
inse*i*ides in a#o(ns s(ffi*ien o *a(se !eir dea!, T!e A'a&a#a findin%s were
d(+'i*aed in TeBas, w!ere a ;FKK-a*re area reaed wi! !e+a*!'or 'os a'' of is
.(ai', A'on% wi! !e .(ai' wen 9K +er *en of !e son%&irds, A%ain, ana'"sis
re)ea'ed !e +resen*e of !e+a*!'or in !e iss(es of dead &irds,
In addiion o .(ai', wi'd (r$e"s were serio(s'" red(*ed &" !e fire an +ro%ra#,
A'!o(%! 8K (r$e"s !ad &een *o(ned on an area in Wi'*oB 1o(n", A'a&a#a,
&efore !e+a*!'or was a++'ied, none *o('d &e fo(nd !e s(##er afer rea#enH
none, !a is, eB*e+ a *'(*! of (n!a*!ed e%%s and one dead +o(', T!e wi'd
(r$e"s #a" !a)e s(ffered !e sa#e fae as !eir do#esi* &re!ren, for (r$e"s on
far#s in !e area reaed wi! *!e#i*a's a'so +rod(*ed few "o(n%, =ew e%%s
!a*!ed and a'#os no "o(n% s(r)i)ed, T!is did no !a++en on near&" (nreaed
areas, T!e fae of !e (r$e"s was &" no #eans (ni.(e, One of !e #os wide'"
$nown and res+e*ed wi'd'ife &io'o%iss in !e *o(nr", Dr, 1'aren*e 1oa#, *a''ed
on so#e of !e far#ers w!ose +ro+er" !ad &een reaed, Besides re#ar$in% !a La''
!e 'i'e ree &irds7 see#ed o !a)e disa++eared afer !e 'and !ad &een reaed,
#os of !ese +eo+'e re+ored 'osses of 'i)eso*$, +o('r", and !o(se!o'd +es, One
#an was Lirae a%ains !e *onro' wor$ers,7 Dr, 1oa# re+ored, Las !e said !e
&(ried or o!erwise dis+osed of 89 *ar*asses of !is *ows !a !ad &een $i''ed &" !e
+oison and !e $new of !ree or fo(r addiiona' *ows !a died as a res(' of !e sa#e
rea#en, 1a')es died !a !ad &een %i)en on'" #i'$ sin*e &ir!,7 T!e +eo+'e Dr,
1oa# iner)iewed were +(33'ed &" w!a !ad !a++ened in !e #on!s fo''owin% !e
rea#en of !eir 'and, One wo#an o'd !i# s!e !ad se se)era' !ens afer !e
s(rro(ndin% 'and !ad &een *o)ered wi! +oison, Land for reasons s!e did no
(ndersand )er" few "o(n% were !a*!ed or s(r)i)ed,7 Ano!er far#er Lraises !o%s
and for f(''" nine #on!s afer !e &road*as of +oisons, !e *o('d raise no "o(n%
+i%s, T!e 'iers were &orn dead or !e" died afer &ir!,7 A si#i'ar re+or *a#e fro#
ano!er, w!o said !a o( of >O 'iers !a #i%! !a)e n(#&ered as #an" as ;FK
"o(n%, on'" >8 'i'e +i%s s(r)i)ed, T!is #an !ad a'so &een .(ie (na&'e o raise
*!i*$ens sin*e !e 'and was +oisoned, T!e De+ar#en of A%ri*('(re !as
*onsisen'" denied 'i)eso*$ 'osses re'aed o !e fire an +ro%ra#, Howe)er, a
)eerinarian in Bain&rid%e, Geor%ia, Dr, Ois L, Poie)in, w!o was *a''ed (+on o
rea #an" of !e affe*ed ani#a's, !as s(##ari3ed !is reasons for ari&(in% !e
dea!s o !e inse*i*ide as fo''ows, Wi!in a +eriod of wo wee$s o se)era' #on!s
afer !e fire an +oison was a++'ied, *a'e, %oas, !orses, *!i*$ens, and &irds and
o!er wi'd'ife &e%an o s(ffer an ofen faa' disease of !e ner)o(s s"se#, I affe*ed
on'" ani#a's !a !ad a**ess o *ona#inaed food or waer, Sa&'ed ani#a's were
no affe*ed, T!e *ondiion was seen on'" in areas reaed for fire ans, La&oraor"
ess for disease were ne%ai)e, T!e s"#+o#s o&ser)ed &" Dr, Poie)in and o!er
)eerinarians were !ose des*ri&ed in a(!oriai)e eBs as indi*ain% +oisonin% &"
die'drin or !e+a*!'or,
Dr, Poie)in a'so des*ri&ed an ineresin% *ase of a wo-#on!-o'd *a'f !a s!owed
s"#+o#s of +oisonin% &" !e+a*!'or, T!e ani#a' was s(&Ge*ed o eB!a(si)e
'a&oraor" ess, T!e on'" si%nifi*an findin% was !e dis*o)er" of O9 +ars +er #i''ion
of !e+a*!'or in is fa, B( i was fi)e #on!s sin*e !e +oison !ad &een a++'ied, Did
!e *a'f %e i dire*'" fro# %ra3in% or indire*'" fro# is #o!er7s #i'$ or e)en &efore
&ir!J LIf fro# !e #i'$,7 as$ed Dr, Poie)in,
Lw!" were no s+e*ia' +re*a(ions a$en o +roe* o(r *!i'dren w!o dran$ #i'$ fro#
'o*a' dairiesJ7 Dr, Poie)in7s re+or &rin%s (+ a si%nifi*an +ro&'e# a&o( !e
*ona#inaion of #i'$,
T!e area in*'(ded in !e fire an +ro%ra# is +redo#inan'" fie'ds and *ro+'ands,
W!a a&o( !e dair" *a'e !a %ra3e on !ese 'andsJ In reaed fie'ds !e %rasses
wi'' ine)ia&'" *arr" resid(es of !e+a*!'or in one of is for#s, and if !e resid(es are
eaen &" !e *ows !e +oison wi'' a++ear in !e #i'$, T!is dire* rans#ission ino
#i'$ !ad &een de#onsraed eB+eri#ena''" for !e+a*!'or in 89FF, 'on% &efore !e
*onro' +ro%ra# was (ndera$en, and was 'aer re+ored for die'drin, a'so (sed in !e
fire an +ro%ra#,
T!e De+ar#en of A%ri*('(re7s ann(a' +(&'i*aions now 'is !e+a*!'or and die'drin
a#on% !e *!e#i*a's !a #a$e fora%e +'ans (ns(ia&'e for feedin% o dair" ani#a's
or ani#a's &ein% finis!ed for s'a(%!er, "e !e *onro' di)isions of !e De+ar#en
+ro#oe +ro%ra#s !a s+read !e+a*!'or and die'drin o)er s(&sania' areas of
%ra3in% 'and in !e So(!, W!o is safe%(ardin% !e *ons(#er o see !a no resid(es
of die'drin or !e+a*!'or are a++earin% in #i'$J T!e Unied Saes De+ar#en of
A%ri*('(re wo('d do(&'ess answer !a i !as ad)ised far#ers o $ee+ #i'$ *ows
o( of reaed +as(res for >K o 9K da"s, Gi)en !e s#a'' si3e of #an" of !e far#s
and !e 'ar%es*a'e na(re of !e +ro%ra#H#(*! of !e *!e#i*a' a++'ied &" +'anes
Hi is eBre#e'" do(&f(' !a !is re*o##endaion was fo''owed or *o('d &e, Nor is
!e +res*ri&ed +eriod ade.(ae in )iew of !e +ersisen na(re of !e resid(es,
T!e =ood and Dr(% Ad#inisraion, a'!o(%! frownin% on !e +resen*e of an"
+esi*ide resid(es in #i'$, !as 'i'e a(!ori" in !is si(aion, In #os of !e saes
in*'(ded in !e fire an +ro%ra# !e dair" ind(sr" is s#a'' and is +rod(*s do no
*ross sae 'ines, Proe*ion of !e #i'$ s(++'" endan%ered &" a federa' +ro%ra# is
!erefore 'ef o !e saes !e#se')es, In.(iries addressed o !e !ea'! offi*ers or
o!er a++ro+riae offi*ia's of A'a&a#a, Lo(isiana, and TeBas in 89F9 re)ea'ed !a no
ess !ad &een #ade and !a i si#+'" was no $nown w!e!er !e #i'$ was
*ona#inaed wi! +esi*ides or no,
4eanw!i'e, afer ra!er !an &efore !e *onro' +ro%ra# was 'a(n*!ed, so#e
resear*! ino !e +e*('iar na(re of !e+a*!'or was done, Per!a+s i wo('d &e #ore
a**(rae o sa" !a so#eone 'oo$ed (+ !e resear*! a'read" +(&'is!ed, sin*e !e
&asi* fa* !a &ro(%! a&o( &e'aed a*ion &" !e federa' %o)ern#en !ad &een
dis*o)ered se)era' "ears &efore, and s!o('d !a)e inf'(en*ed !e iniia' !and'in% of
!e +ro%ra#, T!is is !e fa* !a !e+a*!'or, afer a s!or +eriod in !e iss(es of
ani#a's or +'ans or in !e soi', ass(#es a *onsidera&'" #ore oBi* for# $nown as
!e+a*!'or e+oBide, T!e e+oBide is +o+('ar'" des*ri&ed as Lan oBidaion +rod(*7
+rod(*ed &" wea!erin%, T!e fa* !a !is ransfor#aion *o('d o**(r !ad &een
$nown sin*e 89F;, w!en !e =ood and Dr(% Ad#inisraion dis*o)ered !a fe#a'e
ras, fed >K +ars +er #i''ion of !e+a*!'or, !ad sored 8:F +ars +er #i''ion of !e
#ore +oisono(s e+oBide on'" ; wee$s 'aer, T!ese fa*s were a''owed o *o#e o( of
!e o&s*(ri" of &io'o%i*a' 'iera(re in 89F9, w!en !e =ood and Dr(% Ad#inisraion
oo$ a*ion w!i*! !ad !e effe* of &annin% an" resid(es of !e+a*!'or or is e+oBide
on food, T!is r('in% +( a 'eas a e#+orar" da#+er on !e +ro%ra#I a'!o(%! !e
A%ri*('(re De+ar#en *onin(ed o +ress for is ann(a' a++ro+riaions for fire an
*onro', 'o*a' a%ri*('(ra' a%ens &e*a#e in*reasin%'" re'(*an o ad)ise far#ers o
(se *!e#i*a's w!i*! wo('d +ro&a&'" res(' in !eir *ro+s &ein% 'e%a''" (n#ar$ea&'e,
In s!or, !e De+ar#en of A%ri*('(re e#&ar$ed on is +ro%ra# wi!o( e)en
e'e#enar" in)esi%aion of w!a was a'read" $nown a&o( !e *!e#i*a' o &e (sed
Hor if i in)esi%aed, i i%nored !e findin%s, I #(s a'so !a)e fai'ed o do
+re'i#inar" resear*! o dis*o)er !e #ini#(# a#o(n of !e *!e#i*a' !a wo('d
a**o#+'is! is +(r+ose, Afer !ree "ears of
!ea)" dosa%es, i a&r(+'" red(*ed !e rae of a++'i*aion of !e+a*!'or fro# ; +o(nds o
88YM +o(nds +er a*re in 89F9I 'aer on o 8Y; +o(nd +er a*re, a++'ied in wo
rea#ens of 8YM +o(nd ea*!, > o : #on!s a+ar, An offi*ia' of !e De+ar#en
eB+'ained !a Lan a%%ressi)e #e!ods i#+ro)e#en +ro%ra#7 s!owed !e 'ower
rae o &e effe*i)e, Had !is infor#aion &een a*.(ired &efore !e +ro%ra# was
'a(n*!ed, a )as a#o(n of da#a%e *o('d !a)e &een a)oided and !e aB+a"ers
*o('d !a)e &een sa)ed a %rea dea' of #one", In 89F9, +er!a+s in an ae#+ o
offse !e %rowin% dissaisfa*ion wi! !e +ro%ra#, !e A%ri*('(re De+ar#en
offered !e *!e#i*a's free o TeBas 'andowners w!o wo('d si%n a re'ease a&so')in%
federa', sae, and 'o*a' %o)ern#ens of res+onsi&i'i" for da#a%e, In !e sa#e "ear
!e Sae of A'a&a#a, a'ar#ed and an%r" a !e da#a%e done &" !e *!e#i*a's,
ref(sed o a++ro+riae an" f(r!er f(nds for !e +roGe*, One of is offi*ia's
*!ara*eri3ed !e w!o'e +ro%ra# as Li'' ad)ised, !asi'" *on*ei)ed, +oor'" +'anned,
and a %'arin% eBa#+'e of ridin% ro(%!s!od o)er !e res+onsi&i'iies of o!er +(&'i*
and +ri)ae a%en*ies7, Des+ie !e 'a*$ of sae f(nds, federa' #one" *onin(ed o
ri*$'e ino A'a&a#a, and in 89:8 !e 'e%is'a(re was a%ain +ers(aded o #a$e a s#a''
a++ro+riaion, 4eanw!i'e, far#ers in Lo(isiana s!owed %rowin% re'(*an*e o si%n
(+ for !e +roGe* as i &e*a#e e)iden !a (se of *!e#i*a's a%ains !e fire an was
*a(sin% an (+s(r%e of inse*s desr(*i)e o s(%ar*ane, 4oreo)er, !e +ro%ra# was
o&)io(s'" a**o#+'is!in% no!in%, Is dis#a' sae was erse'" s(##ari3ed in !e
s+rin% of 89:; &" !e dire*or of eno#o'o%" resear*! a Lo(isiana Sae Uni)ersi"
A%ri*('(ra' EB+eri#en Saion, Dr, L, D, Newso#2 LT!e i#+ored fire an /eradi*aion0
+ro%ra# w!i*! !as &een *ond(*ed &" sae and federa' a%en*ies is !(s far a
fai'(re, T!ere are #ore infesed a*res in Lo(isiana now !an w!en !e +ro%ra#
&e%an,7
A swin% o #ore sane and *onser)ai)e #e!ods see#s o !a)e &e%(n, ='orida,
re+orin% !a L!ere are #ore fire ans in ='orida now !an !ere were w!en !e
+ro%ra# sared,7 anno(n*ed i was a&andonin% an" idea of a &road eradi*aion
+ro%ra# and wo('d insead *on*enrae on 'o*a' *onro', Effe*i)e and ineB+ensi)e
#e!ods of 'o*a' *onro' !a)e &een $nown for "ears, T!e #o(nd-&(i'din% !a&i of
!e fire an #a$es !e *!e#i*a' rea#en of indi)id(a' #o(nds a si#+'e #aer,
1os of s(*! rea#en is a&o( one do''ar +er a*re, =or si(aions w!ere #o(nds
are n(#ero(s and #e*!ani3ed #e!ods are desira&'e, a *('i)aor w!i*! firs 'e)e's
and !en a++'ies *!e#i*a' dire*'" o !e #o(nds !as &een de)e'o+ed &"
4ississi++i7s A%ri*('(ra' EB+eri#en Saion, T!e #e!od %i)es 9K o 9F +er *en
*onro' of !e ans, Is *os is on'" XK,;> +er a*re, T!e A%ri*('(re De+ar#en7s
#ass *onro' +ro%ra#, on !e o!er !and, *os a&o( X>,FK +er a*reH!e #os
eB+ensi)e, !e #os da#a%in%, and !e 'eas effe*i)e +ro%ra# of a'',
((. Be;on$ t-e D'e)&s o+ t-e Bo'%.)s
THE 1ONTA4INATION of o(r wor'd is no a'one a #aer of #ass s+ra"in%,
Indeed, for #os of (s !is is of 'ess i#+oran*e !an !e inn(#era&'e s#a''-s*a'e
eB+os(res o w!i*! we are s(&Ge*ed da" &" da", "ear afer "ear, Li$e !e *onsan
dri++in% of waer !a in (rn wears awa" !e !ardes sone, !is &ir!-o-dea!
*ona* wi! dan%ero(s *!e#i*a's #a" in !e end +ro)e disasro(s, Ea*! of !ese
re*(rren eB+os(res, no #aer !ow s'i%!, *onri&(es o !e +ro%ressi)e &(i'd(+ of
*!e#i*a's in o(r &odies and so o *(#('ai)e +oisonin%, Pro&a&'" no +erson is
i##(ne o *ona* wi! !is s+readin% *ona#inaion (n'ess !e 'i)es in !e #os
iso'aed si(aion i#a%ina&'e, L(''ed &" !e sof se'' and !e !idden +ers(ader, !e
a)era%e *ii3en is se'do# aware of !e dead'" #aeria's wi! w!i*! !e is s(rro(ndin%
!i#se'f2 indeed, !e #a" no rea'i3e !e is (sin% !e# a a'', So !oro(%!'" !as !e
a%e of +oisons &e*o#e esa&'is!ed !a an"one #a" wa'$ ino a sore and, wi!o(
.(esions &ein% as$ed, &(" s(&san*es of far %reaer dea!-dea'in% +ower !an !e
#edi*ina' dr(% for w!i*! !e #a" &e re.(ired o si%n a L+oison &oo$7 in !e +!ar#a*"
neB door, A few #in(es7 resear*! in an" s(+er#ar$e is eno(%! o a'ar# !e #os
so(!eared *(so#erH+ro)ided, !a is, !e !as e)en a r(di#enar" $now'ed%e of
!e *!e#i*a's +resened for !is *!oi*e,
If a !(%e s$('' and *ross&ones were s(s+ended a&o)e !e inse*i*ide de+ar#en
!e *(so#er #i%! a 'eas ener i wi! !e res+e* nor#a''" a**orded dea!-dea'in%
#aeria's, B( insead !e dis+'a" is !o#e" and *!eerf(', and, wi! !e +i*$'es and
o'i)es a*ross !e ais'e and !e &a! and 'a(ndr" soa+s adGoinin%, !e rows (+on
rows of inse*i*ides are dis+'a"ed, Wi!in eas" rea*! of a *!i'd7s eB+'orin% !and are
*!e#i*a's in %'ass *onainers, If dro++ed o !e f'oor &" a *!i'd or *are'ess ad('
e)er"one near&" *o('d &e s+'as!ed wi! !e sa#e *!e#i*a' !a !as sen s+ra"#en
(sin% i ino *on)('sions, T!ese !a3ards of *o(rse fo''ow !e +(r*!aser ri%! ino !is
!o#e, A *an of a #o!+roofin% #aeria' *onainin% , for eBa#+'e, *arries in )er" fine
+rin !e warnin% !a is *onens are (nder +ress(re and !a i #a" &(rs if
eB+osed o !ea or o+en f'a#e, A *o##on inse*i*ide for !o(se!o'd (se, in*'(din%
assored (ses in !e $i*!en, is *!'ordane, <e !e =ood and Dr(% Ad#inisraion7s
*!ief +!ar#a*o'o%is !as de*'ared !e !a3ard of 'i)in% in a !o(se s+ra"ed wi!
*!'ordane o &e L)er" %rea7, O!er !o(se!o'd +re+araions *onain !e e)en #ore
oBi* die'drin,
Use of +oisons in !e $i*!en is #ade &o! ara*i)e and eas", Ki*!en s!e'f +a+er,
w!ie or ined o #a*! one7s *o'or s*!e#e, #a" &e i#+re%naed wi! inse*i*ide,
no #ere'" on one &( on &o! sides, 4an(fa*(rers offer (s do-i-"o(rse'f &oo$'es
on !ow o $i'' &(%s, Wi! +(s!-&(on ease, one #a" send a fo% of die'drin ino !e
#os ina**essi&'e noo$s and *rannies of *a&ines, *orners, and &ase&oards, If we
are ro(&'ed &" #os.(ioes, *!i%%ers, or o!er inse* +ess on o(r +ersons we !a)e
a *!oi*e of inn(#era&'e 'oions, *rea#s, and s+ra"s for a++'i*aion o *'o!in% or
s$in, A'!o(%! we are warned !a so#e of !ese wi'' disso')e )arnis!, +ain, and
s"n!ei* fa&ri*s, we are +res(#a&'" o infer !a !e !(#an s$in is i#+er)io(s o
*!e#i*a's, To #a$e *erain !a we s!a'' a a'' i#es &e +re+ared o re+e' inse*s, an
eB*'(si)e New <or$ sore ad)erises a +o*$e-si3ed inse*i*ide dis+enser, s(ia&'e
for !e +(rse or for &ea*!, %o'f, or fis!in% %ear,
We *an +o'is! o(r f'oors wi! a waB %(araneed o $i'' an" inse* !a wa'$s o)er i,
We *an
!an% sri+s i#+re%naed wi! !e *!e#i*a' 'indane in o(r *'oses and %ar#en &a%s
or +'a*e
!e# in o(r &(rea( drawers for a !a'f "ear7s freedo# fro# worr" o)er #o! da#a%e,
T!e ad)erise#ens *onain no s(%%esion !a 'indane is dan%ero(s, Nei!er do !e
ads for an e'e*roni* de)i*e !a dis+enses 'indane f(#esHwe are o'd !a i is safe
and odor'ess, <e !e r(! of !e #aer is !a !e A#eri*an 4edi*a' Asso*iaion
*onsiders 'indane )a+ori3ers so dan%ero(s !a i *ond(*ed an eBended *a#+ai%n
a%ains !e# in is ?o(rna',
T!e De+ar#en of A%ri*('(re, in a Ho#e and Garden B(''ein, ad)ises (s o s+ra"
o(r *'o!in% wi! oi' so'(ions of DDT, die'drin, *!'ordane, or an" of se)era' o!er
#o! $i''ers, If eB*essi)e s+ra"in% res('s in a w!ie de+osi of inse*i*ide on !e
fa&ri*, !is #a" &e re#o)ed &" &r(s!in%, !e De+ar#en sa"s, o#iin% o *a(ion (s
o &e *aref(' w!ere and !ow !e &r(s!in% is done, A'' !ese #aers aended o, we
#a" ro(nd o( o(r da" wi! inse*i*ides &" %oin% o s'ee+ (nder a #o!+roof &'an$e
i#+re%naed wi! die'drin, Gardenin% is now fir#'" 'in$ed wi! !e s(+er +oisons,
E)er" !ardware sore, %arden-s(++'" s!o+, and s(+er#ar$e !as rows of
inse*i*ides for e)er" *on*ei)a&'e !ori*('(ra' si(aion, T!ose w!o fai' o #a$e wide
(se of !is arra" of 'e!a' s+ra"s and d(ss are &" i#+'i*aion re#iss, for a'#os
e)er" news+a+er7s %arden +a%e and !e #aGori" of !e %ardenin% #a%a3ines a$e
!eir (se for %raned, So eBensi)e'" are e)en !e ra+id'" 'e!a' or%ani* +!os+!or(s
inse*i*ides a++'ied o 'awns and orna#ena' +'ans !a in 89:K !e ='orida Sae
Board of Hea'! fo(nd i ne*essar" o for&id !e *o##er*ia' (se of +esi*ides in
residenia' areas &" an"one w!o !ad no firs o&ained a +er#i and #e *erain
re.(ire#ens, A n(#&er of dea!s fro# +ara!ion !ad o**(rred in ='orida &efore !is
re%('aion was ado+ed,
Li'e is done, !owe)er, o warn !e %ardener or !o#eowner !a !e is !and'in%
eBre#e'" dan%ero(s #aeria's, On !e *onrar", a *onsan srea# of new %ad%es
#a$e i easier o (se +oisons on 'awn and %ardenHand in*rease !e %ardener7s
*ona* wi! !e#, One #a" %e a Gar-"+e aa*!#en for !e %arden !ose, for
eBa#+'e, &" w!i*! s(*! eBre#e'" dan%ero(s *!e#i*a's as *!'ordane or die'drin are
a++'ied as one waers !e 'awn, S(*! a de)i*e is no on'" a !a3ard o !e +erson
(sin% !e !ose, i is a'so a +(&'i* #ena*e, T!e New <or$ Ti#es fo(nd i ne*essar" o
iss(e a warnin% on is %arden +a%e o !e effe* !a (n'ess s+e*ia' +roe*i)e
de)i*es were insa''ed +oisons #i%! %e o !e waer s(++'" &" &a*$ si+!ona%e,
1onsiderin% !e n(#&er of s(*! de)i*es !a are in (se, and !e s*ar*i" of warnin%s
s(*! as !is, do we need o wonder w!" o(r +(&'i* waers are *ona#inaedJ
As an eBa#+'e of w!a #a" !a++en o !e %ardener !i#se'f, we #i%! 'oo$ a !e
*ase of a +!"si*ianHan en!(siasi* s+arei#e %ardenerHw!o &e%an (sin% DDT
and !en #a'a!ion on !is s!r(&s and 'awn, #a$in% re%('ar wee$'" a++'i*aions,
So#ei#es !e a++'ied !e *!e#i*a's wi! a !and s+ra", so#ei#es wi! an
aa*!#en o !is !ose, In doin% so, !is s$in and *'o!in% were ofen soa$ed wi!
s+ra", Afer a&o( a "ear of !is sor of !in%, !e s(dden'" *o''a+sed and was
!os+ia'i3ed, EBa#inaion of a &io+s" s+e*i#en of fa s!owed an a**(#('aion of ;>
+ars +er #i''ion of DDT, T!ere was eBensi)e ner)e da#a%e, w!i*! !is +!"si*ians
re%arded as +er#anen, As i#e wen on !e 'os wei%!, s(ffered eBre#e fai%(e,
and eB+erien*ed a +e*('iar #(s*('ar wea$ness, a *!ara*erisi* effe* of #a'a!ion,
A'' of !ese +ersisin% effe*s were se)ere eno(%! o #a$e i diffi*(' for !e
+!"si*ian o *arr" on !is +ra*i*e, Besides !e on*e inno*(o(s %arden !ose, +ower
#owers a'so !a)e &een fied wi! de)i*es for !e disse#inaion of +esi*ides,
aa*!#ens !a wi'' dis+ense a *'o(d of )a+or as !e !o#eowner %oes a&o( !e
as$ of #owin% !is 'awn, So o !e +oenia''" dan%ero(s f(#es fro# %aso'ine
are added !e fine'" di)ided +ari*'es of w!ae)er inse*i*ide !e +ro&a&'"
(ns(s+e*in% s(&(r&anie !as *!osen o disri&(e, raisin% !e 'e)e' of air +o''(ion
a&o)e !is own %ro(nds o so#e!in% few *iies *o('d e.(a', <e 'i'e is said a&o(
!e !a3ards of !e fad of %ardenin% &" +oisons, or of inse*i*ides (sed in !e !o#eI
warnin%s on 'a&e's are +rined so in*ons+i*(o(s'" in s#a'' "+e !a few a$e !e
ro(&'e o read or fo''ow !e#, An ind(sria' fir# re*en'" (nderoo$ o find o( G(s
!ow few, Is s(r)e" indi*aed !a fewer !an fifeen +eo+'e o( of a !(ndred of !ose
(sin% inse*i*ide aeroso's and s+ra"s are e)en aware of !e warnin%s on !e
*onainers,
T!e #ores of s(&(r&ia now di*ae !a *ra&%rass #(s %o a w!ae)er *os, Sa*$s
*onainin% *!e#i*a's desi%ned o rid !e 'awn of s(*! des+ised )e%eaion !a)e
&e*o#e a'#os a sa(s s"#&o', T!ese weed-$i''in% *!e#i*a's are so'd (nder &rand
na#es !a ne)er s(%%es !eir ideni" or na(re, To 'earn !a !e" *onain
*!'ordane or die'drin one #(s read eB*eedin%'" fine +rin +'a*ed on !e 'eas
*ons+i*(o(s +ar of !e sa*$, T!e des*ri+i)e 'iera(re !a #a" &e +i*$ed (+ in an"
!ardware or %arden-s(++'" sore se'do# if e)er re)ea's !e r(e !a3ard in)o')ed in
!and'in% or a++'"in% !e #aeria', Insead, !e "+i*a' i''(sraion +orra"s a !a++"
fa#i'" s*ene, fa!er and son s#i'in%'" +re+arin% o a++'" !e *!e#i*a' o !e 'awn,
s#a'' *!i'dren (#&'in% o)er !e %rass wi! a do%, , , ,
T!e .(esion of *!e#i*a' resid(es on !e food we ea is a !o'" de&aed iss(e, T!e
eBisen*e of s(*! resid(es is ei!er +'a"ed down &" !e ind(sr" as (ni#+oran or is
f'a'" denied, Si#('aneo(s'", !ere is a sron% enden*" o &rand as fanai*s or
*('iss a'' w!o are so +er)erse as o de#and !a !eir food &e free of inse*
+oisons, In a'' !is *'o(d of *onro)ers", w!a are !e a*(a' fa*sJ I !as &een
#edi*a''" esa&'is!ed !a, as *o##on sense wo('d e'' (s, +ersons w!o 'i)ed and
died &efore !e dawn of !e DDT era 5a&o( 89M;6 *onained no ra*e of DDT or an"
si#i'ar #aeria' in !eir iss(es, As #enioned in 1!a+er >, sa#+'es of &od" fa
*o''e*ed fro# !e %enera' +o+('aion &eween 89FM and 89F: a)era%ed fro# F,> o
O,M +ars +er #i''ion of DDT, T!ere is so#e e)iden*e !a !e a)era%e 'e)e' !as risen
sin*e !en o a *onsisen'" !i%!er fi%(re, and indi)id(a's wi! o**(+aiona' or o!er
s+e*ia' eB+os(res o inse*i*ides of *o(rse sore e)en #ore, A#on% !e %enera'
+o+('aion wi! no $nown %ross eB+os(res o inse*i*ides i #a" &e ass(#ed !a
#(*! of !e DDT sored in fa de+osis !as enered !e &od" in food, To es !is
ass(#+ion, a s*ienifi* ea# fro# !e Unied Saes P(&'i* Hea'! Ser)i*e sa#+'ed
resa(ran and insi(iona' #ea's, E)er" #ea' sa#+'ed *onained DDT, =ro# !is !e
in)esi%aors *on*'(ded reasona&'" eno(%!, !a Lfew if an" foods *an &e re'ied (+on
o &e enire'" free of DDT,7 T!e .(aniies in s(*! #ea's #a" &e enor#o(s, In a
se+arae P(&'i* Hea'! Ser)i*e s(d", ana'"sis of +rison #ea's dis*'osed s(*! ie#s
as sewed dried fr(i *onainin% :9,: +ars +er #i''ion and &read *onainin% 8KK,9
+ars +er #i''ion of DDTQ In !e die of !e a)era%e !o#e, #eas and an" +rod(*s
deri)ed fro# ani#a' fas *onain !e !ea)ies resid(es of *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&ons,
T!is is &e*a(se !ese *!e#i*a's are so'(&'e in fa, Resid(es on fr(is and
)e%ea&'es end o &e so#ew!a 'ess, T!ese are 'i'e affe*ed &" was!in%H!e on'"
re#ed" is o re#o)e and dis*ard a'' o(side 'ea)es of s(*! )e%ea&'es as 'e(*e or
*a&&a%e, o +ee' fr(i and o (se no s$ins or o(er *o)erin% w!ae)er, 1oo$in% does
no desro" resid(es,
4i'$ is one of !e few foods in w!i*! no +esi*ide resid(es are +er#ied &" =ood
and Dr(%
Ad#inisraion re%('aions, In a*(a' fa*, !owe)er, resid(es (rn (+ w!ene)er a
*!e*$ is #ade,
T!e" are !ea)ies in &(er and o!er #an(fa*(red dair" +rod(*s, A *!e*$ of M:8
sa#+'es of
s(*! +rod(*s in 89:K s!owed !a a !ird *onained resid(es, a si(aion w!i*! !e
=ood and Dr(% Ad#inisraion *!ara*eri3ed as Lfar fro# en*o(ra%in%7, To find a die
free fro# DDT and re'aed *!e#i*a's, i see#s one #(s %o o a re#oe and
+ri#ii)e 'and, si'' 'a*$in% !e a#eniies of *i)i'i3aion, S(*! a 'and a++ears o eBis,
a 'eas #ar%ina''", on !e far Ar*i* s!ores of A'as$aH a'!o(%! e)en !ere one #a"
see !e a++roa*!in% s!adow, W!en s*ieniss in)esi%aed !e nai)e die of !e
Es$i#os in !is re%ion i was fo(nd o &e free fro# inse*i*ides, T!e fres! and dried
fis!I !e fa, oi', or #ea fro# &ea)er, &e'(%a, *ari&o(, #oose, oo%r($, +o'ar &ear,
and wa'r(sI *ran&erries, sa'#on&erries and wi'd r!(&ar& a'' !ad so far es*a+ed
*ona#inaion, T!ere was on'" one eB*e+ionHwo w!ie ow's fro# Poin Ho+e
*arried s#a'' a#o(ns of DDT, +er!a+s a*.(ired in !e *o(rse of so#e #i%raor"
Go(rne",
W!en so#e of !e Es$i#os !e#se')es were *!e*$ed &" ana'"sis of fa sa#+'es,
s#a'' resid(es of DDT were fo(nd 5K o 8,9 +ars +er #i''ion6, T!e reason for !is
was *'ear, T!e fa sa#+'es were a$en fro# +eo+'e w!o !ad 'ef !eir nai)e )i''a%es
o ener !e Unied Saes P(&'i* Hea'! Ser)i*e Hos+ia' in An*!ora%e for s(r%er",
T!ere !e wa"s of *i)i'i3aion +re)ai'ed, and !e #ea's in !is !os+ia' were fo(nd o
*onain as #(*! DDT as !ose in !e #os +o+('o(s *i", =or !eir &rief sa" in
*i)i'i3aion !e Es$i#os were rewarded wi! a ain of +oison, T!e fa* !a e)er"
#ea' we ea *arries is 'oad of *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&ons is !e ine)ia&'e
*onse.(en*e of !e a'#os (ni)ersa' s+ra"in% or d(sin% of a%ri*('(ra' *ro+s wi!
!ese +oisons, If !e far#er s*r(+('o(s'" fo''ows !e insr(*ions on !e 'a&e's, !is
(se of a%ri*('(ra' *!e#i*a's wi'' +rod(*e no resid(es 'ar%er !an are +er#ied &"
!e =ood and Dr(% Ad#inisraion, Lea)in% aside for !e #o#en !e .(esion
w!e!er !ese 'e%a' resid(es are as Lsafe7 as !e" are re+resened o &e, !ere
re#ains !e we''-$nown fa* !a far#ers )er" fre.(en'" eB*eed !e +res*ri&ed
dosa%es, (se !e *!e#i*a' oo *'ose o !e i#e of !ar)es, (se se)era' inse*i*ides
w!ere one wo('d do, and in o!er wa"s dis+'a" !e *o##on !(#an fai'(re o read
!e fine +rin,
E)en !e *!e#i*a' ind(sr" re*o%ni3es !e fre.(en #is(se of inse*i*ides and !e
need for ed(*aion of far#ers, One of is 'eadin% rade Go(rna's re*en'" de*'ared
!a L#an" (sers do no see# o (ndersand !a !e" #a" eB*eed inse*i*ide
o'eran*es if !e" (se !i%!er dosa%es !an re*o##ended, And !a+!a3ard (se of
inse*i*ides on #an" *ro+s #a" &e &ased on far#ers7 w!i#s,7 T!e fi'es of !e =ood
and Dr(% Ad#inisraion *onain re*ords of a dis(r&in% n(#&er of s(*! )io'aions, A
few eBa#+'es wi'' ser)e o i''(srae !e disre%ard of dire*ions2 a 'e(*e far#er w!o
a++'ied no one &( ei%! differen inse*i*ides o !is *ro+ wi!in a s!or i#e of
!ar)es, a s!i++er w!o !ad (sed !e dead'" +ara!ion on *e'er" in an a#o(n fi)e
i#es !e re*o##ended #aBi#(#, %rowers (sin% endrinH#os oBi* of a'' !e
*!'orinaed !"dro*ar&onsHon 'e(*e a'!o(%! no resid(e was a''owa&'e, s+ina*!
s+ra"ed wi! DDT a wee$ &efore !ar)es, T!ere are a'so *ases of *!an*e or
a**idena' *ona#inaion, Lar%e 'os of %reen *offee in &(r'a+ &a%s !a)e &e*o#e
*ona#inaed w!i'e &ein% rans+ored &" )esse's a'so *arr"in% a *ar%o of
inse*i*ides, Pa*$a%ed foods in ware!o(ses are s(&Ge*ed o re+eaed aeroso'
rea#ens wi! DDT, 'indane, and o!er inse*i*ides, w!i*! #a" +enerae !e
+a*$a%in% #aeria's and o**(r in #eas(ra&'e .(aniies on !e *onained foods, T!e
'on%er !e food re#ains in sora%e, !e %reaer !e dan%er of *ona#inaion,
To !e .(esion LB( doesn7 !e %o)ern#en +roe* (s fro# s(*! !in%sJ7 !e
answer is, LOn'"
o a 'i#ied eBen,7 T!e a*i)iies of !e =ood and Dr(% Ad#inisraion in !e fie'd of
*ons(#er
+roe*ion a%ains +esi*ides are se)ere'" 'i#ied &" wo fa*s, T!e firs is !a i !as
G(risdi*ion
on'" o)er foods s!i++ed in inersae *o##er*eI foods %rown and #ar$eed wi!in a
sae are enire'" o(side is s+!ere of a(!ori", no #aer w!a !e )io'aion, T!e
se*ond and *rii*a''" 'i#iin% fa* is !e s#a'' n(#&er of ins+e*ors on is saffHfewer
!an :KK #en for a'' is )aried wor$, A**ordin% o a =ood and Dr(% offi*ia', on'" an
infiniesi#a' +ar of !e *ro+ +rod(*s #o)in% in inersae *o##er*eHfar 'ess !an 8
+er *enH*an &e *!e*$ed wi! eBisin% fa*i'iies, and !is is no eno(%! o !a)e
saisi*a' si%nifi*an*e, As for food +rod(*ed and so'd wi!in a sae, !e si(aion is
e)en worse, for #os saes !a)e woef(''" inade.(ae 'aws in !is fie'd, T!e s"se#
&" w!i*! !e =ood and Dr(% Ad#inisraion esa&'is!es #aBi#(# +er#issi&'e 'i#is
of *ona#inaion, *a''ed Lo'eran*es7, !as o&)io(s defe*s, Under !e *ondiions
+re)ai'in% i +ro)ides #ere +a+er se*(ri" and +ro#oes a *o#+'ee'" (nG(sified
i#+ression !a safe 'i#is !a)e &een esa&'is!ed and are &ein% ad!ered o, As o
!e safe" of a''owin% a s+rin$'in% of +oisons on o(r foodHa 'i'e on !is, a 'i'e on
!aH#an" +eo+'e *onend, wi! !i%!'" +ers(asi)e reasons, !a no +oison is safe
or desira&'e on food, In sein% a o'eran*e 'e)e' !e =ood and Dr(% Ad#inisraion
re)iews ess of !e +oison on 'a&oraor" ani#a's and !en esa&'is!es a #aBi#(#
'e)e' of *ona#inaion !a is #(*! 'ess !an re.(ired o +rod(*e s"#+o#s in !e
es ani#a', T!is s"se#, w!i*! is s(++osed o ens(re safe", i%nores a n(#&er of
i#+oran fa*s, A 'a&oraor" ani#a', 'i)in% (nder *onro''ed and !i%!'" arifi*ia'
*ondiions, *ons(#in% a %i)en a#o(n of a s+e*ifi* *!e#i*a', is )er" differen fro# a
!(#an &ein% w!ose eB+os(res o +esi*ides are no on'" #('i+'e &( for !e #os
+ar (n$nown, (n#eas(ra&'e, and (n*onro''a&'e, E)en if O +ars +er #i''ion of DDT
on !e 'e(*e in !is '(n*!eon sa'ad were Lsafe7, !e #ea' in*'(des o!er foods, ea*!
wi! a''owa&'e resid(es, and !e +esi*ides on !is food are, as we !a)e seen, on'" a
+ar, and +ossi&'" a s#a'' +ar, of !is oa' eB+os(re, T!is +i'in% (+ of *!e#i*a's fro#
#an" differen so(r*es *reaes a oa' eB+os(re !a *anno &e #eas(red, I is
#eanin%'ess, !erefore, o a'$ a&o( !e Lsafe"7 of an" s+e*ifi* a#o(n of resid(e,
And !ere are o!er defe*s, To'eran*es !a)e so#ei#es &een esa&'is!ed a%ains
!e &eer G(d%#en of =ood and Dr(% Ad#inisraion s*ieniss, as in !e *ase *ied
on page 9=> ff., or !e" !a)e &een esa&'is!ed on !e &asis of inade.(ae
$now'ed%e of !e *!e#i*a' *on*erned, Beer infor#aion !as 'ed o 'aer red(*ion
or wi!drawa' of !e o'eran*e, &( on'" afer !e +(&'i* !as &een eB+osed o
ad#ied'" dan%ero(s 'e)e's of !e *!e#i*a' for #on!s or "ears, T!is !a++ened
w!en !e+a*!'or was %i)en a o'eran*e !a 'aer !ad o &e re)o$ed, =or so#e
*!e#i*a's no +ra*i*a' fie'd #e!od of ana'"sis eBiss &efore a *!e#i*a' is re%isered
for (se, Ins+e*ors are !erefore fr(sraed in !eir sear*! for resid(es, T!is diffi*('"
%rea'" !a#+ered !e wor$ on !e L*ran&err" *!e#i*a'7, a#inoria3o'e, Ana'"i*a'
#e!ods are 'a*$in%, oo, for
*erain f(n%i*ides in *o##on (se for !e rea#en of seedsHseeds w!i*! if (n(sed
a !e end of !e +'anin% season, #a" )er" we'' find !eir wa" ino !(#an food,
In effe*, !en, o esa&'is! o'eran*es is o a(!ori3e *ona#inaion of +(&'i* food
s(++'ies wi! +oisono(s *!e#i*a's in order !a !e far#er and !e +ro*essor #a"
enGo" !e &enefi of *!ea+er +rod(*ionH!en o +ena'i3e !e *ons(#er &" aBin%
!i# o #ainain a +o'i*in% a%en*" o #a$e *erain !a !e s!a'' no %e a 'e!a' dose,
B( o do !e +o'i*in% Go& +ro+er'" wo('d *os #one" &e"ond an" 'e%is'aor7s *o(ra%e
o a++ro+riae, %i)en !e +resen )o'(#e and oBi*i" of a%ri*('(ra' *!e#i*a's, So in
!e end !e '(*$'ess *ons(#er +a"s !is aBes &( %es !is +oisons re%ard'ess, W!a
is !e so'(ionJ T!e firs ne*essi" is !e e'i#inaion of o'eran*es on !e *!'orinaed
!"dro*ar&ons, !e or%ani* +!os+!or(s %ro(+, and o!er !i%!'"
oBi* *!e#i*a's, I wi'' i##ediae'" &e o&Ge*ed !a !is wi'' +'a*e an ino'era&'e &(rden on
!e far#er, B( if, as is now !e +res(#a&'e %oa', i is +ossi&'e o (se *!e#i*a's in
s(*! a wa" !a !e" 'ea)e a resid(e of on'" O +ars +er #i''ion 5!e o'eran*e for
DDT6, or of 8 +ar +er #i''ion 5!e o'eran*e for +ara!ion6, or e)en of on'" K,8 +ar
+er #i''ion as is re.(ired for die'drin on a %rea )arie" of fr(is and )e%ea&'es, !en
w!" is i no +ossi&'e, wi! on'" a 'i'e #ore *are, o +re)en !e o**(rren*e of an"
resid(es a a''J T!is, in fa*, is w!a is re.(ired for so#e *!e#i*a's s(*! as
!e+a*!'or, endrin, and die'drin on *erain *ro+s, If i is *onsidered +ra*i*a' in !ese
insan*es, w!" no for a''J
B( !is is no a *o#+'ee or fina' so'(ion, for a 3ero o'eran*e on +a+er is of 'i'e
)a'(e, A +resen, as we !a)e seen, #ore !an 99 +er *en of !e inersae food
s!i+#ens s'i+ &" wi!o( ins+e*ion, A )i%i'an and a%%ressi)e =ood and Dr(%
Ad#inisraion, wi! a %rea'" in*reased for*e of ins+e*ors, is ano!er (r%en need,
T!is s"se#, !owe)erHde'i&erae'" +oisonin% o(r food, !en +o'i*in% !e res('His
oo re#inis*en of Lewis 1arro''7s W!ie Kni%! w!o !o(%! of La +'an o d"e one7s
w!is$ers %reen, and a'wa"s (se so 'ar%e a fan !a !e" *o('d no &e seen,7 T!e
('i#ae answer is o (se 'ess oBi* *!e#i*a's so !a !e +(&'i* !a3ard fro# !eir
#is(se is %rea'" red(*ed, S(*! *!e#i*a's a'read" eBis2 !e +"re!rins, roenone,
r"ania, and o!ers deri)ed fro# +'an s(&san*es, S"n!ei* s(&si(es for !e
+"re!rins !a)e re*en'" &een de)e'o+ed, and so#e of !e +rod(*in% *o(nries sand
read" o in*rease !e o(+( of !e na(ra' +rod(* as !e #ar$e #a" re.(ire, P(&'i*
ed(*aion as o !e na(re of !e *!e#i*a's offered for sa'e is sad'" needed, T!e
a)era%e +(r*!aser is *o#+'ee'" &ewi'dered &" !e arra" of a)ai'a&'e inse*i*ides,
f(n%i*ides, and weed $i''ers, and !as no wa" of $nowin% w!i*! are !e dead'" ones,
w!i*! reasona&'" safe,
In addiion o #a$in% !is *!an%e o 'ess dan%ero(s a%ri*('(ra' +esi*ides, we
s!o('d di'i%en'" eB+'ore !e +ossi&i'iies of non*!e#i*a' #e!ods, A%ri*('(ra' (se of
inse* diseases, *a(sed &" a &a*eri(# !i%!'" s+e*ifi* for *erain "+es of inse*s, is
a'read" &ein% ried in 1a'ifornia, and #ore eBended ess of !is #e!od are (nder
wa", A %rea #an" o!er +ossi&i'iies eBis for effe*i)e inse* *onro' &" #e!ods !a
wi'' 'ea)e no resid(es on foods 5see Chapter 9=6, Uni' a 'ar%e-s*a'e *on)ersion o
!ese #e!ods !as &een #ade, we s!a'' !a)e 'i'e re'ief fro# a si(aion !a, &" an"
*o##onsense sandards, is ino'era&'e, As #aers sand now, we are in 'i'e &eer
+osiion !an !e %(ess of !e Bor%ias,
(,. T-e H/&)n P'.e
AS THE TIDE of *!e#i*a's &orn of !e Ind(sria' A%e !as arisen o en%('f o(r
en)iron#en, a drasi* *!an%e !as *o#e a&o( in !e na(re of !e #os serio(s
+(&'i* !ea'! +ro&'e#s, On'" "eserda" #an$ind 'i)ed in fear of !e s*o(r%es of
s#a''+oB, *!o'era, and +'a%(e !a on*e swe+ naions &efore !e#, Now o(r #aGor
*on*ern is no 'on%er wi! !e disease or%anis#s !a on*e were o#ni+resenI
saniaion, &eer 'i)in% *ondiions, and new dr(%s !a)e %i)en (s a !i%! de%ree of
*onro' o)er infe*io(s disease, Toda" we are *on*erned wi! a differen $ind of
!a3ard !a '(r$s in o(r en)iron#enHa !a3ard we o(rse')es !a)e inrod(*ed ino
o(r wor'd as o(r #odern wa" of 'ife !as e)o')ed,
T!e new en)iron#ena' !ea'! +ro&'e#s are #('i+'eH*reaed &" radiaion in a'' is
for#s, &orn of !e ne)er-endin% srea# of *!e#i*a's of w!i*! +esi*ides are a +ar,
*!e#i*a's now +er)adin% !e wor'd in w!i*! we 'i)e, a*in% (+on (s dire*'" and
indire*'", se+arae'" and *o''e*i)e'", T!eir +resen*e *ass a s!adow !a is no 'ess
o#ino(s &e*a(se i is for#'ess and o&s*(re, no 'ess fri%!enin% &e*a(se i is si#+'"
i#+ossi&'e o +redi* !e effe*s of 'ifei#e eB+os(re o *!e#i*a' and +!"si*a' a%ens
!a are no +ar of !e &io'o%i*a' eB+erien*e of #an, LWe a'' 'i)e (nder !e !a(nin%
fear !a so#e!in% #a" *orr(+ !e en)iron#en o !e +oin w!ere #an Goins !e
dinosa(rs as an o&so'ee for# of 'ife,7 sa"s Dr, Da)id Pri*e of !e Unied Saes
P(&'i* Hea'! Ser)i*e, LAnd w!a #a$es !ese !o(%!s a'' !e #ore dis(r&in% is !e
$now'ed%e !a o(r fae *o('d +er!a+s &e sea'ed wen" or #ore "ears &efore !e
de)e'o+#en of s"#+o#s,7 W!ere do +esi*ides fi ino !e +i*(re of en)iron#ena'
diseaseJ We !a)e seen !a !e" now *ona#inae soi', waer, and food, !a !e"
!a)e !e +ower o #a$e o(r srea#s fis!'ess and o(r %ardens and wood'ands si'en
and &ird'ess, 4an, !owe)er #(*! !e #a" 'i$e o +reend !e *onrar", is +ar of
na(re, 1an !e es*a+e a +o''(ion !a is now so !oro(%!'" disri&(ed !ro(%!o(
o(r wor'dJ
We $now !a e)en sin%'e eB+os(res o !ese *!e#i*a's, if !e a#o(n is 'ar%e
eno(%!, *an +re*i+iae a*(e +oisonin%, B( !is is no !e #aGor +ro&'e#, T!e
s(dden i''ness or dea! of far#ers, s+ra"#en, +i'os, and o!ers eB+osed o
a++re*ia&'e .(aniies of +esi*ides are ra%i* and s!o('d no o**(r, =or !e
+o+('aion as a w!o'e, we #(s &e #ore *on*erned wi! !e de'a"ed effe*s of
a&sor&in% s#a'' a#o(ns of !e +esi*ides !a in)isi&'" *ona#inae o(r wor'd,
Res+onsi&'e +(&'i* !ea'! offi*ia's !a)e +oined o( !a !e &io'o%i*a' effe*s of
*!e#i*a's are *(#('ai)e o)er 'on% +eriods of i#e, and !a !e !a3ard o !e
indi)id(a' #a" de+end on !e s(# of !e eB+os(res re*ei)ed !ro(%!o( !is 'ifei#e,
=or !ese )er" reasons !e dan%er is easi'" i%nored, I is !(#an na(re o s!r(% off
w!a #a" see# o (s a )a%(e !rea of f((re disaser, L4en are na(ra''" #os
i#+ressed &" diseases w!i*! !a)e o&)io(s #anifesaions,7 sa"s a wise +!"si*ian,
Dr, RenR D(&os, L"e so#e of !eir wors ene#ies *ree+ on !e# (no&r(si)e'",7 =or
ea*! of (s, as for !e ro&in in 4i*!i%an or !e sa'#on in !e 4ira#i*!i, !is is a
+ro&'e# of e*o'o%", of inerre'aions!i+s, of inerde+enden*e, We +oison !e *addis
f'ies in a srea# and !e sa'#on r(ns dwind'e and die, We +oison !e %nas in a 'a$e
and !e +oison ra)e's fro# 'in$ o 'in$ of !e food *!ain and soon !e &irds of !e
'a$e #ar%ins &e*o#e is )i*i#s, We s+ra" o(r e'#s and !e fo''owin% s+rin%s are
si'en of ro&in son%, no &e*a(se we s+ra"ed !e ro&ins dire*'" &( &e*a(se !e
+oison ra)e'ed, se+ &" se+, !ro(%! !e now fa#i'iar e'# 'eaf-ear!wor#-ro&in
*"*'e, T!ese are #aers of re*ord, o&ser)a&'e, +ar
of !e )isi&'e wor'd aro(nd (s, T!e" ref'e* !e we& of 'ifeHor dea!H!a s*ieniss
$now as e*o'o%",
B( !ere is a'so an e*o'o%" of !e wor'd wi!in o(r &odies, In !is (nseen wor'd
#in(e *a(ses +rod(*e #i%!" effe*sI !e effe*, #oreo)er, is ofen see#in%'"
(nre'aed o !e *a(se, a++earin% in a +ar of !e &od" re#oe fro# !e area w!ere
!e ori%ina' inG(r" was s(sained, LA *!an%e a one +oin, in one #o'e*('e e)en, #a"
re)er&erae !ro(%!o( !e enire s"se# o iniiae *!an%es in see#in%'" (nre'aed
or%ans and iss(es,7 sa"s a re*en s(##ar" of !e +resen sa(s of #edi*a'
resear*!, W!en one is *on*erned wi! !e #"serio(s and wonderf(' f(n*ionin% of
!e !(#an &od", *a(se and effe* are se'do# si#+'e and easi'" de#onsraed
re'aions!i+s, T!e" #a" &e wide'" se+araed &o! in s+a*e and i#e, To dis*o)er !e
a%en of disease and dea! de+ends on a +aien +ie*in% o%e!er of #an"
see#in%'" disin* and (nre'aed fa*s de)e'o+ed !ro(%! a )as a#o(n of resear*!
in wide'" se+araed fie'ds,
We are a**(so#ed o 'oo$ for !e %ross and i##ediae effe* and o i%nore a'' e'se,
Un'ess !is a++ears +ro#+'" and in s(*! o&)io(s for# !a i *anno &e i%nored, we
den" !e eBisen*e of !a3ard, E)en resear*! #en s(ffer fro# !e !andi*a+ of
inade.(ae #e!ods of dee*in% !e &e%innin%s of inG(r", T!e 'a*$ of s(ffi*ien'"
de'i*ae #e!ods o dee* inG(r" &efore s"#+o#s a++ear is one of !e %rea
(nso')ed +ro&'e#s in #edi*ine,
LB(,7 so#eone wi'' o&Ge*, LI !a)e (sed die'drin s+ra"s on !e 'awn #an" i#es &( I
!a)e ne)er !ad *on)('sions 'i$e !e Wor'd Hea'! Or%ani3aion s+ra"#enHso i
!asn7 !ar#ed #e,7 I is no !a si#+'e, Des+ie !e a&sen*e of s(dden and dra#ai*
s"#+o#s, one w!o !and'es s(*! #aeria's is (n.(esiona&'" sorin% (+ oBi*
#aeria's in !is &od", Sora%e of !e *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&ons, as we !a)e seen, is
*(#('ai)e, &e%innin% wi! !e s#a''es ina$e, T!e oBi* #aeria's &e*o#e 'od%ed in
a'' !e fa" iss(es of !e &od", W!en !ese reser)es of fa are drawn (+on, !e
+oison #a" !en sri$e .(i*$'", A New Zea'and #edi*a' Go(rna' re*en'" +ro)ided an
eBa#+'e, A #an (nder rea#en for o&esi" s(dden'" de)e'o+ed s"#+o#s of
+oisonin%, On eBa#inaion !is fa was fo(nd o *onain sored die'drin, w!i*! !ad
&een #ea&o'ised as !e 'os wei%!, T!e sa#e !in% *o('d !a++en wi! 'oss of
wei%! in i''ness,
T!e res('s of sora%e, on !e o!er !and, *o('d &e e)en 'ess o&)io(s, Se)era' "ears
a%o !e ;ournal of !e A#eri*an 4edi*a' Asso*iaion warned sron%'" of !e !a3ards
of inse*i*ide sora%e in adi+ose iss(e, +oinin% o( !a dr(%s or *!e#i*a's !a are
*(#('ai)e re.(ire %reaer *a(ion !an !ose !a)in% no enden*" o &e sored in !e
iss(es, T!e adi+ose iss(e, we are warned, is no #ere'" a +'a*e for !e de+osiion
of fa 5w!i*! #a$es (+ a&o( 88 +er *en of !e &od" wei%!6, &( !as #an"
i#+oran f(n*ions wi! w!i*! !e sored +oisons #a" inerfere, =(r!er#ore, fas
are )er" wide'" disri&(ed in !e or%ans and iss(es of !e w!o'e &od", e)en &ein%
*onsi(ens of *e'' #e#&ranes, I is i#+oran o re#e#&er, !erefore, !a !e fa-
so'(&'e inse*i*ides &e*o#e sored in indi)id(a' *e''s, w!ere !e" are in +osiion o
inerfere wi! !e #os )ia' and ne*essar" f(n*ions of oBidaion and ener%"
+rod(*ion, T!is i#+oran as+e* of !e +ro&'e# wi'' &e a$en (+ in !e neB *!a+er,
One of !e #os si%nifi*an fa*s a&o( !e *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&on inse*i*ides is
!eir effe* on !e 'i)er, Of a'' or%ans in !e &od" !e 'i)er is #os eBraordinar", In is
)ersai'i" and in !e indis+ensa&'e na(re of is f(n*ions i !as no e.(a', I +resides
o)er so #an" )ia' a*i)iies !a e)en !e s'i%!es da#a%e o i is fra(%! wi!
serio(s *onse.(en*es, No on'" does i +ro)ide &i'e for !e di%esion of fas, &(
&e*a(se of is 'o*aion and !e s+e*ia' *ir*('aor" +a!wa"s !a *on)er%e (+on i,
!e 'i)er re*ei)es &'ood dire*'" fro# !e di%esi)e ra* and is dee+'"
in)o')ed in !e #ea&o'is# of a'' !e +rin*i+a' foods(ffs, I sores s(%ar in !e for# of
%'"*o%en and re'eases i as %'(*ose in *aref(''" #eas(red .(aniies o $ee+ !e
&'ood s(%ar a a nor#a' 'e)e', I &(i'ds &od" +roeins, in*'(din% so#e essenia'
e'e#ens of &'ood +'as#a *on*erned wi! &'ood-*'oin%, I #ainains *!o'esero' a
is +ro+er 'e)e' in !e &'ood +'as#a, and ina*i)aes !e #a'e and fe#a'e !or#ones
w!en !e" rea*! eB*essi)e 'e)e's, I is a sore!o(se of #an" )ia#ins, so#e of
w!i*! in (rn *onri&(e o is own +ro+er f(n*ionin%,
Wi!o( a nor#a''" f(n*ionin% 'i)er !e &od" wo('d &e disar#edHdefen*e'ess
a%ains !e %rea )arie" of +oisons !a *onin(a''" in)ade i, So#e of !ese are
nor#a' &"-+rod(*s of #ea&o'is#, w!i*! !e 'i)er swif'" and effi*ien'" #a$es
!ar#'ess &" wi!drawin% !eir niro%en, B( +oisons !a !a)e no nor#a' +'a*e in !e
&od" #a" a'so &e deoBified, T!e L!ar#'ess7 inse*i*ides #a'a!ion and
#e!oB"*!'or are 'ess +oisono(s !an !eir re'ai)es on'" &e*a(se a 'i)er en3"#e
dea's wi! !e#, a'erin% !eir #o'e*('es in s(*! a wa" !a !eir *a+a*i" for !ar# is
'essened, In si#i'ar wa"s !e 'i)er dea's wi! !e #aGori" of !e oBi* #aeria's o
w!i*! we are eB+osed,
O(r 'ine of defense a%ains in)adin% +oisons or +oisons fro# wi!in is now
wea$ened and *r(#&'in%, A 'i)er da#a%ed &" +esi*ides is no on'" in*a+a&'e of
+roe*in% (s fro# +oisons, !e w!o'e wide ran%e of is a*i)iies #a" &e inerfered
wi!, No on'" are !e *onse.(en*es far-rea*!in%, &( &e*a(se of !eir )arie" and
!e fa* !a !e" #a" no i##ediae'" a++ear !e" #a" no &e ari&(ed o !eir r(e
*a(se, In *onne*ion wi! !e near'" (ni)ersa' (se of inse*i*ides !a are 'i)er
+oisons, i is ineresin% o noe !e s!ar+ rise in !e+aiis !a &e%an d(rin% !e
89FKs and is *onin(in% a f'(*(ain% *'i#&, 1irr!osis a'so is said o &e in*reasin%,
W!i'e i is ad#ied'" diffi*(', in dea'in% wi! !(#an &ein%s ra!er !an 'a&oraor"
ani#a's, o L+ro)e7 !a *a(se A +rod(*es effe* B, +'ain *o##on sense s(%%ess
!a !e re'aion &eween a soarin% rae of 'i)er disease and !e +re)a'en*e of 'i)er
+oisons in !e en)iron#en is no *oin*iden*e, W!e!er or no !e *!'orinaed
!"dro*ar&ons are !e +ri#ar" *a(se, i see#s !ard'" sensi&'e (nder !e
*ir*(#san*es o eB+ose o(rse')es o +oisons !a !a)e a +ro)en a&i'i" o da#a%e
!e 'i)er and so +res(#a&'" o #a$e i 'ess resisan o disease,
Bo! #aGor "+es of inse*i*ides, !e *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&ons and !e or%ani*
+!os+!aes, dire*'" affe* !e ner)o(s s"se#, a'!o(%! in so#ew!a differen wa"s,
T!is !as &een #ade *'ear &" an infinie n(#&er of eB+eri#ens on ani#a's and &"
o&ser)aions on !(#an s(&Ge*s as we'', As for DDT, !e firs of !e new or%ani*
inse*i*ides o &e wide'" (sed, is a*ion is +ri#ari'" on !e *enra' ner)o(s s"se# of
#anI !e *ere&e''(# and !e !i%!er #oor *oreB are !o(%! o &e !e areas *!ief'"
affe*ed, A&nor#a' sensaions as of +ri*$'in%, &(rnin%, or i*!in%, as we'' as re#ors
or e)en *on)('sions #a" fo''ow eB+os(re o a++re*ia&'e a#o(ns, a**ordin% o a
sandard eB&oo$ of oBi*o'o%",
O(r firs $now'ed%e of !e s"#+o#s of a*(e +oisonin% &" DDT was f(rnis!ed &"
se)era' Briis! in)esi%aors, w!o de'i&erae'" eB+osed !e#se')es in order o 'earn
!e *onse.(en*es, Two s*ieniss a !e Briis! Ro"a' Na)" P!"sio'o%i*a' La&oraor"
in)ied a&sor+ion of DDT !ro(%! !e s$in &" dire* *ona* wi! wa''s *o)ered wi! a
waer so'(&'e +ain *onainin% ; +er *en DDT, o)er'aid wi! a !in fi'# of oi', T!e
dire* effe* on !e ner)o(s s"se# is a++aren in !eir e'o.(en des*ri+ion of !eir
s"#+o#s2 LT!e iredness, !ea)iness, and a*!in% of 'i#&s were )er" rea' !in%s, and
!e #ena' sae was a'so #os disressin%,,,V!ere wasW eBre#e irria&i'i",,,%rea
disase for wor$ of an" sor,,,a fee'in% of #ena' in*o#+een*e in a*$'in% !e
si#+'es #ena' as$, T!e Goin +ains were .(ie )io'en a i#es,7
Ano!er Briis! eB+eri#ener w!o a++'ied DDT in a*eone so'(ion o !is s$in
re+ored !ea)iness and a*!in% of 'i#&s, #(s*('ar wea$ness, and Ls+as#s of
eBre#e ner)o(s ension7, He oo$ a !o'ida" and i#+ro)ed, &( on re(rn o wor$ !is
*ondiion deerioraed, He !en s+en !ree wee$s in &ed, #ade #isera&'e &"
*onsan a*!in% in 'i#&s, inso#nia, ner)o(s ension, and fee'in%s of a*(e anBie",
On o**asion re#ors s!oo$ !is w!o'e &od"Hre#ors of !e sor now #ade a'' oo
fa#i'iar &" !e si%! of &irds +oisoned &" DDT, T!e eB+eri#ener 'os 8K wee$s fro#
!is wor$, and a !e end of a "ear, w!en !is *ase was re+ored in a Briis! #edi*a'
Go(rna', re*o)er" was no *o#+'ee, 5Des+ie !is e)iden*e, se)era' A#eri*an
in)esi%aors *ond(*in% an eB+eri#en wi! DDT on )o'(neer s(&Ge*s dis#issed
!e *o#+'ain of !eada*!e and L+ain in e)er" &one7 as Lo&)io(s'" of +s"*!one(roi*
ori%in7,6
T!ere are now #an" *ases on re*ord in w!i*! &o! !e s"#+o#s and !e w!o'e
*o(rse of !e i''ness +oin o inse*i*ides as !e *a(se, T"+i*a''", s(*! a )i*i# !as
!ad a $nown eB+os(re o one of !e inse*i*ides, !is s"#+o#s !a)e s(&sided
(nder rea#en w!i*! in*'(ded !e eB*'(sion of a'' inse*i*ides fro# !is
en)iron#en, and #os si%nifi*an'" have returned with each renewed contact wi!
!e offendin% *!e#i*a's, T!is sor of e)iden*eHand no #oreH for#s !e &asis of a
)as a#o(n of #edi*a' !era+" in #an" o!er disorders, T!ere is no reason w!" i
s!o('d no ser)e as a warnin% !a i is no 'on%er sensi&'e o a$e !e L*a'*('aed ris$7
of sa(rain% o(r en)iron#en wi! +esi*ides, W!" does no e)er"one !and'in% and
(sin% inse*i*ides de)e'o+ !e sa#e s"#+o#sJ Here !e #aer of indi)id(a'
sensii)i" eners in, T!ere is so#e e)iden*e !a wo#en are #ore s(s*e+i&'e !an
#en, !e )er" "o(n% #ore !an ad('s, !ose w!o 'ead sedenar", indoor 'i)es #ore
!an !ose 'eadin% a r(%%ed 'ife of wor$ or eBer*ise in !e o+en, Be"ond !ese
differen*es are o!ers !a are no 'ess rea' &e*a(se !e" are inan%i&'e, W!a #a$es
one +erson a''er%i* o d(s or +o''en, sensii)e o a +oison, or s(s*e+i&'e o an
infe*ion w!ereas ano!er is no is a #edi*a' #"ser" for w!i*! !ere is a +resen no
eB+'anaion, T!e +ro&'e# ne)er!e'ess eBiss and i affe*s si%nifi*an n(#&ers of
!e +o+('aion, So#e +!"si*ians esi#ae !a a !ird or #ore of !eir +aiens s!ow
si%ns of so#e for# of sensii)i", and !a !e n(#&er is %rowin%, And (nfor(nae'",
sensii)i" #a" s(dden'" de)e'o+ in a +erson +re)io(s'" insensii)e, In fa*, so#e
#edi*a' #en &e'ie)e !a iner#ien eB+os(res o *!e#i*a's #a" +rod(*e G(s s(*!
sensii)i", If !is is r(e, i #a" eB+'ain w!" so#e s(dies on #en s(&Ge*ed o
*onin(o(s o**(+aiona' eB+os(re find 'i'e e)iden*e of oBi* effe*s, B" !eir
*onsan *ona* wi! !e *!e#i*a's !ese #en $ee+ !e#se')es desensii3edHas
an a''er%is $ee+s !is +aiens desensii3ed &" re+eaed s#a'' inGe*ions of !e
a''er%en, T!e w!o'e +ro&'e# of +esi*ide +oisonin% is enor#o(s'" *o#+'i*aed &" !e
fa* !a a !(#an &ein%, (n'i$e a 'a&oraor" ani#a' 'i)in% (nder ri%id'" *onro''ed
*ondiions, is ne)er eB+osed o one *!e#i*a' a'one, Beween !e #aGor %ro(+s of
inse*i*ides, and &eween !e# and o!er *!e#i*a's, !ere are inera*ions !a !a)e
serio(s +oenia's, W!e!er re'eased ino soi' or waer or a #an7s &'ood, !ese
(nre'aed *!e#i*a's do no re#ain se%re%aedI !ere are #"serio(s and (nseen
*!an%es &" w!i*! one a'ers !e +ower of ano!er for !ar#, T!ere is inera*ion e)en
&eween !e wo #aGor %ro(+s of inse*i*ides (s(a''" !o(%! o &e *o#+'ee'"
disin* in !eir a*ion, T!e +ower of !e or%ani* +!os+!aes, !ose +oisoners of !e
ner)e-+roe*i)e en3"#e *!o'ineserase, #a" &e*o#e %reaer if !e &od" !as firs
&een eB+osed o a *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&on w!i*! inG(res !e 'i)er, T!is is &e*a(se,
w!en 'i)er f(n*ion is dis(r&ed, !e *!o'ineserase 'e)e' dro+s &e'ow nor#a', T!e
added de+ressi)e effe* of !e or%ani* +!os+!ae #a" !en &e eno(%! o +re*i+iae
a*(e
s"#+o#s, And as we !a)e seen, +airs of !e or%ani* +!os+!aes !e#se')es #a"
inera* in s(*! a wa" as o in*rease !eir oBi*i" a !(ndredfo'd, Or !e or%ani*
+!os+!aes #a" inera* wi! )ario(s dr(%s, or wi! s"n!ei* #aeria's, food
addii)esHw!o *an sa" w!a e'se of !e infinie n(#&er of #an#ade s(&san*es
!a now +er)ade o(r wor'dJ
T!e effe* of a *!e#i*a' of s(++osed'" inno*(o(s na(re *an &e drasi*a''" *!an%ed
&" !e a*ion of ano!erI one of !e &es eBa#+'es is a *'ose re'ai)e of DDT *a''ed
#e!oB"*!'or, 5A*(a''", #e!oB"*!'or #a" no &e as free fro# dan%ero(s .(a'iies
as i is %enera''" said o &e, for re*en wor$ on eB+eri#ena' ani#a's s!ows a dire*
a*ion on !e (er(s and a &'o*$in% effe* on so#e of !e +owerf(' +i(iar"
!or#onesHre#indin% (s a%ain !a !ese are *!e#i*a's wi! enor#o(s &io'o%i*
effe*, O!er wor$ s!ows !a #e!oB"*!'or !as a +oenia' a&i'i" o da#a%e !e
$idne"s,6 Be*a(se i is no sored o an" %rea eBen w!en %i)en a'one, we are o'd
!a #e!oB"*!'or is a safe *!e#i*a', B( !is is no ne*essari'" r(e, If !e 'i)er !as
&een da#a%ed &" ano!er a%en, #e!oB"*!'or is sored in !e &od" a 933 ti+es is
nor#a' rae, and wi'' !en i#iae !e effe*s of DDT wi! 'on%-'asin% effe*s on !e
ner)o(s s"se#, <e !e 'i)er da#a%e !a &rin%s !is a&o( #i%! &e so s'i%! as o
+ass (nnoi*ed, I #i%! !a)e &een !e res(' of an" of a n(#&er of *o##on+'a*e
si(aionsH(sin% ano!er inse*i*ide, (sin% a *'eanin% f'(id *onainin% *ar&on
era*!'oride, or a$in% one of !e so-*a''ed ran.(i'i3in% dr(%s, a n(#&er 5&( no a''6
of w!i*! are *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&ons and +ossess +ower o da#a%e !e 'i)er,
Da#a%e o !e ner)o(s s"se# is no *onfined o a*(e +oisonin%I !ere #a" a'so &e
de'a"ed effe*s fro# eB+os(re, Lon%-'asin% da#a%e o &rain or ner)es !as &een
re+ored for #e!oB"*!'or and o!ers, Die'drin, &esides is i##ediae *onse.(en*es,
*an !a)e 'on% de'a"ed effe*s ran%in% fro# L'oss of #e#or", inso#nia, and
ni%!#ares o #ania7, Lindane, a**ordin% o #edi*a' findin%s, is sored in si%nifi*an
a#o(ns in !e &rain and f(n*ionin% 'i)er iss(e and #a" ind(*e L+rofo(nd and 'on%
'asin% effe*s on !e *enra' ner)o(s s"se#7, <e !is *!e#i*a', a for# of &en3ene
!eBa*!'oride, is #(*! (sed in )a+ori3ers, de)i*es !a +o(r a srea# of )o'ai'i3ed
inse*i*ide )a+or ino !o#es, offi*es, resa(rans, T!e or%ani* +!os+!aes, (s(a''"
*onsidered on'" in re'aion o !eir #ore )io'en #anifesaions in a*(e +oisonin%,
a'so !a)e !e +ower o +rod(*e 'asin% +!"si*a' da#a%e o ner)e iss(es and,
a**ordin% o re*en findin%s, o ind(*e #ena' disorders, Eario(s *ases of de'a"ed
+ara'"sis !a)e fo''owed (se of one or ano!er of !ese inse*i*ides, A &i3arre
!a++enin% in !e Unied Saes d(rin% !e +ro!i&iion era a&o( 89>K was an o#en
of !in%s o *o#e, I was *a(sed no &" an inse*i*ide &( &" a s(&san*e &e'on%in%
*!e#i*a''" o !e sa#e %ro(+ as !e or%ani* +!os+!ae inse*i*ides, D(rin% !a
+eriod so#e #edi*ina' s(&san*es were &ein% +ressed ino ser)i*e as s(&si(es for
'i.(or, &ein% eBe#+ fro# !e +ro!i&iion 'aw, One of !ese was ?a#ai*a %in%er, B(
!e #nited States 6har+acopeia +rod(* was eB+ensi)e, and &oo'e%%ers *on*ei)ed
!e idea of #a$in% a s(&si(e ?a#ai*a %in%er, T!e" s(**eeded so we'' !a !eir
s+(rio(s +rod(* res+onded o !e a++ro+riae *!e#i*a' ess and de*ei)ed !e
%o)ern#en *!e#iss, To %i)e !eir fa'se %in%er !e ne*essar" an% !e" !ad
inrod(*ed a *!e#i*a' $nown as rior!o*res"' +!os+!ae, T!is *!e#i*a', 'i$e
+ara!ion and is re'ai)es, desro"s !e +roe*i)e en3"#e *!o'ineserase, As a
*onse.(en*e of drin$in% !e &oo'e%%ers7 +rod(* so#e 8F,KKK +eo+'e de)e'o+ed a
+er#anen'" *ri++'in% "+e of +ara'"sis of !e 'e% #(s*'es, a *ondiion now *a''ed
L%in%er +ara'"sis7, T!e +ara'"sis was a**o#+anied &" desr(*ion of !e ner)e
s!ea!s and &" de%eneraion of !e *e''s of !e anerior !orns of !e s+ina' *ord,
A&o( wo de*ades 'aer )ario(s o!er or%ani* +!os+!aes *a#e ino (se as
inse*i*ides, as we !a)e seen, and soon *ases re#inis*en of !e %in%er +ara'"sis
e+isode &e%an o o**(r, One was a %reen!o(se wor$er in Ger#an" w!o &e*a#e
+ara'"3ed se)era' #on!s afer eB+erien*in% #i'd s"#+o#s of +oisonin% on a few
o**asions afer (sin% +ara!ion, T!en a %ro(+ of !ree *!e#i*a' +'an wor$ers
de)e'o+ed a*(e +oisonin% fro# eB+os(re o o!er inse*i*ides of !is %ro(+, T!e"
re*o)ered (nder rea#en, &( en da"s 'aer wo of !e# de)e'o+ed #(s*('ar
wea$ness in !e 'e%s, T!is +ersised for 8K #on!s in oneI !e o!er, a "o(n% wo#an
*!e#is, was #ore se)ere'" affe*ed, wi! +ara'"sis in &o! 'e%s and so#e
in)o')e#en of !e !ands and ar#s, Two "ears 'aer w!en !er *ase was re+ored in
a #edi*a' Go(rna' s!e was si'' (na&'e o wa'$, T!e inse*i*ide res+onsi&'e for !ese
*ases !as &een wi!drawn fro# !e #ar$e, &( so#e of !ose now in (se #a" &e
*a+a&'e of 'i$e !ar#, 4a'a!ion 5&e'o)ed of %ardeners6 !as ind(*ed se)ere #(s*('ar
wea$ness in eB+eri#ens on *!i*$ens, T!is was aended 5as in %in%er +ara'"sis6 &"
desr(*ion of !e s!ea!s of !e s*iai* and s+ina' ner)es, A'' !ese *onse.(en*es
of or%ani* +!os+!ae +oisonin%, if s(r)i)ed, #a" &e a +re'(de o worse, In )iew of
!e se)ere da#a%e !e" inf'i* (+on !e ner)o(s s"se#, i was +er!a+s ine)ia&'e !a
!ese inse*i*ides wo('d e)en(a''" &e 'in$ed wi! #ena' disease, T!a 'in$ !as
re*en'" &een s(++'ied &" in)esi%aors a !e Uni)ersi" of 4e'&o(rne and Prin*e
Henr"7s Hos+ia' in 4e'&o(rne, w!o re+ored on 8: *ases of #ena' disease, A'' !ad
a !isor" of +ro'on%ed eB+os(re o or%ani* +!os+!or(s inse*i*ides, T!ree were
s*ieniss *!e*$in% !e effi*a*" of s+ra"sI 8 wor$ed in %reen!o(sesI F were far#
wor$ers, T!eir s"#+o#s ran%ed fro# i#+air#en of #e#or" o s*!i3o+!reni* and
de+ressi)e rea*ions, A'' !ad nor#a' #edi*a' !isories &efore !e *!e#i*a's !e"
were (sin% &oo#eran%ed and sr(*$ !e# down,
E*!oes of !is sor of !in% are o &e fo(nd, as we !a)e seen, wide'" s*aered
!ro(%!o( #edi*a' 'iera(re, so#ei#es in)o')in% !e *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&ons,
so#ei#es !e or%ani* +!os+!aes, 1onf(sion, de'(sions, 'oss of #e#or", #aniaHa
!ea)" +ri*e o +a" for !e e#+orar" desr(*ion of a few inse*s, &( a +ri*e !a wi''
*onin(e o &e eBa*ed as 'on% as we insis (+on (sin% *!e#i*a's !a sri$e dire*'"
a !e ner)o(s s"se#,
(0. T-'o/%- ) N)''o" W.n$o"
THE BIOLOGIST Geor%e Wa'd on*e *o#+ared !is wor$ on an eB*eedin%'"
s+e*ia'i3ed s(&Ge*, !e )is(a' +i%#ens of !e e"e, o La )er" narrow window !ro(%!
w!i*! a a disan*e one *an see on'" a *ra*$ of 'i%!, As one *o#es *'oser !e )iew
%rows wider and wider, (ni' fina''" !ro(%! !is sa#e narrow window one is 'oo$in%
a !e (ni)erse,7 So i is !a on'" w!en we &rin% o(r fo*(s o &ear, firs on !e
indi)id(a' *e''s of !e &od", !en on !e #in(e sr(*(res wi!in !e *e''s, and fina''"
on !e ('i#ae rea*ions of #o'e*('es wi!in !ese sr(*(resHon'" w!en we do !is
*an we *o#+re!end !e #os serio(s and far-rea*!in% effe*s of !e !a+!a3ard
inrod(*ion of forei%n *!e#i*a's ino o(r inerna' en)iron#en, 4edi*a' resear*! !as
on'" ra!er re*en'" (rned o !e f(n*ionin% of !e indi)id(a' *e'' in +rod(*in% !e
ener%" !a is !e indis+ensa&'e .(a'i" of 'ife, T!e eBraordinar" ener%"- +rod(*in%
#e*!anis# of !e &od" is &asi* no on'" o !ea'! &( o 'ifeI i rans*ends in
i#+oran*e e)en !e #os )ia' or%ans, for wi!o( !e s#oo! and effe*i)e
f(n*ionin% of ener%"-"ie'din% oBidaion none of !e &od"7s f(n*ions *an &e
+erfor#ed, <e !e na(re of #an" of !e *!e#i*a's (sed a%ains inse*s, rodens,
and weeds is s(*! !a !e" #a" sri$e dire*'" a !is s"se#, disr(+in% is
&ea(if(''" f(n*ionin% #e*!anis#,
T!e resear*! !a 'ed o o(r +resen (ndersandin% of *e''('ar oBidaion is one of !e
#os i#+ressi)e a**o#+'is!#ens in a'' &io'o%" and &io*!e#isr", T!e roser of
*onri&(ors o !is wor$ in*'(des #an" No&e' Pri3e winners, Se+ &" se+ i !as
&een %oin% on for a .(arer of a *en(r", drawin% on e)en ear'ier wor$ for so#e of is
fo(ndaion sones, E)en "e i is no *o#+'ee in a'' deai's, And on'" wi!in !e +as
de*ade !a)e a'' !e )aried +ie*es of resear*! *o#e o for# a w!o'e so !a
&io'o%i*a' oBidaion *o('d &e*o#e +ar of !e *o##on $now'ed%e of &io'o%iss, E)en
#ore i#+oran is !e fa* !a #edi*a' #en w!o re*ei)ed !eir &asi* rainin% &efore
89FK !a)e !ad 'i'e o++or(ni" o rea'i3e !e *rii*a' i#+oran*e of !e +ro*ess and
!e !a3ards of disr(+in% i,
T!e ('i#ae wor$ of ener%" +rod(*ion is a**o#+'is!ed no in an" s+e*ia'i3ed or%an
&( in e)er" *e'' of !e &od", A 'i)in% *e'', 'i$e a f'a#e, &(rns f(e' o +rod(*e !e
ener%" on w!i*! 'ife de+ends, T!e ana'o%" is #ore +oei* !an +re*ise, for !e *e''
a**o#+'is!es is L&(rnin%7 wi! on'" !e #oderae !ea of !e &od"7s nor#a'
e#+era(re, <e a'' !ese &i''ions of %en'" &(rnin% 'i'e fires s+ar$ !e ener%" of 'ife,
S!o('d !e" *ease o &(rn, Lno !ear *o('d &ea, no +'an *o('d %row (+ward def"in%
%ra)i", no a#oe&a *o('d swi#, no sensaion *o('d s+eed a'on% a ner)e, no !o(%!
*o('d f'as! in !e !(#an &rain,7 said !e *!e#is E(%ene Ra&inowi*!,
T!e ransfor#aion of #aer ino ener%" in !e *e'' is an e)er-f'owin% +ro*ess, one of
na(re7s *"*'es of renewa', 'i$e a w!ee' end'ess'" (rnin%, Grain &" %rain, #o'e*('e
&" #o'e*('e, *ar&o!"drae f(e' in !e for# of %'(*ose is fed ino !is w!ee'I in is
*"*'i* +assa%e !e f(e' #o'e*('e (nder%oes fra%#enaion and a series of #in(e
*!e#i*a' *!an%es, T!e *!an%es are #ade in order'" fas!ion, se+ &" se+, ea*! se+
dire*ed and *onro''ed &" an en3"#e of so s+e*ia'i3ed a f(n*ion !a i does !is
one !in% and no!in% e'se, A ea*! se+ ener%" is +rod(*ed, wase +rod(*s 5*ar&on
dioBide and waer6 are %i)en off, and !e a'ered #o'e*('e of f(e' is +assed on o !e
neB sa%e, W!en !e (rnin% w!ee' *o#es f('' *"*'e !e f(e' #o'e*('e
!as &een sri++ed down o a for# in w!i*! i is read" o *o#&ine wi! a new #o'e*('e
*o#in% in and o sar !e *"*'e anew,
T!is +ro*ess &" w!i*! !e *e'' f(n*ions as a *!e#i*a' fa*or" is one of !e wonders
of !e 'i)in% wor'd, T!e fa* !a a'' !e f(n*ionin% +ars are of infiniesi#a' si3e adds
o !e #ira*'e, Wi! few eB*e+ions *e''s !e#se')es are #in(e, seen on'" wi! !e
aid of a #i*ros*o+e, <e !e %reaer +ar of !e wor$ of oBidaion is +erfor#ed in a
!eaer far s#a''er, in in" %ran('es wi!in !e *e'' *a''ed #io*!ondria, A'!o(%!
$nown for #ore !an :K "ears, !ese were for#er'" dis#issed as *e''('ar e'e#ens of
(n$nown and +ro&a&'" (ni#+oran f(n*ion, On'" in !e 89FKs did !eir s(d"
&e*o#e an eB*iin% and fr(if(' fie'd of resear*!I s(dden'" !e" &e%an o en%a%e so
#(*! aenion !a 8KKK +a+ers on !is s(&Ge* a'one a++eared wi!in a fi)e-"ear
+eriod, A%ain one sands in awe a !e #ar)e'o(s in%en(i" and +aien*e &" w!i*!
!e #"ser" of !e #io*!ondria !as &een so')ed, I#a%ine a +ari*'e so s#a'' !a
"o( *an &are'" see i e)en !o(%! a #i*ros*o+e !as en'ar%ed i for "o( >KK i#es,
T!en i#a%ine !e s$i'' re.(ired o iso'ae !is +ari*'e, o a$e i a+ar and ana'"3e is
*o#+onens and deer#ine !eir !i%!'" *o#+'eB f(n*ionin%, <e !is !as &een done
wi! !e aid of !e e'e*ron #i*ros*o+e and !e e*!ni.(es of !e &io*!e#is,
I is now $nown !a !e #io*!ondria are in" +a*$es of en3"#es, a )aried
assor#en in*'(din% a'' !e en3"#es ne*essar" for !e oBidai)e *"*'e, arran%ed in
+re*ise and order'" arra" on wa''s and +ariions, T!e #io*!ondria are !e
L+ower!o(ses7 in w!i*! #os of !e ener%"-+rod(*in% rea*ions o**(r, Afer !e firs,
+re'i#inar" se+s of oBidaion !a)e &een +erfor#ed in !e *"o+'as# !e f(e'
#o'e*('e is a$en ino !e #io*!ondria, I is !ere !a oBidaion is *o#+'eedI i is
!ere !a enor#o(s a#o(ns of ener%" are re'eased, T!e end'ess'" (rnin% w!ee's
of oBidaion wi!in !e #io*!ondria wo('d (rn o 'i'e +(r+ose if i were no for !is
a''-i#+oran res(', T!e ener%" +rod(*ed a ea*! sa%e of !e oBidai)e *"*'e is in a
for# fa#i'iar'" s+o$en of &" !e &io*!e#iss as ATP 5adenosine ri+!os+!ae6, a
#o'e*('e *onainin% !ree +!os+!ae %ro(+s, T!e ro'e of ATP in f(rnis!in% ener%"
*o#es fro# !e fa* !a i *an ransfer one of is +!os+!ae %ro(+s o o!er
s(&san*es, a'on% wi! !e ener%" of is &onds of e'e*rons s!('in% &a*$ and for!
a !i%! s+eed, T!(s, in a #(s*'e *e'', ener%" o *onra* is %ained w!en a er#ina'
+!os+!ae %ro(+ is ransferred o !e *onra*in% #(s*'e, So ano!er *"*'e a$es
+'a*eHa *"*'e wi!in a *"*'e2 a #o'e*('e of ATP %i)es (+ one of is +!os+!ae
%ro(+s and reains on'" wo, &e*o#in% a di+!os+!ae #o'e*('e, ADP, B( as !e
w!ee' (rns f(r!er ano!er +!os+!ae %ro(+ is *o(+'ed on and !e +oen ATP is
resored, T!e ana'o%" of !e sora%e &aer" !as &een (sed2 ATP re+resens !e
*!ar%ed, ADP !e dis*!ar%ed &aer",
ATP is !e (ni)ersa' *(rren*" of ener%"Hfo(nd in a'' or%anis#s fro# #i*ro&es o
#an, I f(rnis!es #e*!ani*a' ener%" o #(s*'e *e''sI e'e*ri*a' ener%" o ner)e *e''s,
T!e s+er# *e'', !e feri'i3ed e%% read" for !e enor#o(s &(rs of a*i)i" !a wi''
ransfor# i ino a fro% or a &ird or a !(#an infan, !e *e'' !a #(s *reae a
!or#one, a'' are s(++'ied wi! ATP, So#e of !e ener%" of ATP is (sed in !e
#io*!ondrion &( #os of i is i##ediae'" dis+a*!ed ino !e *e'' o +ro)ide +ower
for o!er a*i)iies, T!e 'o*aion of !e #io*!ondria wi!in *erain *e''s is e'o.(en of
!eir f(n*ion, sin*e !e" are +'a*ed so !a ener%" *an &e de'i)ered +re*ise'" w!ere
i is needed, In #(s*'e *e''s !e" *'(ser aro(nd *onra*in% fi&ersI in ner)e *e''s !e"
are fo(nd a !e G(n*ion wi! ano!er *e'', s(++'"in% ener%" for !e ransfer of
i#+('sesI in s+er# *e''s !e" are *on*enraed a !e +oin w!ere !e +ro+e''an ai'
is Goined o !e !ead,
T!e *!ar%in% of !e &aer", in w!i*! ADP and a free +!os+!ae %ro(+ are *o#&ined
o resore ATP, is *o(+'ed o !e oBidai)e +ro*essI !e *'ose 'in$in% is $nown as
*o(+'ed +!os+!or"'aion, If !e *o#&inaion &e*o#es (n*o(+'ed, !e #eans is 'os
for +ro)idin% (sa&'e ener%", Res+iraion *onin(es &( no ener%" is +rod(*ed, T!e
*e'' !as &e*o#e 'i$e a ra*in% en%ine, %enerain% !ea &( "ie'din% no +ower, T!en
!e #(s*'e *anno *onra*, nor *an !e i#+('se ra*e a'on% !e ner)e +a!wa"s,
T!en !e s+er# *anno #o)e o is desinaionI !e feri'i3ed e%% *anno *arr" o
*o#+'eion is *o#+'eB di)isions and e'a&oraions, T!e *onse.(en*es of (n*o(+'in%
*o('d indeed &e disasro(s for an" or%anis# fro# e#&r"o o ad('2 in i#e i *o('d
'ead o !e dea! of !e iss(e or e)en of !e or%anis#, How *an (n*o(+'in% &e
&ro(%! a&o(J Radiaion is an (n*o(+'er, and !e dea! of *e''s eB+osed o
radiaion is !o(%! &" so#e o &e &ro(%! a&o( in !is wa", Unfor(nae'", a %ood
#an" *!e#i*a's a'so !a)e !e +ower o se+arae oBidaion fro# ener%" +rod(*ion,
and !e inse*i*ides and weed $i''ers are we'' re+resened on !e 'is, T!e +!eno's,
as we !a)e seen, !a)e a sron% effe* on #ea&o'is#, *a(sin% a +oenia''" faa' rise
in e#+era(reI !is is &ro(%! a&o( &" !e Lra*in% en%ine7 effe* of (n*o(+'in%, T!e
diniro+!eno's and +ena*!'oro+!eno's are eBa#+'es of !is %ro(+ !a !a)e
wides+read (se as !er&i*ides, Ano!er (n*o(+'er a#on% !e !er&i*ides is ;,M-D, Of
!e *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&ons, DDT is a +ro)en (n*o(+'er and f(r!er s(d" wi''
+ro&a&'" re)ea' o!ers a#on% !is %ro(+, B( (n*o(+'in% is no !e on'" wa" o
eBin%(is! !e 'i'e fires in so#e or a'' of !e &od"7s &i''ions of *e''s, We !a)e seen
!a ea*! se+ in oBidaion is dire*ed and eB+edied &" a s+e*ifi* en3"#e, W!en
an" of !ese en3"#esHe)en a sin%'e one of !e#H is desro"ed or wea$ened, !e
*"*'e of oBidaion wi!in !e *e'' *o#es o a !a', I #a$es no differen*e w!i*!
en3"#e is affe*ed, OBidaion +ro%resses in a *"*'e 'i$e a (rnin% w!ee', If we !r(s
a *row&ar &eween !e s+o$es of a w!ee' i #a$es no differen*e w!ere we do i, !e
w!ee' so+s (rnin%, In !e sa#e wa", if we desro" an en3"#e !a f(n*ions a an"
+oin in !e *"*'e, oBidaion *eases, T!ere is !en no f(r!er ener%" +rod(*ion, so
!e end effe* is )er" si#i'ar o (n*o(+'in%,
T!e *row&ar o wre*$ !e w!ee's of oBidaion *an &e s(++'ied &" an" of a n(#&er of
*!e#i*a's *o##on'" (sed as +esi*ides, DDT, #e!oB"*!'or, #a'a!ion,
+!eno!ia3ine, and )ario(s diniro *o#+o(nds are a#on% !e n(#ero(s +esi*ides
!a !a)e &een fo(nd o in!i&i one or #ore of !e en3"#es *on*erned in !e *"*'e of
oBidaion, T!e" !(s a++ear as a%ens +oenia''" *a+a&'e of &'o*$in% !e w!o'e
+ro*ess of ener%" +rod(*ion and de+ri)in% !e *e''s of (i'i3a&'e oB"%en, T!is is an
inG(r" wi! #os disasro(s *onse.(en*es, on'" a few of w!i*! *an &e #enioned
!ere, 4ere'" &" s"se#ai*a''" wi!!o'din% oB"%en, eB+eri#eners !a)e *a(sed
nor#a' *e''s o (rn ino *an*er *e''s, as we s!a'' see in !e fo''owin% *!a+er, So#e
!in of o!er drasi* *onse.(en*es of de+ri)in% a *e'' of oB"%en *an &e seen in
ani#a' eB+eri#ens on de)e'o+in% e#&r"os, Wi! ins(ffi*ien oB"%en !e order'"
+ro*esses &" w!i*! !e iss(es (nfo'd and !e or%ans de)e'o+ are disr(+edI
#a'for#aions and o!er a&nor#a'iies !en o**(r, Pres(#a&'" !e !(#an e#&r"o
de+ri)ed of oB"%en #a" a'so de)e'o+ *on%enia' defor#iies,
T!ere are si%ns !a an in*rease in s(*! disasers is &ein% noi*ed, e)en !o(%! few
'oo$ far eno(%! o find a'' of !e *a(ses, In one of !e #ore (n+'easan +orens of
!e i#es, !e Offi*e of Eia' Saisi*s in 89:8 iniiaed a naiona' a&('aion of
#a'for#aions a &ir!, wi! !e eB+'anaor" *o##en !a !e res('in% saisi*s
wo('d +ro)ide needed fa*s on !e in*iden*e of *on%enia' #a'for#aions and !e
*ir*(#san*es (nder w!i*! !e" o**(r, S(*! s(dies wi''
no do(& &e dire*ed 'ar%e'" oward #eas(rin% !e effe*s of radiaion, &( i #(s no
&e o)er'oo$ed !a #an" *!e#i*a's are !e +arners of radiaion, +rod(*in% +re*ise'"
!e sa#e effe*s, So#e of !e defe*s and #a'for#aions in o#orrow7s *!i'dren,
%ri#'" ani*i+aed &" !e Offi*e of Eia' Saisi*s, wi'' a'#os *erain'" &e *a(sed &"
!ese *!e#i*a's !a +er#eae o(r o(er and inner wor'ds, I #a" we'' &e !a so#e
of !e findin%s a&o( di#inis!ed re+rod(*ion are a'so 'in$ed wi! inerferen*e wi!
&io'o%i*a' oBidaion, and *onse.(en de+'eion of !e a''-i#+oran sora%e &aeries
of ATP, T!e e%%, e)en &efore feri'i3aion, needs o &e %enero(s'" s(++'ied wi! ATP,
read" and waiin% for !e enor#o(s effor, !e )as eB+endi(re of ener%" !a wi'' &e
re.(ired on*e !e s+er# !as enered and feri'i3aion !as o**(rred, W!e!er !e
s+er# *e'' wi'' rea*! and +enerae !e e%% de+ends (+on is own s(++'" of ATP,
%eneraed in !e #io*!ondria !i*$'" *'(sered in !e ne*$ of !e *e'', On*e
feri'i3aion is a**o#+'is!ed and *e'' di)ision !as &e%(n, !e s(++'" of ener%" in !e
for# of ATP wi'' 'ar%e'" deer#ine w!e!er !e de)e'o+#en of !e e#&r"o wi''
+ro*eed o *o#+'eion, E#&r"o'o%iss s(d"in% so#e of !eir #os *on)enien
s(&Ge*s, !e e%%s of fro%s and of sea (r*!ins, !a)e fo(nd !a if !e ATP *onen is
red(*ed &e'ow a *erain *rii*a' 'e)e' !e e%% si#+'" so+s di)idin% and soon dies,
I is no an i#+ossi&'e se+ fro# !e e#&r"o'o%" 'a&oraor" o !e a++'e ree w!ere a
ro&in7s nes !o'ds is *o#+'e#en of &'(e-%reen e%%sI &( !e e%%s 'ie *o'd, !e fires
of 'ife !a f'i*$ered for a few da"s now eBin%(is!ed, Or o !e o+ of a a'' ='orida
+ine w!ere a )as +i'e of wi%s and si*$s in ordered disorder !o'ds !ree 'ar%e w!ie
e%%s, *o'd and 'ife'ess, W!" did !e ro&ins and !e ea%'es no !a*!J Did !e e%%s
of !e &irds, 'i$e !ose of !e 'a&oraor" fro%s, so+ de)e'o+in% si#+'" &e*a(se !e"
'a*$ed eno(%! of !e *o##on *(rren*" of ener%"H !e ATP #o'e*('esHo
*o#+'ee !eir de)e'o+#enJ And was !e 'a*$ of ATP &ro(%! a&o( &e*a(se in !e
&od" of !e +aren &irds and in !e e%%s !ere were sored eno(%! inse*i*ides o
so+ !e 'i'e (rnin% w!ee's of oBidaion on w!i*! !e s(++'" of ener%" de+endsJ I
is no 'on%er ne*essar" o %(ess a&o( !e sora%e of inse*i*ides in !e e%%s of
&irds, w!i*! o&)io(s'" 'end !e#se')es o !is $ind of o&ser)aion #ore readi'" !an
!e #a##a'ian o)(#, Lar%e resid(es of DDT and o!er !"dro*ar&ons !a)e &een
fo(nd w!ene)er 'oo$ed for in !e e%%s of &irds s(&Ge*ed o !ese *!e#i*a's, ei!er
eB+eri#ena''" or in !e wi'd, And !e *on*enraions !a)e &een !ea)", P!easan
e%%s in a 1a'ifornia eB+eri#en *onained (+ o >M9 +ars +er #i''ion of DDT, In
4i*!i%an, e%%s a$en fro# !e o)id(*s of ro&ins dead of DDT +oisonin% s!owed
*on*enraions (+ o ;KK +ars +er #i''ion, O!er e%%s were a$en fro# ness 'ef
(naended as +aren ro&ins were sri*$en wi! +oisonI !ese oo *onained DDT,
1!i*$ens +oisoned &" a'drin (sed on a nei%!&orin% far# !a)e +assed on !e
*!e#i*a' o !eir e%%sI !ens eB+eri#ena''" fed DDT 'aid e%%s *onainin% as #(*!
as :F +ars +er #i''ion,
Knowin% !a DDT and o!er 5+er!a+s a''6 *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&ons so+ !e ener%"-
+rod(*in% *"*'e &" ina*i)ain% a s+e*ifi* en3"#e or (n*o(+'in% !e ener%"-
+rod(*in% #e*!anis#, i is !ard o see !ow an" e%% so 'oaded wi! resid(es *o('d
*o#+'ee !e *o#+'eB +ro*ess of de)e'o+#en2 !e infinie n(#&er of *e'' di)isions,
!e e'a&oraion of iss(es and or%ans, !e s"n!esis of )ia' s(&san*es !a in !e
end +rod(*e a 'i)in% *rea(re, A'' !is re.(ires )as a#o(ns of ener%"H!e 'i'e
+a*$es of ATP w!i*! !e (rnin% of !e #ea&o'i* w!ee' a'one *an +rod(*e, T!ere is
no reason o s(++ose !ese disasro(s e)ens are *onfined o &irds, ATP is !e
(ni)ersa' *(rren*" of ener%", and !e #ea&o'i* *"*'es !a +rod(*e i (rn o !e
sa#e
+(r+ose in &irds and &a*eria, in #en and #i*e, T!e fa* of inse*i*ide sora%e in !e
%er# *e''s of an" s+e*ies s!o('d !erefore dis(r& (s, s(%%esin% *o#+ara&'e effe*s in
!(#an &ein%s,
And !ere are indi*aions !a !ese *!e#i*a's 'od%e in iss(es *on*erned wi! !e
#an(fa*(re of %er# *e''s as we'' as in !e *e''s !e#se')es, A**(#('aions of
inse*i*ides !a)e &een dis*o)ered in !e seB or%ans of a )arie" of &irds and
#a##a'sHin +!easans, #i*e, and %(inea +i%s (nder *onro''ed *ondiions, in
ro&ins in an area s+ra"ed for e'# disease, and in deer roa#in% wesern foress
s+ra"ed for s+r(*e &(dwor#, In one of !e ro&ins !e *on*enraion of DDT in !e
eses was !ea)ier !an in an" o!er +ar of !e &od", P!easans a'so a**(#('aed
eBraordinar" a#o(ns in !e eses, (+ o 8FKK +ars +er #i''ion, Pro&a&'" as an
effe* of s(*! sora%e in !e seB or%ans, aro+!" of !e eses !as &een o&ser)ed in
eB+eri#ena' #a##a's, <o(n% ras eB+osed o #e!oB"*!'or !ad eBraordinari'"
s#a'' eses, W!en "o(n% roosers were fed DDT, !e eses #ade on'" 88 +er *en
of !eir nor#a' %row!I *o#&s and wa'es, de+enden for !eir de)e'o+#en (+on
!e esi*('ar !or#one, were on'" a !ird !e nor#a' si3e, T!e s+er#ao3oa
!e#se')es #a" we'' &e affe*ed &" 'oss of ATP, EB+eri#ens s!ow !a !e #oi'i"
of &('' s+er# is de*reased &" diniro+!eno', w!i*! inerferes wi! !e ener%"-
*o(+'in% #e*!anis# wi! ine)ia&'e 'oss of ener%", T!e sa#e effe* wo('d +ro&a&'"
&e fo(nd wi! o!er *!e#i*a's were !e #aer in)esi%aed, So#e indi*aion of !e
+ossi&'e effe* on !(#an &ein%s is seen in #edi*a' re+ors of o'i%os+er#ia, or
red(*ed +rod(*ion of s+er#ao3oa, a#on% a)iaion *ro+ d(sers a++'"in% DDT, , , ,
=or #an$ind as a w!o'e, a +ossession infinie'" #ore )a'(a&'e !an indi)id(a' 'ife is
o(r %enei* !eria%e, o(r 'in$ wi! +as and f((re, S!a+ed !ro(%! 'on% eons of
e)o'(ion, o(r %enes no on'" #a$e (s w!a we are, &( !o'd in !eir #in(e &ein%s
!e f((reH&e i one of +ro#ise or !rea, <e %enei* deerioraion !ro(%! #an-
#ade a%ens is !e #ena*e of o(r i#e, L!e 'as and %reaes dan%er o o(r
*i)i'i3aion7, A%ain !e +ara''e' &eween *!e#i*a's and radiaion is eBa* and
ines*a+a&'e, T!e 'i)in% *e'' assa('ed &" radiaion s(ffers a )arie" of inG(ries2 is
a&i'i" o di)ide nor#a''" #a" &e desro"ed, i #a" s(ffer *!an%es in *!ro#oso#e
sr(*(re, or !e %enes, *arriers of !erediar" #aeria', #a" (nder%o !ose s(dden
*!an%es $nown as #(aions, w!i*! *a(se !e# o +rod(*e new *!ara*erisi*s in
s(**eedin% %eneraions, If es+e*ia''" s(s*e+i&'e !e *e'' #a" &e $i''ed o(ri%!, or
fina''", afer !e +assa%e of i#e #eas(red in "ears, i #a" &e*o#e #a'i%nan,
A'' !ese *onse.(en*es of radiaion !a)e &een d(+'i*aed in 'a&oraor" s(dies &" a
'ar%e %ro(+ of *!e#i*a's $nown as radio#i#ei* or radiaion-i#iain%, 4an"
*!e#i*a's (sed as +esi*idesH!er&i*ides as we'' as inse*i*idesH&e'on% o !is
%ro(+ of s(&san*es !a !a)e !e a&i'i" o da#a%e !e *!ro#oso#es, inerfere wi!
nor#a' *e'' di)ision, or *a(se #(aions, T!ese inG(ries o !e %enei* #aeria' are of
a $ind !a #a" 'ead o disease in !e indi)id(a' eB+osed or !e" #a" #a$e !eir
effe*s fe' in f((re %eneraions, On'" a few de*ades a%o, no one $new !ese effe*s
of ei!er radiaion or *!e#i*a's, In !ose da"s !e ao# !ad no &een s+'i and few of
!e *!e#i*a's !a were o d(+'i*ae radiaion !ad as "e &een *on*ei)ed in !e es
(&es of *!e#iss, T!en in 89;O, a +rofessor of 3oo'o%" in a TeBas (ni)ersi", Dr, H,
?, 4(''er, fo(nd !a &" eB+osin% an or%anis# o S-radiaion, !e *o('d +rod(*e
#(aions in s(**eedin% %eneraions, Wi! 4(''er7s dis*o)er" a )as new fie'd of
s*ienifi* and #edi*a' $now'ed%e was o+ened (+, 4(''er 'aer re*ei)ed !e No&e'
Pri3e in 4edi*ine for !is a*!ie)e#en, and in a wor'd !a soon %ained (n!a++"
fa#i'iari" wi! !e %ra" rains of fa''o(, e)en !e nons*ienis now $nows !e
+oenia' res('s of radiaion,
A'!o(%! far 'ess noi*ed, a *o#+anion dis*o)er" was #ade &" 1!ar'oe A(er&a*! and
Wi''ia# Ro&son a !e Uni)ersi" of Edin&(r%! in !e ear'" 89MKs, Wor$in% wi!
#(sard %as, !e" fo(nd !a !is *!e#i*a' +rod(*es +er#anen *!ro#oso#e
a&nor#a'iies !a *anno &e disin%(is!ed fro# !ose ind(*ed &" radiaion, Tesed
on !e fr(i f'", !e sa#e or%anis# 4(''er !ad (sed in !is ori%ina' wor$ wi! S-ra"s,
#(sard %as a'so +rod(*ed #(aions, T!(s !e firs *!e#i*a' #(a%en was
dis*o)ered, 4(sard %as as a #(a%en !as now &een Goined &" a 'on% 'is of o!er
*!e#i*a's $nown o a'er %enei* #aeria' in +'ans and ani#a's, To (ndersand !ow
*!e#i*a's *an a'er !e *o(rse of !eredi", we #(s firs wa*! !e &asi* dra#a of 'ife
as i is +'a"ed on !e sa%e of !e 'i)in% *e'', T!e *e''s *o#+osin% !e iss(es and
or%ans of !e &od" #(s !a)e !e +ower o in*rease in n(#&er if !e &od" is o %row
and if !e srea# of 'ife is o &e $e+ f'owin% fro# %eneraion o %eneraion, T!is is
a**o#+'is!ed &" !e +ro*ess of #iosis, or n(*'ear di)ision, In a *e'' !a is a&o( o
di)ide, *!an%es of !e (#os i#+oran*e o**(r, firs wi!in !e n(*'e(s, &(
e)en(a''" in)o')in% !e enire *e'', Wi!in !e n(*'e(s, !e *!ro#oso#es
#"serio(s'" #o)e and di)ide, ran%in% !e#se')es in a%e-o'd +aerns !a wi'' ser)e
o disri&(e !e deer#iners of !eredi", !e %enes, o !e da(%!er *e''s, =irs !e"
ass(#e !e for# of e'on%aed !reads, on w!i*! !e %enes are a'i%ned, 'i$e &eads
on a srin%, T!en ea*! *!ro#oso#e di)ides 'en%!wise 5!e %enes di)idin% a'so6,
W!en !e *e'' di)ides ino wo, !a'f of ea*! %oes o ea*! of !e da(%!er *e''s, In !is
wa" ea*! new *e'' wi'' *onain a *o#+'ee se of *!ro#oso#es, and a'' !e %enei*
infor#aion en*oded wi!in !e#, In !is wa" !e ine%ri" of !e ra*e and of !e
s+e*ies is +reser)edI in !is wa" 'i$e &e%es 'i$e,
A s+e*ia' $ind of *e'' di)ision o**(rs in !e for#aion of !e %er# *e''s, Be*a(se !e
*!ro#oso#e n(#&er for a %i)en s+e*ies is *onsan, !e e%% and !e s+er#, w!i*!
are o (nie o for# a new indi)id(a', #(s *arr" o !eir (nion on'" !a'f !e s+e*ies
n(#&er, T!is is a**o#+'is!ed wi! eBraordinar" +re*ision &" a *!an%e in !e
&e!a)ior of !e *!ro#oso#es !a o**(rs a one of !e di)isions +rod(*in% !ose
*e''s, A !is i#e !e *!ro#oso#es do no s+'i, &( one w!o'e *!ro#oso#e of ea*!
+air %oes ino ea*! da(%!er *e'',
In !is e'e#ena' dra#a a'' 'ife is re)ea'ed as one, T!e e)ens of !e +ro*ess of *e''
di)ision are *o##on o a'' ear!'" 'ifeI nei!er #an nor a#oe&a, !e %ian se.(oia
nor !e si#+'e "eas *e'' *an 'on% eBis wi!o( *arr"in% on !is +ro*ess of *e''
di)ision, An"!in% !a dis(r&s #iosis is !erefore a %ra)e !rea o !e we'fare of
!e or%anis# affe*ed and o is des*endans,
LT!e #aGor fea(res of *e''('ar or%ani3aion, in*'(din%, for insan*e, #iosis, #(s &e
#(*! o'der !an FKK #i''ion "earsH#ore near'" 8KKK #i''ion,7 wroe Geor%e Ga"'ord
Si#+son and !is *o''ea%(es Piendri%! and Tiffan" in !eir &road'" en*o#+assin%
&oo$ eni'ed :ife, LIn !is sense !e wor'd of 'ife, w!i'e s(re'" fra%i'e and *o#+'eB, is
in*redi&'" d(ra&'e !ro(%! i#eH #ore d(ra&'e !an #o(nains, T!is d(ra&i'i" is
w!o''" de+enden on !e a'#os in*redi&'e a**(ra*" wi! w!i*! !e in!eried
infor#aion is *o+ied fro# %eneraion o %eneraion,7
B( in a'' !e !o(sand #i''ion "ears en)isioned &" !ese a(!ors no !rea !as sr(*$
so dire*'" and so for*ef(''" a !a Lin*redi&'e a**(ra*"7 as !e #id-;K! *en(r"
!rea of #an#ade radiaion and #an-#ade and #an-disse#inaed *!e#i*a's, Sir
4a*far'ane B(rne, a disin%(is!ed A(sra'ian +!"si*ian and a No&e' Pri3e winner,
*onsiders i Lone of !e #os si%nifi*an #edi*a' fea(res7 of o(r i#e !a, Las a &"-
+rod(* of #ore and #ore +owerf(' !era+e(i* +ro*ed(res and !e +rod(*ion of
*!e#i*a' s(&san*es o(side of &io'o%i*a'
eB+erien*es, !e nor#a' +roe*i)e &arriers !a $e+ #(a%eni* a%ens fro# !e
inerna' or%ans !a)e &een #ore and #ore fre.(en'" +eneraed,7
T!e s(d" of !(#an *!ro#oso#es is in is infan*", and so i !as on'" re*en'"
&e*o#e +ossi&'e o s(d" !e effe* of en)iron#ena' fa*ors (+on !e#, I was no
(ni' 89F: !a new e*!ni.(es #ade i +ossi&'e o deer#ine a**(rae'" !e n(#&er
of *!ro#oso#es in !e !(#an *e''HM:Hand o o&ser)e !e# in s(*! deai' !a !e
+resen*e or a&sen*e of w!o'e *!ro#oso#es or e)en +ars of *!ro#oso#es *o('d
&e dee*ed, T!e w!o'e *on*e+ of %enei* da#a%e &" so#e!in% in !e en)iron#en
is a'so re'ai)e'" new, and is 'i'e (ndersood eB*e+ &" !e %enei*iss, w!ose ad)i*e
is oo se'do# so(%!, T!e !a3ard fro# radiaion in is )ario(s for#s is now
reasona&'" we'' (ndersoodHa'!o(%! si'' denied in s(r+risin% +'a*es, Dr, 4(''er
!as fre.(en'" !ad o**asion o de+'ore !e Lresisan*e o !e a**e+an*e of %enei*
+rin*i+'es on !e +ar of so #an", no on'" of %o)ern#ena' a++oinees in !e +o'i*"-
#a$in% +osiions, &( a'so of so #an" of !e #edi*a' +rofession,7 T!e fa* !a
*!e#i*a's #a" +'a" a ro'e si#i'ar o radiaion !as s*ar*e'" dawned on !e +(&'i*
#ind, nor on !e #inds of #os #edi*a' or s*ienifi* wor$ers, =or !is reason !e ro'e
of *!e#i*a's in %enera' (se 5ra!er !an in 'a&oraor" eB+eri#ens6 !as no "e &een
assessed, I is eBre#e'" i#+oran !a !is &e done,
Sir 4a*far'ane is no a'one in !is esi#ae of !e +oenia' dan%er, Dr, Peer
A'eBander, an o(sandin% Briis! a(!ori", !as said !a !e radio#i#ei* *!e#i*a's
L#a" we'' re+resen a %reaer dan%er7 !an radiaion, Dr, 4(''er, wi! !e +ers+e*i)e
%ained &" de*ades of disin%(is!ed wor$ in %enei*s, warns !a )ario(s *!e#i*a's
5in*'(din% %ro(+s re+resened &" +esi*ides6 L*an raise !e #(aion fre.(en*" as
#(*! as radiaion,,,As "e far oo 'i'e is $nown of !e eBen o w!i*! o(r %enes,
(nder #odern *ondiions of eB+os(re o (n(s(a' *!e#i*a's, are &ein% s(&Ge*ed o
s(*! #(a%eni* inf'(en*es,7
T!e wides+read ne%'e* of !e +ro&'e# of *!e#i*a' #(a%ens is +er!a+s d(e o !e
fa* !a !ose firs dis*o)ered were of s*ienifi* ineres on'", Niro%en #(sard, afer
a'', is no s+ra"ed (+on w!o'e +o+('aions fro# !e airI is (se is in !e !ands of
eB+eri#ena' &io'o%iss or of +!"si*ians w!o (se i in *an*er !era+", 5A *ase of
*!ro#oso#e da#a%e in a +aien re*ei)in% s(*! !era+" !as re*en'" &een
re+ored,6 B( inse*i*ides and weed $i''ers are &ro(%! ino ini#ae *ona* wi!
'ar%e n(#&ers of +eo+'e, Des+ie !e s*an aenion !a !as &een %i)en o !e
#aer, i is +ossi&'e o asse#&'e s+e*ifi* infor#aion on a n(#&er of !ese
+esi*ides, s!owin% !a !e" dis(r& !e *e''7s )ia' +ro*esses in wa"s ran%in% fro#
s'i%! *!ro#oso#e da#a%e o %ene #(aion, and wi! *onse.(en*es eBendin% o
!e ('i#ae disaser of #a'i%nan*", 4os.(ioes eB+osed o DDT for se)era'
%eneraions (rned ino sran%e *rea(res *a''ed %"nandro#or+!sH+ar #a'e and
+ar fe#a'e,
P'ans reaed wi! )ario(s +!eno's s(ffered +rofo(nd desr(*ion of *!ro#oso#es,
*!an%es in %enes, a sri$in% n(#&er of #(aions, Lirre)ersi&'e !erediar" *!an%es7,
4(aions a'so o**(rred in fr(i f'ies, !e *'assi* s(&Ge* of %enei*s eB+eri#ens,
w!en s(&Ge*ed o +!eno'I !ese f'ies de)e'o+ed #(aions so da#a%in% as o &e
faa' on eB+os(re o one of !e *o##on !er&i*ides or o (re!ane, Ure!ane &e'on%s
o !e %ro(+ of *!e#i*a's *a''ed *ar&a#aes, fro# w!i*! an in*reasin% n(#&er of
inse*i*ides and o!er a%ri*('(ra' *!e#i*a's are drawn, Two of !e *ar&a#aes are
a*(a''" (sed o +re)en s+ro(in% of +oaoes in sora%eH+re*ise'" &e*a(se of !eir
+ro)en effe* in so++in% *e'' di)ision, Ano!er anis+ro(in% a%en, #a'ei* !"dra3ide,
is raed a +owerf(' #(a%en, P'ans reaed wi! &en3ene !eBa*!'oride 5BH16 or
'indane &e*a#e #onsro(s'" defor#ed wi! (#or'i$e swe''in%s on !eir roos, T!eir
*e''s %rew in si3e, &ein% swo''en wi! *!ro#oso#es w!i*! do(&'ed in n(#&er, T!e
do(&'in% *onin(ed
in f((re di)isions (ni' f(r!er *e'' di)ision &e*a#e #e*!ani*a''" i#+ossi&'e, T!e
!er&i*ide ;,M- D !as a'so +rod(*ed (#or'i$e swe''in%s in reaed +'ans,
1!ro#oso#es &e*o#e s!or, !i*$, *'(#+ed o%e!er, 1e'' di)ision is serio(s'"
rearded, T!e %enera' effe* is said o +ara''e' *'ose'" !a +rod(*ed &" Sra"s,
T!ese are &( a few i''(sraionsI #an" #ore *o('d &e *ied, As "e !ere !as &een
no *o#+re!ensi)e s(d" ai#ed a esin% !e #(a%eni* effe*s of +esi*ides as
s(*!, T!e fa*s *ied a&o)e are &"-+rod(*s of resear*! in *e'' +!"sio'o%" or
%enei*s, W!a is (r%en'" needed is a dire* aa*$ on !e +ro&'e#, So#e s*ieniss
w!o are wi''in% o *on*ede !e +oen effe* of en)iron#ena' radiaion on #an
ne)er!e'ess .(esion w!e!er #(a%eni* *!e#i*a's *an, as a +ra*i*a' +ro+osiion,
!a)e !e sa#e effe*, T!e" *ie !e %rea +enerain% +ower of radiaion, &( do(&
!a *!e#i*a's *o('d rea*! !e %er# *e''s, On*e a%ain we are !a#+ered &" !e fa*
!a !ere !as &een 'i'e dire* in)esi%aion of !e +ro&'e# in #an, Howe)er, !e
findin% of 'ar%e resid(es of DDT in !e %onads and %er# *e''s of &irds and #a##a's
is sron% e)iden*e !a !e *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&ons, a 'eas, no on'" &e*o#e
wide'" disri&(ed !ro(%!o( !e &od" &( *o#e ino *ona* wi! %enei* #aeria's,
Professor Da)id E, Da)is a Penns"')ania Sae Uni)ersi" !as re*en'" dis*o)ered
!a a +oen *!e#i*a' w!i*! +re)ens *e''s fro# di)idin% and !as !ad 'i#ied (se in
*an*er !era+" *an a'so &e (sed o *a(se seri'i" in &irds, S(&'e!a' 'e)e's of !e
*!e#i*a' !a' *e'' di)ision in !e %onads, Professor Da)is !as !ad so#e s(**ess in
fie'd ria's, O&)io(s'", !en, !ere is 'i'e &asis for !e !o+e or &e'ief !a !e %onads
of an" or%anis# are s!ie'ded fro# *!e#i*a's in !e en)iron#en,
Re*en #edi*a' findin%s in !e fie'd of *!ro#oso#e a&nor#a'iies are of eBre#e
ineres and si%nifi*an*e, In 89F9 se)era' Briis! and =ren*! resear*! ea#s fo(nd
!eir inde+enden s(dies +oinin% o a *o##on *on*'(sionH!a so#e of !(#ani"7s
i''s are *a(sed &" a dis(r&an*e of !e nor#a' *!ro#oso#e n(#&er, In *erain
diseases and a&nor#a'iies s(died &" !ese in)esi%aors !e n(#&er differed fro#
!e nor#a', To i''(srae2 i is now $nown !a a'' "+i*a' #on%o'oids !a)e one eBra
*!ro#oso#e, O**asiona''" !is is aa*!ed o ano!er so !a !e *!ro#oso#e
n(#&er re#ains !e nor#a' M:, As a r('e, !owe)er, !e eBra is a se+arae
*!ro#oso#e, #a$in% !e n(#&er MO, In s(*! indi)id(a's, !e ori%ina' *a(se of !e
defe* #(s !a)e o**(rred in !e %eneraion +re*edin% is a++earan*e, A differen
#e*!anis# see#s o o+erae in a n(#&er of +aiens, &o! in A#eri*a and Grea
Briain, w!o are s(fferin% fro# a *!roni* for# of 'e($e#ia, T!ese !a)e &een fo(nd o
!a)e a *onsisen *!ro#oso#e a&nor#a'i" in so#e of !e &'ood *e''s, T!e
a&nor#a'i" *onsiss of !e 'oss of +ar of a *!ro#oso#e, In !ese +aiens !e s$in
*e''s !a)e a nor#a' *o#+'e#en of *!ro#oso#es, T!is indi*aes !a !e
*!ro#oso#e defe* did no o**(r in !e %er# *e''s !a %a)e rise o !ese
indi)id(a's, &( re+resens da#a%e o +ari*('ar *e''s 5in !is *ase, !e +re*(rsors of
&'ood *e''s6 !a o**(rred d(rin% !e 'ife of !e indi)id(a', T!e 'oss of +ar of a
*!ro#oso#e !as +er!a+s de+ri)ed !ese *e''s of !eir Linsr(*ions7 for nor#a'
&e!a)ior,
T!e 'is of defe*s 'in$ed o *!ro#oso#e dis(r&an*es !as %rown wi! s(r+risin%
s+eed sin*e !e o+enin% of !is errior", !i!ero &e"ond !e &o(ndaries of #edi*a'
resear*!, One, $nown on'" as K'inefe'er7s s"ndro#e, in)o')es a d(+'i*aion of one
of !e seB *!ro#oso#es, T!e res('in% indi)id(a' is a #a'e, &( &e*a(se !e *arries
wo of !e S *!ro#oso#es 5&e*o#in% SS< insead of S<, !e nor#a' #a'e
*o#+'e#en6 !e is so#ew!a a&nor#a', EB*essi)e !ei%! and
#ena' defe*s ofen a**o#+an" !e seri'i" *a(sed &" !is *ondiion, In *onras, an
indi)id(a' w!o re*ei)es on'" one seB *!ro#oso#e 5&e*o#in% SO insead of ei!er
SS or S<6 is a*(a''" fe#a'e &( 'a*$s #an" of !e se*ondar" seB(a' *!ara*erisi*s,
T!e *ondiion is a**o#+anied &" )ario(s +!"si*a' 5and so#ei#es #ena'6 defe*s, for
of *o(rse !e S *!ro#oso#e *arries %enes for a )arie" of *!ara*erisi*s, T!is is
$nown as T(rner7s s"ndro#e, Bo! *ondiions !ad &een des*ri&ed in #edi*a'
'iera(re 'on% &efore !e *a(se was $nown,
An i##ense a#o(n of wor$ on !e s(&Ge* of *!ro#oso#e a&nor#a'iies is &ein%
done &" wor$ers in #an" *o(nries, A %ro(+ a !e Uni)ersi" of Wis*onsin, !eaded
&" Dr, K'a(s Paa(, !as &een *on*enrain% on a )arie" of *on%enia' a&nor#a'iies,
(s(a''" in*'(din% #ena' reardaion, !a see# o res(' fro# !e d(+'i*aion of on'"
+ar of a *!ro#oso#e, as if so#ew!ere in !e for#aion of one of !e %er# *e''s a
*!ro#oso#e !ad &ro$en and !e +ie*es !ad no &een +ro+er'" redisri&(ed, S(*! a
#is!a+ is 'i$e'" o inerfere wi! !e nor#a' de)e'o+#en of !e e#&r"o, A**ordin% o
+resen $now'ed%e, !e o**(rren*e of an enire eBra &od" *!ro#oso#e is (s(a''"
'e!a', +re)enin% s(r)i)a' of !e e#&r"o, On'" !ree s(*! *ondiions are $nown o &e
)ia&'eI one of !e#, of *o(rse, is #on%o'is#, T!e +resen*e of an eBra aa*!ed
fra%#en, on !e o!er !and, a'!o(%! serio(s'" da#a%in% is no ne*essari'" faa',
and a**ordin% o !e Wis*onsin in)esi%aors !is si(aion #a" we'' a**o(n for a
s(&sania' +ar of !e so far (neB+'ained *ases in w!i*! a *!i'd is &orn wi! #('i+'e
defe*s, (s(a''" in*'(din% #ena' reardaion, T!is is so new a fie'd of s(d" !a as
"e s*ieniss !a)e &een #ore *on*erned wi! idenif"in% !e *!ro#oso#e
a&nor#a'iies asso*iaed wi! disease and defe*i)e de)e'o+#en !an wi!
s+e*('ain% a&o( !e *a(ses, I wo('d &e foo'is! o ass(#e !a an" sin%'e a%en is
res+onsi&'e for da#a%in% !e *!ro#oso#es or *a(sin% !eir errai* &e!a)ior d(rin%
*e'' di)ision, B( *an we afford o i%nore !e fa* !a we are now fi''in% !e
en)iron#en wi! *!e#i*a's !a !a)e !e +ower o sri$e dire*'" a !e
*!ro#oso#es, affe*in% !e# in !e +re*ise wa"s !a *o('d *a(se s(*! *ondiionsJ
Is !is no oo !i%! a +ri*e o +a" for a s+ro('ess +oao or a #os.(io'ess +aioJ We
*an, if we wis!, red(*e !is !rea o o(r %enei* !eria%e, a +ossession !a !as
*o#e down o (s !ro(%! so#e wo &i''ion "ears of e)o'(ion and se'e*ion of 'i)in%
+roo+'as#, a +ossession !a is o(rs for !e #o#en on'", (ni' we #(s +ass i on
o %eneraions o *o#e, We are doin% 'i'e now o +reser)e is ine%ri", A'!o(%!
*!e#i*a' #an(fa*(rers are re.(ired &" 'aw o es !eir #aeria's for oBi*i", !e"
are no re.(ired o #a$e !e ess !a wo('d re'ia&'" de#onsrae %enei* effe*, and
!e" do no do so,
(2. One .n E7e'; Fo/'
THE BATTLE of 'i)in% !in%s a%ains *an*er &e%an so 'on% a%o !a is ori%in
is 'os in i#e, B( i #(s !a)e &e%(n in a na(ra' en)iron#en, in w!i*! w!ae)er
'ife in!a&ied !e ear! was s(&Ge*ed, for %ood or i'', o inf'(en*es !a !ad !eir
ori%in in s(n and sor# and !e an*ien na(re of !e ear!, So#e of !e e'e#ens of
!is en)iron#en *reaed !a3ards o w!i*! 'ife !ad o adG(s or +eris!, T!e ('ra)io'e
radiaion in s(n'i%! *o('d *a(se #a'i%nan*", So *o('d radiaions fro# *erain ro*$s,
or arseni* was!ed o( of soi' or ro*$s o *ona#inae food or waer s(++'ies, T!e
en)iron#en *onained !ese !osi'e e'e#ens e)en &efore !ere was 'ifeI "e 'ife
arose, and o)er !e #i''ions of "ears i *a#e o eBis in infinie n(#&ers and end'ess
)arie", O)er !e eons of (n!(rried i#e !a is na(re7s, 'ife rea*!ed an adG(s#en
wi! desr(*i)e for*es as se'e*ion weeded o( !e 'ess ada+a&'e and on'" !e #os
resisan s(r)i)ed, T!ese na(ra' *an*er-*a(sin% a%ens are si'' a fa*or in +rod(*in%
#a'i%nan*"I !owe)er, !e" are few in n(#&er and !e" &e'on% o !a an*ien arra"
of for*es o w!i*! 'ife !as &een a**(so#ed fro# !e &e%innin%,
Wi! !e ad)en of #an !e si(aion &e%an o *!an%e, for #an, a'one of a'' for#s of
'ife, *an create *an*er-+rod(*in% s(&san*es, w!i*! in #edi*a' er#ino'o%" are
*a''ed *ar*ino%ens, A few #an-#ade *ar*ino%ens !a)e &een +ar of !e en)iron#en
for *en(ries, An eBa#+'e is soo, *onainin% aro#ai* !"dro*ar&ons, Wi! !e dawn
of !e ind(sria' era !e wor'd &e*a#e a +'a*e of *onin(o(s, e)er-a**e'erain%
*!an%e, Insead of !e na(ra' en)iron#en !ere was ra+id'" s(&si(ed an arifi*ia'
one *o#+osed of new *!e#i*a' and +!"si*a' a%ens, #an" of !e# +ossessin%
+owerf(' *a+a*iies for ind(*in% &io'o%i* *!an%e, A%ains !ese *ar*ino%ens w!i*!
!is own a*i)iies !ad *reaed #an !ad no +roe*ion, for e)en as !is &io'o%i*a'
!eria%e !as e)o')ed s'ow'", so i ada+s s'ow'" o new *ondiions, As a res(' !ese
+owerf(' s(&san*es *o('d easi'" +enerae !e inade.(ae defenses of !e &od",
T!e !isor" of *an*er is 'on%, &( o(r re*o%niion of !e a%ens !a +rod(*e i !as
&een s'ow o #a(re, T!e firs awareness !a eBerna' or en)iron#ena' a%ens
*o('d +rod(*e #a'i%nan *!an%e dawned in !e #ind of a London +!"si*ian near'"
wo *en(ries a%o, In 8OOF Sir Per*i)a'' Po de*'ared !a !e s*roa' *an*er so
*o##on a#on% *!i#ne" swee+s #(s &e *a(sed &" !e soo !a a**(#('aed on
!eir &odies, He *o('d no f(rnis! !e L+roof7 we wo('d de#and oda", &( #odern
resear*! #e!ods !a)e now iso'aed !e dead'" *!e#i*a' in soo and +ro)ed !e
*orre*ness of !is +er*e+ion, =or a *en(r" or #ore afer Po7s dis*o)er" !ere
see#s o !a)e &een 'i'e f(r!er rea'i3aion !a *erain of !e *!e#i*a's in !e
!(#an en)iron#en *o('d *a(se *an*er &" re+eaed s$in *ona*, in!a'aion, or
swa''owin%, Tr(e, i !ad &een noi*ed !a s$in *an*er was +re)a'en a#on% wor$ers
eB+osed o arseni* f(#es in *o++er s#e'ers and in fo(ndries in 1ornwa'' and
Wa'es, And i was rea'i3ed !a wor$ers in !e *o&a' #ines in SaBon" and in !e
(rani(# #ines a ?oa*!i#s!a' in Bo!e#ia were s(&Ge* o a disease of !e '(n%s,
'aer idenified as *an*er, B( !ese were +!eno#ena of !e +reind(sria' era, &efore
!e f'owerin% of !e ind(sries w!ose +rod(*s were o +er)ade !e en)iron#en of
a'#os e)er" 'i)in% !in%,
T!e firs re*o%niion of #a'i%nan*ies ra*ea&'e o !e a%e of ind(sr" *a#e d(rin% !e
'as
.(arer of !e 89! *en(r", A&o( !e i#e !a Pase(r was de#onsrain% !e
#i*ro&ia'
ori%in of #an" infe*io(s diseases, o!ers were dis*o)erin% !e *!e#i*a' ori%in of
*an*er s$in
*an*ers a#on% wor$ers in !e new 'i%nie ind(sr" in SaBon" and in !e S*ois! s!a'e
ind(sr", a'on% wi! o!er *an*ers *a(sed &" o**(+aiona' eB+os(re o ar and +i*!,
B" !e end of !e 89! *en(r" a !a'f-do3en so(r*es of ind(sria' *ar*ino%ens were
$nownI !e ;K! *en(r" was o *reae *o(n'ess new *an*er-*a(sin% *!e#i*a's and
o &rin% !e %enera' +o+('aion ino ini#ae *ona* wi! !e#, In !e 'ess !an wo
*en(ries iner)enin% sin*e !e wor$ of Po, !e en)iron#ena' si(aion !as &een
)as'" *!an%ed, No 'on%er are eB+os(res o dan%ero(s *!e#i*a's o**(+aiona' a'oneI
!e" !a)e enered !e en)iron#en of e)er"oneHe)en of *!i'dren as "e (n&orn, I is
!ard'" s(r+risin%, !erefore, !a we are now aware of an a'ar#in% in*rease in
#a'i%nan disease,
T!e in*rease ise'f is no #ere #aer of s(&Ge*i)e i#+ressions, T!e #on!'" re+or
of !e Offi*e of Eia' Saisi*s for ?('" 89F9 saes !a #a'i%nan %row!s, in*'(din%
!ose of !e '"#+!ai* and &'ood-for#in% iss(es, a**o(ned for 8F +er *en of !e
dea!s in 89F8 *o#+ared wi! on'" M +er *en in 89KK, ?(d%in% &" !e +resen
in*iden*e of !e disease, !e A#eri*an 1an*er So*ie" esi#aes !a MF,KKK,KKK
A#eri*ans now 'i)in% wi'' e)en(a''" de)e'o+ *an*er, T!is #eans !a #a'i%nan
disease wi'' sri$e wo o( of !ree fa#i'ies, T!e si(aion wi! res+e* o *!i'dren is
e)en #ore dee+'" dis(r&in%, A .(arer *en(r" a%o, *an*er in *!i'dren was
*onsidered a #edi*a' rari", !oday/ +ore "+erican school children die of cancer
than fro+ any other disease. So serio(s !as !is si(aion &e*o#e !a Boson !as
esa&'is!ed !e firs !os+ia' in !e Unied Saes de)oed eB*'(si)e'" o !e
rea#en of *!i'dren wi! *an*er, Twe')e +er *en of a'' dea!s in *!i'dren &eween
!e a%es of one and fo(reen are *a(sed &" *an*er, Lar%e n(#&ers of #a'i%nan
(#ors are dis*o)ered *'ini*a''" in *!i'dren (nder !e a%e of fi)e, &( i is an e)en
%ri##er fa* !a si%nifi*an n(#&ers of s(*! %row!s are +resen a or &efore &ir!,
Dr, W, 1, H(e+er of !e Naiona' 1an*er Insi(e, a fore#os a(!ori" on
en)iron#ena' *an*er, !as s(%%esed !a *on%enia' *an*ers and *an*ers in infans
#a" &e re'aed o !e a*ion of *an*er-+rod(*in% a%ens o w!i*! !e #o!er !as
&een eB+osed d(rin% +re%nan*" and w!i*! +enerae !e +'a*ena o a* on !e
ra+id'" de)e'o+in% fea' iss(es, EB+eri#ens s!ow !a !e "o(n%er !e ani#a' is
w!en i is s(&Ge*ed o a *an*er- +rod(*in% a%en !e #ore *erain is !e +rod(*ion
of *an*er, Dr, =ran*is Ra" of !e Uni)ersi" of ='orida !as warned !a Lwe #a" &e
iniiain% *an*er in !e *!i'dren of oda" &" !e addiion of *!e#i*a's Vo foodW,,,We
wi'' no $now, +er!a+s for a %eneraion or wo, w!a !e effe*s wi'' &e,7 , , ,
T!e +ro&'e# !a *on*erns (s !ere is w!e!er an" of !e *!e#i*a's we are (sin% in
o(r ae#+s o *onro' na(re +'a" a dire* or indire* ro'e as *a(ses of *an*er, In
er#s of e)iden*e %ained fro# ani#a' eB+eri#ens we s!a'' see !a fi)e or +ossi&'"
siB of !e +esi*ides #(s definie'" &e raed as *ar*ino%ens, T!e 'is is %rea'"
'en%!ened if we add !ose *onsidered &" so#e +!"si*ians o *a(se 'e($e#ia in
!(#an +aiens, Here !e e)iden*e is *ir*(#sania', as i #(s &e sin*e we do no
eB+eri#en on !(#an &ein%s, &( i is none!e'ess i#+ressi)e, Si'' o!er +esi*ides
wi'' &e added as we in*'(de !ose w!ose a*ion on 'i)in% iss(es or *e''s #a" &e
*onsidered an indire* *a(se of #a'i%nan*", One of !e ear'ies +esi*ides
asso*iaed wi! *an*er is arseni*, o**(rrin% in sodi(# arsenie as a weed $i''er, and
in *a'*i(# arsenae and )ario(s o!er *o#+o(nds as inse*i*ides, T!e asso*iaion
&eween arseni* and *an*er in #an and ani#a's is !isori*, A fas*inain% eBa#+'e of
!e *onse.(en*es of eB+os(re o arseni* is re'aed &" Dr, H(e+er in !is
(ccupational !u+ors, a *'assi* #ono%ra+! on !e s(&Ge*, T!e *i" of Rei*!ensein
in Si'esia !ad &een for a'#os a !o(sand "ears !e sie
of #inin% for %o'd and si')er ores, and for se)era' !(ndred "ears for arseni* ores,
O)er !e *en(ries arseni* wases a**(#('aed in !e )i*ini" of !e #ine s!afs and
were +i*$ed (+ &" srea#s *o#in% down fro# !e #o(nains, T!e (nder%ro(nd
waer a'so &e*a#e *ona#inaed, and arseni* enered !e drin$in% waer, =or
*en(ries #an" of !e in!a&ians of !is re%ion s(ffered fro# w!a *a#e o &e
$nown as L!e Rei*!ensein disease7H*!roni* arseni*is# wi! a**o#+an"in%
disorders of !e 'i)er, s$in, and %asroinesina' and ner)o(s s"se#s, 4a'i%nan
(#ors were a *o##on a**o#+ani#en of !e disease, Rei*!ensein7s disease is
now *!ief'" of !isori* ineres, for new waer s(++'ies were +ro)ided a .(arer of a
*en(r" a%o, fro# w!i*! arseni* was 'ar%e'" e'i#inaed, In 1[rdo&a Pro)in*e in
Ar%enina, !owe)er, *!roni* arseni* +oisonin%, a**o#+anied &" arseni*a' s$in
*an*ers, is ende#i* &e*a(se of !e *ona#inaion of drin$in% waer deri)ed fro#
ro*$ for#aions *onainin% arseni*,
I wo('d no &e diffi*(' o *reae *ondiions si#i'ar o !ose in Rei*!ensein and
1[rdo&a &" 'on% *onin(ed (se of arseni*a' inse*i*ides, In !e Unied Saes !e
arseni*-dren*!ed soi's of o&a**o +'anaions, of #an" or*!ards in !e Nor!wes,
and of &'(e&err" 'ands in !e Eas #a" easi'" 'ead o +o''(ion of waer s(++'ies, An
arseni*-*ona#inaed en)iron#en affe*s no on'" #an &( ani#a's as we'', A re+or
of %rea ineres *a#e fro# Ger#an" in 89>:, In !e area a&o( =rei&er%, SaBon",
s#e'ers for si')er and 'ead +o(red arseni* f(#es ino !e air, o drif o( o)er !e
s(rro(ndin% *o(nr"side and se'e down (+on !e )e%eaion, A**ordin% o Dr,
H(e+er, !orses, *ows, %oas, and +i%s, w!i*! of *o(rse fed on !is )e%eaion,
s!owed 'oss of !air and !i*$enin% of !e s$in, Deer in!a&iin% near&" foress
so#ei#es !ad a&nor#a' +i%#en s+os and +re*an*ero(s wars, One !ad a
definie'" *an*ero(s 'esion, Bo! do#esi* and wi'd ani#a's were affe*ed &"
Larseni*a' eneriis, %asri* ('*ers, and *irr!osis of !e 'i)er,7 S!ee+ $e+ near !e
s#e'ers de)e'o+ed *an*ers of !e nasa' sin(sI a !eir dea! arseni* was fo(nd in
!e &rain, 'i)er, and (#ors, In !e area !ere was a'so Lan eBraordinar" #ora'i"
a#on% inse*s, es+e*ia''" &ees, Afer rainfa''s w!i*! was!ed !e arseni*a' d(s fro#
!e 'ea)es and *arried i a'on% ino !e waer of &roo$s and +oo's, a %rea #an" fis!
died,7 , , ,
An eBa#+'e of a *ar*ino%en &e'on%in% o !e %ro(+ of new, or%ani* +esi*ides is a
*!e#i*a' wide'" (sed a%ains #ies and i*$s, Is !isor" +ro)ides a&(ndan +roof
!a, des+ie !e s(++osed safe%(ards +ro)ided &" 'e%is'aion, !e +(&'i* *an &e
eB+osed o a $nown *ar*ino%en for se)era' "ears &efore !e s'ow'" #o)in% 'e%a'
+ro*esses *an &rin% !e si(aion (nder *onro', T!e sor" is ineresin% fro# ano!er
sand+oin, +ro)in% !a w!a !e +(&'i* is as$ed o a**e+ as Lsafe7 oda" #a" (rn
o( o#orrow o &e eBre#e'" dan%ero(s, W!en !is *!e#i*a' was inrod(*ed in
89FF, !e #an(fa*(rer a++'ied for a o'eran*e w!i*! wo('d san*ion !e +resen*e of
s#a'' resid(es on an" *ro+s !a #i%! &e s+ra"ed, As re.(ired &" 'aw, !e !ad
esed !e *!e#i*a' on 'a&oraor" ani#a's and s(&#ied !e res('s wi! !is
a++'i*aion, Howe)er, s*ieniss of !e =ood and Dr(% Ad#inisraion iner+reed !e
ess as s!owin% a +ossi&'e *an*er-+rod(*in% enden*" and !e 1o##issioner
a**ordin%'" re*o##ended a L3ero o'eran*e7, w!i*! is a wa" of sa"in% !a no
resid(es *o('d 'e%a''" o**(r on food s!i++ed a*ross
sae 'ines, B( !e #an(fa*(rer !ad !e 'e%a' ri%! o a++ea' and !e *ase was
a**ordin%'" re)iewed &" a *o##iee, T!e *o##iee7s de*ision was a *o#+ro#ise2
a o'eran*e of 8 +ar +er #i''ion was o &e esa&'is!ed and !e +rod(* #ar$eed for
wo "ears, d(rin% w!i*! i#e f(r!er 'a&oraor" ess were o deer#ine w!e!er !e
*!e#i*a' was a*(a''" a *ar*ino%en,
A'!o(%! !e *o##iee did no sa" so, is de*ision #ean !a !e +(&'i* was o a*
as %(inea +i%s, esin% !e s(s+e*ed *ar*ino%en a'on% wi! !e 'a&oraor" do%s and
ras, B( 'a&oraor"
ani#a's %i)e #ore +ro#+ res('s, and afer !e wo "ears i was e)iden !a !is
#ii*ide was indeed a *ar*ino%en, E)en a !a +oin, in 89FO, !e =ood and Dr(%
Ad#inisraion *o('d no insan'" res*ind !e o'eran*e w!i*! a''owed resid(es of a
$nown *ar*ino%en o *ona#inae food *ons(#ed &" !e +(&'i*, Ano!er "ear was
re.(ired for )ario(s 'e%a' +ro*ed(res, =ina''", in De*e#&er 89F8 !e 3ero o'eran*e
w!i*! !e 1o##issioner !ad re*o##ended in 89FF &e*a#e effe*i)e, T!ese are &"
no #eans !e on'" $nown *ar*ino%ens a#on% +esi*ides, In 'a&oraor" ess on
ani#a' s(&Ge*s, DDT !as +rod(*ed s(s+i*io(s 'i)er (#ors, S*ieniss of !e =ood
and Dr(% Ad#inisraion w!o re+ored !e dis*o)er" of !ese (#ors were (n*erain
!ow o *'assif" !e#, &( fe' !ere was so#e LG(sifi*aion for *onsiderin% !e# 'ow
%rade !e+ai*
*e'' *ar*ino#as,7 Dr, H(e+er now %i)es DDT !e definie rain% of a L*!e#i*a'
*ar*ino%en7,
Two !er&i*ides &e'on%in% o !e *ar&a #ae %ro(+, IP1 and 1IP1, !a)e &een fo(nd
o +'a" a ro'e in +rod(*in% s$in (#ors in #i*e, So#e of !e (#ors were #a'i%nan,
T!ese *!e#i*a's see# o iniiae !e #a'i%nan *!an%e, w!i*! #a" !en &e
*o#+'eed &" o!er *!e#i*a's of "+es +re)a'en in !e en)iron#en,
T!e weed-$i''er a#inoria3o'e !as *a(sed !"roid *an*er in es ani#a's, T!is
*!e#i*a' was #is(sed &" a n(#&er of *ran&err" %rowers in 89F9, +rod(*in%
resid(es on so#e of !e #ar$eed &erries, In !e *onro)ers" !a fo''owed sei3(re of
*ona#inaed *ran&erries &" !e =ood and Dr(% Ad#inisraion, !e fa* !a !e
*!e#i*a' a*(a''" is *an*er +rod(*in% was wide'" *!a''en%ed, e)en &" #an" #edi*a'
#en, T!e s*ienifi* fa*s re'eased &" !e =ood and Dr(% Ad#inisraion *'ear'"
indi*ae !e *ar*ino%eni* na(re of a#inoria3o'e in 'a&oraor" ras, W!en !ese
ani#a's were fed !is *!e#i*a' a !e rae of 8KK +ars +er #i''ion in !e drin$in%
waer 5or one eas+oonf(' of *!e#i*a' in en !o(sand eas+oonf('s of waer6 !e"
&e%an o de)e'o+ !"roid (#ors a !e :8! wee$, Afer wo "ears, s(*! (#ors were
+resen in #ore !an !a'f !e ras eBa#ined, T!e" were dia%nosed as )ario(s "+es
of &eni%n and #a'i%nan %row!s, T!e (#ors a'so a++eared a 'ower 'e)e's of
feedin%Hin fa*, a level that produced no effect was not found, No one $nows, of
*o(rse, !e 'e)e' a w!i*! a#inoria3o'e #a" &e *ar*ino%eni* for #an, &( as a
+rofessor of #edi*ine a Har)ard Uni)ersi", Dr, Da)id R(sein, !as +oined o(, !e
'e)e' is G(s as 'i$e'" o &e o #an7s disfa)or as o !is ad)ana%e,
As "e ins(ffi*ien i#e !as e'a+sed o re)ea' !e f('' effe* of !e new *!'orinaed
!"dro*ar&on inse*i*ides and of !e #odern !er&i*ides, 4os #a'i%nan*ies de)e'o+
so s'ow'" !a !e" #a" re.(ire a *onsidera&'e se%#en of !e )i*i#7s 'ife o rea*!
!e sa%e of s!owin% *'ini*a' s"#+o#s, In !e ear'" 89;Ks wo#en w!o +ained
'(#ino(s fi%(res on wa*! dia's swa''owed #in(e a#o(ns of radi(# &" o(*!in%
!e &r(s!es o !eir 'i+sI in so#e of !ese wo#en &one *an*ers de)e'o+ed afer a
'a+se of 8F or #ore "ears, A +eriod of 8F o >K "ears or e)en #ore !as &een
de#onsraed for so#e *an*ers *a(sed &" o**(+aiona' eB+os(res o *!e#i*a'
*ar*ino%ens,
In *onras o !ese ind(sria' eB+os(res o )ario(s *ar*ino%ens !e firs eB+os(res o
DDT dae fro# a&o( 89M; for #i'iar" +ersonne' and fro# a&o( 89MF for *i)i'ians,
and i was no (ni' !e ear'" fifies !a a wide )arie" of +esi*ida' *!e#i*a's *a#e
ino (se, T!e f('' #a(rin% of w!ae)er seeds of #a'i%nan*" !a)e &een sown &"
!ese *!e#i*a's is "e o *o#e,
T!ere is, !owe)er, one +resen'" $nown eB*e+ion o !e fa* !a a 'on% +eriod of
'aen*" is *o##on o #os #a'i%nan*ies, T!is eB*e+ion is 'e($e#ia, S(r)i)ors of
Hiros!i#a &e%an o de)e'o+ 'e($e#ia on'" !ree "ears afer !e ao#i* &o#&in%,
and !ere is now reason o &e'ie)e !e 'aen +eriod #a" &e *onsidera&'" s!orer,
O!er "+es of *an*er #a" in i#e &e
fo(nd o !a)e a re'ai)e'" s!or 'aen +eriod, a'so, &( a +resen 'e($e#ia see#s o
&e !e eB*e+ion o !e %enera' r('e of eBre#e'" s'ow de)e'o+#en, Wi!in !e
+eriod *o)ered &" !e rise of #odern +esi*ides, !e in*iden*e of 'e($e#ia !as &een
seadi'" risin%, =i%(res a)ai'a&'e fro# !e Naiona' Offi*e of Eia' Saisi*s *'ear'"
esa&'is! a dis(r&in% rise in #a'i%nan diseases of !e &'oodfor#in% iss(es, In !e
"ear 89:K, 'e($e#ia a'one *'ai#ed 8;,;9K )i*i#s, Dea!s fro# a'' "+es of
#a'i%nan*ies of &'ood and '"#+! oa'ed ;F,MKK, in*reasin% s!ar+'" fro# !e 8:,:9K
fi%(re of 89FK, In er#s of dea!s +er 8KK,KKK of +o+('aion, !e in*rease is fro#
88,8 in 89FK o 8M, 8 in 89:K T!e in*rease is &" no #eans *onfined o !e Unied
SaesI in a'' *o(nries !e re*orded dea!s fro# 'e($e#ia a a'' a%es are risin% a a
rae of M o F +er *en a "ear, W!a does i #eanJ To w!a 'e!a' a%en or a%ens,
new o o(r en)iron#en, are +eo+'e now eB+osed wi! in*reasin% fre.(en*"J
S(*! wor'd-fa#o(s insi(ions as !e 4a"o 1'ini* ad#i !(ndreds of )i*i#s of !ese
diseases of !e &'ood-for#in% or%ans, Dr, 4a'*o'# Har%ra)es and !is asso*iaes in
!e He#ao'o%" De+ar#en a !e 4a"o 1'ini* re+or !a a'#os wi!o( eB*e+ion
!ese +aiens !a)e !ad a !isor" of eB+os(re o )ario(s oBi* *!e#i*a's, in*'(din%
s+ra"s w!i*! *onain DDT, *!'ordane, &en3ene, 'indane, and +ero'e(# disi''aes,
En)iron#ena' diseases re'aed o !e (se of )ario(s oBi* s(&san*es !a)e &een
in*reasin%, L+ari*('ar'" d(rin% !e +as en "ears7, Dr, Har%ra)es &e'ie)es, =ro#
eBensi)e *'ini*a' eB+erien*e !e &e'ie)es !a L!e )as #aGori" of +aiens s(fferin%
fro# !e &'ood d"s*rasias and '"#+!oid diseases !a)e a si%nifi*an !isor" of
eB+os(re o !e )ario(s !"dro*ar&ons w!i*! in (rn in*'(des #os of !e +esi*ides
of oda", A *aref(' #edi*a' !isor" wi'' a'#os in)aria&'" esa&'is! s(*! a re'aions!i+,7
T!is s+e*ia'is now !as a 'ar%e n(#&er of deai'ed *ase !isories &ased on e)er"
+aien !e !as seen wi! 'e($e#ias, a+'asi* ane#ias, Hod%$in7s disease, and o!er
disorders of !e &'ood and &'ood-for#in% iss(es, LT!e" !ad a'' &een eB+osed o
!ese en)iron#ena' a%ens, wi! a fair a#o(n of eB+os(re,7 !e re+ors, W!a do
!ese *ase !isories s!owJ One *on*erned a !o(sewife w!o a&!orred s+iders, In
#id-A(%(s s!e !ad %one ino !er &ase#en wi! an aeroso' s+ra" *onainin% DDT
and +ero'e(# disi''ae, S!e s+ra"ed !e enire &ase#en !oro(%!'", (nder !e
sairs, in !e fr(i *(+&oards and in a'' !e +roe*ed areas aro(nd *ei'in% and rafers,
As s!e finis!ed !e s+ra"in% s!e &e%an o fee' .(ie i'', wi! na(sea and eBre#e
anBie" and ner)o(sness, Wi!in !e neB few da"s s!e fe' &eer, !owe)er, and
a++aren'" no s(s+e*in% !e *a(se of !er diffi*('", s!e re+eaed !e enire
+ro*ed(re in Se+e#&er, r(nnin% !ro(%! wo #ore *"*'es of s+ra"in%, fa''in% i'',
re*o)erin% e#+orari'", s+ra"in% a%ain, Afer !e !ird (se of !e aeroso' new
s"#+o#s de)e'o+ed2 fe)er, +ains in !e Goins and %enera' #a'aise, a*(e +!'e&iis
in one 'e%, W!en eBa#ined &" Dr, Har%ra)es s!e was fo(nd o &e s(fferin% fro#
a*(e 'e($e#ia, S!e died wi!in !e fo''owin% #on!,
Ano!er of Dr, Har%ra)es7 +aiens was a +rofessiona' #an w!o !ad !is offi*e in an
o'd &(i'din% infesed &" roa*!es, Be*o#in% e#&arrassed &" !e +resen*e of !ese
inse*s, !e oo$ *onro' #eas(res in !is own !ands, He s+en #os of one S(nda"
s+ra"in% !e &ase#en and a'' se*'(ded areas, T!e s+ra" was a ;F +er *en DDT
*on*enrae s(s+ended in a so')en *onainin% #e!"'aed na+!!a'enes, Wi!in a
s!or i#e !e &e%an o &r(ise and &'eed, He enered !e *'ini* &'eedin% fro# a
n(#&er of !e#orr!a%es, S(dies of !is &'ood re)ea'ed a se)ere de+ression of !e
&one #arrow *a''ed a+'asi* ane#ia, D(rin% !e neB fi)e and one !a'f #on!s !e
re*ei)ed F9 ransf(sions in addiion o o!er !era+", T!ere was +aria' re*o)er" &(
a&o( nine "ears 'aer a faa' 'e($e#ia de)e'o+ed, W!ere +esi*ides are in)o')ed,
!e *!e#i*a's !a fi%(re #os +ro#inen'" in !e *ase !isories are DDT, 'indane,
&en3ene !eBa*!'oride, !e niro+!eno's, !e *o##on #o! *r"sa'
+aradi*!'oro&en3ene, *!'ordane, and, of *o(rse, !e so')ens in w!i*! !e" are
*arried, As !is +!"si*ian e#+!asi3es, +(re eB+os(re o a sin%'e *!e#i*a' is !e
eB*e+ion, ra!er !an !e r('e, T!e *o##er*ia' +rod(* (s(a''" *onains
*o#&inaions of se)era' *!e#i*a's, s(s+ended in a +ero'e(# disi''ae +'(s so#e
dis+ersin% a%en, T!e aro#ai* *"*'i* and (nsa(raed !"dro*ar&ons of !e )e!i*'e
#a" !e#se')es &e a #aGor fa*or in !e da#a%e done !e &'ood-for#in% or%ans,
=ro# !e +ra*i*a' ra!er !an !e #edi*a' sand+oin !is disin*ion is of 'i'e
i#+oran*e, !owe)er, &e*a(se !ese +ero'e(# so')ens are an inse+ara&'e +ar of
#os *o##on s+ra"in% +ra*i*es,
T!e #edi*a' 'iera(re of !is and o!er *o(nries *onains #an" si%nifi*an *ases
!a s(++or Dr, Har%ra)es7 &e'ief in a *a(se-and-effe* re'aion &eween !ese
*!e#i*a's and 'e($e#ia and o!er &'ood disorders, T!e" *on*ern s(*! e)er"da"
+eo+'e as far#ers *a(%! in !e Lfa''o(7 of !eir own s+ra" ri%s or of +'anes, a *o''e%e
s(den w!o s+ra"ed !is s(d" for ans and re#ained in !e roo# o s(d", a wo#an
w!o !ad insa''ed a +ora&'e 'indane )a+ori3er in !er !o#e, a wor$er in a *oon fie'd
!a !ad &een s+ra"ed wi! *!'ordane and oBa+!ene, T!e" *arr", !a'f *on*ea'ed
wi!in !eir #edi*a' er#ino'o%", sories of s(*! !(#an ra%edies as !a of wo
"o(n% *o(sins in 13e*!os'o)a$ia, &o"s w!o 'i)ed in !e sa#e own and !ad a'wa"s
wor$ed and +'a"ed o%e!er, T!eir 'as and #os faef(' e#+'o"#en was a a far#
*oo+erai)e w!ere i was !eir Go& o (n'oad sa*$s of an inse*i*ide 5&en3ene
!eBa*!'oride6, Ei%! #on!s 'aer one of !e &o"s was sri*$en wi! a*(e 'e($e#ia,
In nine da"s !e was dead, A a&o( !is i#e !is *o(sin &e%an o ire easi'" and o
r(n a e#+era(re, Wi!in a&o( !ree #on!s !is s"#+o#s &e*a#e #ore se)ere
and !e, oo, was !os+ia'i3ed, A%ain !e dia%nosis was a*(e 'e($e#ia, and a%ain
!e disease ran is ine)ia&'" faa' *o(rse,
And !en !ere is !e *ase of a Swedis! far#er, sran%e'" re#inis*en of !a of !e
?a+anese fis!er#an K(&o"a#a of !e (na )esse' !e :uc'y ?ragon, Li$e
K(&o"a#a, !e far#er !ad &een a !ea'!" #an, %'eanin% !is 'i)in% fro# !e 'and as
K(&o"a#a !ad a$en !is fro# !e sea, =or ea*! #an a +oison drifin% o( of !e s$"
*arried a dea! senen*e, =or one, i was radiaion- +oisoned as!I for !e o!er,
*!e#i*a' d(s, T!e far#er !ad reaed a&o( :K a*res of 'and wi! a d(s *onainin%
DDT and &en3ene !eBa*!'oride, As !e wor$ed +(ffs of wind &ro(%! 'i'e *'o(ds of
d(s swir'in% a&o( !i#, LIn !e e)enin% !e fe' (n(s(a''" ired, and d(rin% !e
s(&se.(en da"s !e !ad a %enera' fee'in% of wea$ness, wi! &a*$a*!e and a*!in%
'e%s as we'' as *!i''s, and was o&'i%ed o a$e o !is &ed,7 sa"s a re+or fro# !e
4edi*a' 1'ini* a L(nd, LHis *ondiion &e*a#e worse, !owe)er, and on 4a" 89 Va
wee$ afer !e s+ra"in%W !e a++'ied for ad#ission o !e 'o*a' !os+ia',7 He !ad a !i%!
fe)er and !is &'ood *o(n was a&nor#a', He was ransferred o !e 4edi*a' 1'ini*,
w!ere, afer an i''ness of wo and one !a'f #on!s, !e died, A +os-#ore#
eBa#inaion re)ea'ed a *o#+'ee wasin% awa" of !e &one #arrow, , , ,
How a nor#a' and ne*essar" +ro*ess s(*! as *e'' di)ision *an &e*o#e a'ered so
!a i is a'ien and desr(*i)e is a +ro&'e# !a !as en%a%ed !e aenion of
*o(n'ess s*ieniss and (no'd s(#s of #one", W!a !a++ens in a *e'' o *!an%e is
order'" #('i+'i*aion ino !e wi'd and (n*onro''ed +ro'iferaion of *an*erJ W!en
answers are fo(nd !e" wi'' a'#os *erain'" &e #('i+'e, ?(s as *an*er ise'f is a
disease !a wears #an" %(ises, a++earin% in )ario(s for#s !a differ in !eir ori%in,
in !e *o(rse of !eir de)e'o+#en, and in !e fa*ors !a inf'(en*e !eir %row! or
re%ression, so !ere #(s &e a *orres+ondin% )arie" of *a(ses, <e (nder'"in%
!e# a'', +er!a+s, on'" a few &asi* $inds of inG(ries o !e *e'' are res+onsi&'e, Here
and !ere, in resear*! wide'" s*aered and so#ei#es no (ndera$en as a *an*er
s(d" a a'', we see %'i##erin%s of !e firs 'i%! !a #a" one da" i''(#inae !is
+ro&'e#,
A%ain we find !a on'" &" 'oo$in% a so#e of !e s#a''es (nis of 'ife, !e *e'' and is
*!ro#oso#es, *an we find !a wider )ision needed o +enerae s(*! #"series,
Here, in !is #i*ro*os#, we #(s 'oo$ for !ose fa*ors !a so#e!ow s!if !e
#ar)e'o(s'" f(n*ionin% #e*!anis#s of !e *e'' o( of !eir nor#a' +aerns, One of
!e #os i#+ressi)e !eories of !e ori%in of *an*er *e''s was de)e'o+ed &" a
Ger#an &io*!e#is, Professor Oo War&(r% of !e 4aB P'an*$ Insi(e of 1e''
P!"sio'o%", War&(r% !as de)oed a 'ifei#e of s(d" o !e *o#+'eB +ro*esses of
oBidaion wi!in !e *e'', O( of !is &road &a*$%ro(nd of (ndersandin% *a#e a
fas*inain% and '(*id eB+'anaion of !e wa" a nor#a' *e'' *an &e*o#e #a'i%nan,
War&(r% &e'ie)es !a ei!er radiaion or a *!e#i*a' *ar*ino%en a*s &" desro"in%
!e res+iraion of nor#a' *e''s, !(s de+ri)in% !e# of ener%", T!is a*ion #a" res('
fro# #in(e doses ofen re+eaed, T!e effe*, on*e a*!ie)ed, is irre)ersi&'e, T!e
*e''s no $i''ed o(ri%! &" !e i#+a* of s(*! a res+iraor" +oison sr(%%'e o
*o#+ensae for !e 'oss of ener%", T!e" *an no 'on%er *arr" on !a eBraordinar"
and effi*ien *"*'e &" w!i*! )as a#o(ns of ATP are +rod(*ed, &( are !rown &a*$
on a +ri#ii)e and far 'ess effi*ien #e!od, !a of fer#enaion, T!e sr(%%'e o
s(r)i)e &" fer#enaion *onin(es for a 'on% +eriod of i#e, I *onin(es !ro(%!
ens(in% *e'' di)isions, so !a a'' !e des*endan *e''s !a)e !is a&nor#a' #e!od of
res+iraion, On*e a *e'' !as 'os is nor#a' res+iraion i *anno re%ain iHno in a
"ear, no in a de*ade or in #an" de*ades, B( 'i'e &" 'i'e, in !is %r(e'in% sr(%%'e
o resore 'os ener%", !ose *e''s !a s(r)i)e &e%in o *o#+ensae &" in*reased
fer#enaion, I is a Darwinian sr(%%'e, in w!i*! on'" !e #os fi or ada+a&'e
s(r)i)e, A 'as !e" rea*! !e +oin w!ere fer#enaion is a&'e o +rod(*e as #(*!
ener%" as res+iraion, A !is +oin, *an*er *e''s #a" &e said o !a)e &een *reaed
fro# nor#a' &od" *e''s,
War&(r%7s !eor" eB+'ains #an" o!erwise +(33'in% !in%s, T!e 'on% 'aen +eriod of
#os *an*ers is !e i#e re.(ired for !e infinie n(#&er of *e'' di)isions d(rin%
w!i*! fer#enaion is %rad(a''" in*reasin% afer !e iniia' da#a%e o res+iraion, T!e
i#e re.(ired for fer#enaion o &e*o#e do#inan )aries in differen s+e*ies
&e*a(se of differen fer#enaion raes2 a s!or i#e in !e ra, in w!i*! *an*ers
a++ear .(i*$'", a 'on% i#e 5de*ades e)en6 in #an, in w!o# !e de)e'o+#en of
#a'i%nan*" is a de'i&erae +ro*ess,
T!e War&(r% !eor" a'so eB+'ains w!" re+eaed s#a'' doses of a *ar*ino%en are
#ore dan%ero(s (nder so#e *ir*(#san*es !an a sin%'e 'ar%e dose, T!e 'aer #a"
$i'' !e *e''s o(ri%!, w!ereas !e s#a'' doses a''ow so#e o s(r)i)e, !o(%! in a
da#a%ed *ondiion, T!ese s(r)i)ors #a" !en de)e'o+ ino *an*er *e''s, T!is is w!"
!ere is no Lsafe7 dose of a *ar*ino%en, In War&(r%7s !eor" we a'so find eB+'anaion
of an o!erwise in*o#+re!ensi&'e fa*H!a one and !e sa#e a%en *an &e (sef('
in reain% *an*er and *an a'so *a(se i, T!is, as e)er"one $nows, is r(e of
radiaion, w!i*! $i''s *an*er *e''s &( #a" a'so *a(se *an*er, I is a'so r(e of #an"
of !e *!e#i*a's now (sed a%ains *an*er, W!"J Bo! "+es of a%ens da#a%e
res+iraion, 1an*er *e''s a'read" !a)e a defe*i)e res+iraion, so wi! addiiona'
da#a%e !e" die, T!e nor#a' *e''s, s(fferin% res+iraor" da#a%e for !e firs i#e,
are no $i''ed &( are se on !e +a! !a #a" e)en(a''" 'ead o #a'i%nan*",
War&(r%7s ideas re*ei)ed *onfir#aion in 89F> w!en o!er wor$ers were a&'e o (rn
nor#a'
*e''s ino *an*er *e''s #ere'" &" de+ri)in% !e# of oB"%en iner#ien'" o)er 'on%
+eriods,
T!en in 89:8 o!er *onfir#aion *a#e, !is i#e fro# 'i)in% ani#a's ra!er !an iss(e
*('(res, Radioa*i)e ra*er s(&san*es were inGe*ed ino *an*ero(s #i*e, T!en &"
*aref(' #eas(re#ens of !eir res+iraion, i was fo(nd !a !e fer#enaion rae was
#ar$ed'" a&o)e nor#a', G(s as War&(r% !ad foreseen, 4eas(red &" !e sandards
esa&'is!ed &" War&(r%, #os +esi*ides #ee !e *rierion of !e +erfe* *ar*ino%en
oo we'' for *o#for, As we !a)e seen in !e +re*edin% *!a+er, #an" of !e
*!'orinaed !"dro*ar&ons, !e +!eno's, and so#e !er&i*ides inerfere wi! oBidaion
and ener%" +rod(*ion wi!in !e *e'', B" !ese #eans !e" #a" &e *reain% s'ee+in%
*an*er *e''s, in w!i*! an irre)ersi&'e #a'i%nan*" wi'' s'(#&er 'on% and (ndee*ed (ni'
fina''"His *a(se 'on% for%oen and e)en (ns(s+e*edHi f'ares ino !e o+en as
re*o%ni3a&'e *an*er,
Ano!er +a! o *an*er #a" &e &" wa" of !e *!ro#oso#es, 4an" of !e #os
disin%(is!ed resear*! #en in !is fie'd 'oo$ wi! s(s+i*ion on an" a%en !a
da#a%es !e *!ro#oso#es, inerferes wi! *e'' di)ision, or *a(ses #(aions, In !e
)iew of !ese #en an" #(aion is a +oenia' *a(se of *an*er, A'!o(%! dis*(ssions
of #(aions (s(a''" refer o !ose in !e %er# *e''s, w!i*! #a" !en #a$e !eir
effe* fe' in f((re %eneraions, !ere #a" a'so &e #(aions in !e &od" *e''s,
A**ordin% o !e #(aion !eor" of !e ori%in of *an*er, a *e'', +er!a+s (nder !e
inf'(en*e of radiaion or of a *!e#i*a', de)e'o+s a #(aion !a a''ows i o es*a+e
!e *onro's !e &od" nor#a''" assers o)er *e'' di)ision, I is !erefore a&'e o
#('i+'" in a wi'd and (nre%('aed #anner, T!e new *e''s res('in% fro# !ese
di)isions !a)e !e sa#e a&i'i" o
es*a+e *onro', and in i#e eno(%! s(*! *e''s !a)e a**(#('aed o *onsi(e a
*an*er, O!er in)esi%aors +oin o !e fa* !a !e *!ro#oso#es in *an*er iss(e
are (nsa&'eI !e" end o &e &ro$en or da#a%ed, !e n(#&er #a" &e errai*, !ere
#a" e)en &e do(&'e ses,
T!e firs in)esi%aors o ra*e *!ro#oso#e a&nor#a'iies a'' !e wa" o a*(a'
#a'i%nan*" were A'&er Le)an and ?o!n ?, Biese'e, wor$in% a !e S'oan-Keerin%
Insi(e in New <or$, As o w!i*! *a#e firs, !e #a'i%nan*" or !e dis(r&an*e of
!e *!ro#oso#es, !ese wor$ers sa" wi!o( !esiaion !a L!e *!ro#oso#a'
irre%('ariies +re*ede !e #a'i%nan*",7 Per!a+s, !e" s+e*('ae, afer !e iniia'
*!ro#oso#e da#a%e and !e res('in% insa&i'i" !ere is a 'on% +eriod of ria' and
error !ro(%! #an" *e'' %eneraions 5!e 'on% 'aen +eriod of #a'i%nan*"6 d(rin%
w!i*! a *o''e*ion of #(aions is fina''" a**(#('aed w!i*! a''ow !e *e''s o es*a+e
fro# *onro' and e#&ar$ on !e (nre%('aed #('i+'i*aion !a is *an*er,
OG)ind Win%e, one of !e ear'" +ro+onens of !e !eor" of *!ro#oso#e insa&i'i",
fe' !a *!ro#oso#e do(&'in%s were es+e*ia''" si%nifi*an, Is i *oin*iden*e, !en,
!a &en3ene !eBa*!'oride and is re'ai)e, 'indane, are $nown !ro(%! re+eaed
o&ser)aions o do(&'e !e *!ro#oso#es in eB+eri#ena' +'ans Hand !a !ese
sa#e *!e#i*a's !a)e &een i#+'i*aed in #an" we''-do*(#ened *ases of faa'
ane#iasJ And w!a of !e #an" o!er +esi*ides !a inerfere wi! *e'' di)ision,
&rea$ *!ro#oso#es, *a(se #(aionsJ I is eas" o see w!" 'e($e#ia s!o('d &e
one of !e #os *o##on diseases o res(' fro# eB+os(re o radiaion or o
*!e#i*a's !a i#iae radiaion, T!e +rin*i+a' ar%es of +!"si*a' or *!e#i*a'
#(a%eni* a%ens are *e''s !a are (nder%oin% es+e*ia''" a*i)e di)ision, T!is
in*'(des )ario(s iss(es &( #os i#+oran'" !ose en%a%ed in !e +rod(*ion of
&'ood, T!e &one #arrow is !e *!ief +rod(*er of red &'ood *e''s !ro(%!o( 'ife,
sendin% so#e 8K #i''ion new *e''s +er se*ond ino !e &'oodsrea# of #an, W!ie
*or+(s*'es are for#ed in !e '"#+! %'ands and in so#e of !e #arrow *e''s a a
)aria&'e, &( si'' +rodi%io(s, rae,
1erain *!e#i*a's, a%ain re#indin% (s of radiaion +rod(*s 'i$e Sroni(# 9K, !a)e a
+e*('iar affini" for !e &one #arrow, Ben3ene, a fre.(en *onsi(en of inse*i*ida'
so')ens, 'od%es in !e #arrow and re#ains de+osied !ere for +eriods $nown o &e
as 'on% as ;K #on!s, Ben3ene ise'f !as &een re*o%ni3ed in #edi*a' 'iera(re for
#an" "ears as a *a(se of 'e($e#ia, T!e ra+id'" %rowin% iss(es of a *!i'd wo('d a'so
afford *ondiions #os s(ia&'e for !e de)e'o+#en of #a'i%nan *e''s, Sir
4a*far'ane B(rne !as +oined o( !a no on'" is 'e($e#ia in*reasin% !ro(%!o(
!e wor'd &( i !as &e*o#e #os *o##on in !e !ree- o fo(r-"ear a%e &ra*$e, an
a%e in*iden*e s!own &" no o!er disease, A**ordin% o !is a(!ori", LT!e +ea$
&eween !ree and fo(r "ears of a%e *an !ard'" !a)e an" o!er iner+reaion !an
eB+os(re of !e "o(n% or%anis# o a #(a%eni* si#('(s aro(nd !e i#e of &ir!,7
Ano!er #(a%en $nown o +rod(*e *an*er is (re!ane, W!en +re%nan #i*e are
reaed wi! !is *!e#i*a' no on'" do !e" de)e'o+ *an*er of !e '(n% &( !eir "o(n%
do, a'so, T!e on'" eB+os(re of !e infan #i*e o (re!ane was +renaa' in !ese
eB+eri#ens, +ro)in% !a !e *!e#i*a' #(s !a)e +assed !ro(%! !e +'a*ena, In
!(#an +o+('aions eB+osed o (re!ane or re'aed *!e#i*a's !ere is a +ossi&i'i"
!a (#ors wi'' de)e'o+ in infans !ro(%! +renaa' eB+os(re, as Dr, H(e+er !as
warned, Ure!ane as a *ar&a#ae is *!e#i*a''" re'aed o !e !er&i*ides IP1 and
1IP1, Des+ie !e warnin%s of *an*er eB+ers, *ar&a#aes are now wide'" (sed,
no on'" as inse*i*ides, weed $i''ers, and f(n%i*ides, &( a'so in a )arie" of
+rod(*s in*'(din% +'asi*i3ers, #edi*ines, *'o!in%, and ins('ain% #aeria's, , , ,
T!e road o *an*er #a" a'so &e an indire* one, A s(&san*e !a is no a
*ar*ino%en in !e ordinar" sense #a" dis(r& !e nor#a' f(n*ionin% of so#e +ar of
!e &od" in s(*! a wa" !a #a'i%nan*" res('s, I#+oran eBa#+'es are !e *an*ers,
es+e*ia''" of !e re+rod(*i)e s"se#, !a a++ear o &e 'in$ed wi! dis(r&an*es of !e
&a'an*e of seB !or#onesI !ese dis(r&an*es, in (rn, #a" in so#e *ases &e !e
res(' of so#e!in% !a affe*s !e a&i'i" of !e 'i)er o +reser)e a +ro+er 'e)e' of
!ese !or#ones, T!e *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&ons are +re*ise'" !e $ind of a%en !a *an
&rin% a&o( !is $ind of indire* *ar*ino%enesis, &e*a(se a'' of !e# are oBi* in
so#e de%ree o !e 'i)er, T!e seB !or#ones are, of *o(rse, nor#a''" +resen in !e
&od" and +erfor# a ne*essar" %row!-si#('ain% f(n*ion in re'aion o !e )ario(s
or%ans of re+rod(*ion, B( !e &od" !as a &(i'-in +roe*ion a%ains eB*essi)e
a**(#('aions, for !e 'i)er a*s o $ee+ a +ro+er &a'an*e &eween #a'e and fe#a'e
!or#ones 5&o! are +rod(*ed in !e &odies of &o! seBes, a'!o(%! in differen
a#o(ns6 and o +re)en an eB*ess a**(#('aion of ei!er, I *anno do so, !owe)er, if
i !as &een da#a%ed &" disease or *!e#i*a's, or if !e s(++'" of !e B-*o#+'eB
)ia#ins !as &een red(*ed, Under !ese *ondiions !e esro%ens &(i'd (+ o
a&nor#a''" !i%! 'e)e's,
W!a are !e effe*sJ In ani#a's, a 'eas, !ere is a&(ndan e)iden*e fro#
eB+eri#ens, In one s(*!, an in)esi%aor a !e Ro*$efe''er Insi(e for 4edi*a'
Resear*! fo(nd !a ra&&is wi! 'i)ers da#a%ed &" disease s!ow a )er" !i%!
in*iden*e of (erine (#ors, !o(%! o !a)e de)e'o+ed &e*a(se !e 'i)er was no
'on%er a&'e o ina*i)ae !e esro%ens in !e &'ood, so !a !e" Ls(&se.(en'" rose
o a *ar*ino%eni* 'e)e',7 EBensi)e eB+eri#ens on #i*e, ras, %(inea +i%s, and
#on$e"s s!ow !a +ro'on%ed ad#inisraion of esro%ens 5no ne*essari'" a !i%!
'e)e's6 !as *a(sed *!an%es in !e iss(es of !e re+rod(*i)e or%ans, L)ar"in% fro#
&eni%n o)er%row! o definie #a'i%nan*"7, T(#ors of !e $idne"s !a)e &een
ind(*ed in !a#sers &" ad#iniserin% esro%ens, A'!o(%! #edi*a' o+inion is
di)ided on !e .(esion, #(*! e)iden*e eBiss o s(++or !e )iew !a si#i'ar
effe*s #a" o**(r in !(#an iss(es, In)esi%aors a !e
Ro"a' Ei*oria Hos+ia' a 4*Gi'' Uni)ersi" fo(nd wo !irds of 8FK *ases of (erine
*an*er s(died &" !e# %a)e e)iden*e of a&nor#a''" !i%! esro%en 'e)e's, In 9K +er
*en of a 'aer series of ;K *ases !ere was si#i'ar !i%! esro%en a*i)i",
I is +ossi&'e o !a)e 'i)er da#a%e s(ffi*ien o inerfere wi! esro%en e'i#inaion
wi!o( dee*ion of !e da#a%e &" an" ess now a)ai'a&'e o !e #edi*a'
+rofession, T!is *an easi'" &e *a(sed &" !e *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&ons, w!i*!, as we
!a)e seen, se (+ *!an%es in 'i)er *e''s a )er" 'ow 'e)e's of ina$e, T!e" a'so *a(se
'oss of !e B )ia#ins, T!is, oo, is eBre#e'" i#+oran, for o!er *!ains of e)iden*e
s!ow !e +roe*i)e ro'e of !ese )ia#ins a%ains *an*er, T!e 'ae 1, P, R!oads,
onei#e dire*or of !e S'oan-Keerin% Insi(e for 1an*er Resear*!, fo(nd !a es
ani#a's eB+osed o a )er" +oen *!e#i*a' *ar*ino%en de)e'o+ed no *an*er if !e"
!ad &een fed "eas, a ri*! so(r*e of !e na(ra' B )ia#ins, A defi*ien*" of !ese
)ia#ins !as &een fo(nd o a**o#+an" #o(! *an*er and +er!a+s *an*er of o!er
sies in !e di%esi)e ra*, T!is !as &een o&ser)ed no on'" in !e Unied Saes &(
in !e far nor!ern +ars of Sweden and =in'and, w!ere !e die is ordinari'" defi*ien
in )ia#ins, Gro(+s +rone o +ri#ar" 'i)er *an*er, as for eBa#+'e !e Ban( ri&es of
Afri*a, are "+i*a''" s(&Ge* o #a'n(riion, 1an*er of !e #a'e &reas is a'so
+re)a'en in +ars of Afri*a, asso*iaed wi! 'i)er disease and #a'n(riion, In +oswar
Gree*e en'ar%e#en of !e #a'e &reas was a *o##on a**o#+ani#en of +eriods of
sar)aion,
In &rief, !e ar%(#en for !e indire* ro'e of +esi*ides in *an*er is &ased on !eir
+ro)en a&i'i" o da#a%e !e 'i)er and o red(*e !e s(++'" of B )ia#ins, !(s
'eadin% o an in*rease in !e Lendo%eno(s7 esro%ens, or !ose +rod(*ed &" !e &od"
ise'f, Added o !ese are !e wide )arie" of s"n!ei* esro%ens o w!i*! we are
in*reasin%'" eB+osedH!ose in *os#ei*s, dr(%s, foods, and o**(+aiona'
eB+os(res, T!e *o#&ined effe* is a #aer !a warrans !e #os serio(s *on*ern, ,
, ,
H(#an eB+os(res o *an*er-+rod(*in% *!e#i*a's 5in*'(din% +esi*ides6 are
(n*onro''ed and !e" are #('i+'e, An indi)id(a' #a" !a)e #an" differen eB+os(res
o !e sa#e *!e#i*a', Arseni* is an eBa#+'e, I eBiss in !e en)iron#en of e)er"
indi)id(a' in #an" differen %(ises2 as an air +o''(an, a *ona#inan of waer, a
+esi*ide resid(e on food, in #edi*ines, *os#ei*s, wood +reser)ai)es, or as a
*o'orin% a%en in +ains and in$s, I is .(ie +ossi&'e !a no one of !ese eB+os(res
a'one wo('d &e s(ffi*ien o +re*i+iae #a'i%nan*"H"e an" sin%'e s(++osed'" Lsafe
dose7 #a" &e eno(%! o i+ !e s*a'es !a are a'read" 'oaded wi! o!er Lsafe
doses7, Or a%ain !e !ar# #a" &e done &" wo or #ore differen *ar*ino%ens a*in%
o%e!er, so !a !ere is a s(##aion of !eir effe*s, T!e indi)id(a' eB+osed o
DDT, for eBa#+'e, is a'#os *erain o &e eB+osed o o!er 'i)er-da#a%in%
!"dro*ar&ons, w!i*! are so wide'" (sed as so')ens, +ain re#o)ers, de%reasin%
a%ens, dr"-*'eanin% f'(ids, and anes!ei*s, W!a !en *an &e a Lsafe dose7 of DDTJ
T!e si(aion is #ade e)en #ore *o#+'i*aed &" !e fa* !a one *!e#i*a' #a" a*
on ano!er o a'er is effe*, 1an*er #a" so#ei#es re.(ire !e *o#+'e#enar"
a*ion of wo *!e#i*a's, one of w!i*! sensii3es !e *e'' or iss(e so !a i #a" 'aer,
(nder !e a*ion of ano!er or +ro#oin% a%en, de)e'o+ r(e #a'i%nan*", T!(s, !e
!er&i*ides IP1 and 1IP1 #a" a* as iniiaors in !e +rod(*ion of s$in (#ors,
sowin% !e seeds of #a'i%nan*" !a #a" &e &ro(%! ino a*(a' &ein% &" so#e!in%
e'seH+er!a+s a *o##on deer%en,
T!ere #a" &e inera*ion, oo, &eween a +!"si*a' and a *!e#i*a' a%en, Le($e#ia
#a" o**(r
as a wo-se+ +ro*ess, !e #a'i%nan *!an%e &ein% iniiaed &" S-radiaion, !e
+ro#oin%
a*ion &ein% s(++'ied &" a *!e#i*a', as, for eBa#+'e, (re!ane, T!e %rowin%
eB+os(re of !e +o+('aion o radiaion fro# )ario(s so(r*es, +'(s !e #an" *ona*s
wi! a !os of *!e#i*a's s(%%es a %ra)e new +ro&'e# for !e #odern wor'd, T!e
+o''(ion of waer s(++'ies wi! radioa*i)e #aeria's +oses ano!er +ro&'e#, S(*!
#aeria's, +resen as *ona#inans in waer !a a'so *onains *!e#i*a's, #a"
a*(a''" *!an%e !e na(re of !e *!e#i*a's &" !e i#+a* of ioni3in% radiaion,
rearran%in% !eir ao#s in (n+redi*a&'e wa"s o *reae new *!e#i*a's, Waer
+o''(ion eB+ers !ro(%!o( !e Unied Saes are *on*erned &" !e fa* !a
deer%ens are now a ro(&'eso#e and +ra*i*a''" (ni)ersa' *ona#inan of +(&'i*
waer s(++'ies, T!ere is no +ra*i*a' wa" o re#o)e !e# &" rea#en, =ew
deer%ens are $nown o &e *ar*ino%eni*, &( in an indire* wa" !e" #a" +ro#oe
*an*er &" a*in% on !e 'inin% of !e di%esi)e ra*, *!an%in% !e iss(es so !a !e"
#ore easi'" a&sor& dan%ero(s *!e#i*a's, !ere&" a%%ra)ain% !eir effe*, B( w!o
*an foresee and *onro' !is a*ionJ In !e $a'eidos*o+e of s!ifin% *ondiions, w!a
dose of a *ar*ino%en *an &e Lsafe7 eB*e+ a 3ero doseJ We o'erae *an*er-*a(sin%
a%ens in o(r en)iron#en a o(r +eri', as was *'ear'" i''(sraed &" a re*en
!a++enin%, In !e s+rin% of 89:8 an e+ide#i* of 'i)er *an*er a++eared a#on%
rain&ow ro( in #an" federa', sae, and +ri)ae !a*!eries, Tro( in &o! easern
and wesern +ars of !e Unied Saes were affe*edI in so#e areas +ra*i*a''" 8KK
+er *en of !e ro( o)er !ree "ears of a%e de)e'o+ed *an*er, T!is dis*o)er" was
#ade &e*a(se of a +reeBisin% arran%e#en &eween !e En)iron#ena' 1an*er
Se*ion of !e Naiona' 1an*er Insi(e and !e =is! and Wi'd'ife Ser)i*e for !e
re+orin% of a'' fis! wi! (#ors, so !a ear'" warnin% #i%! &e !ad of a *an*er
!a3ard o #an fro# waer *ona#inans,
A'!o(%! s(dies are si'' (nder wa" o deer#ine !e eBa* *a(se of !is e+ide#i*
o)er so wide an area, !e &es e)iden*e is said o +oin o so#e a%en +resen in !e
+re+ared !a*!er" feeds, T!ese *onain an in*redi&'e )arie" of *!e#i*a' addii)es
and #edi*ina' a%ens in addiion o !e &asi* foods(ffs, T!e sor" of !e ro( is
i#+oran for #an" reasons, &( *!ief'" as an eBa#+'e of w!a *an !a++en w!en a
+oen *ar*ino%en is inrod(*ed ino !e en)iron#en of an" s+e*ies, Dr, H(e+er !as
des*ri&ed !is e+ide#i* as a serio(s warnin% !a %rea'" in*reased aenion #(s
&e %i)en o *onro''in% !e n(#&er and )arie" of en)iron#ena' *ar*ino%ens, LIf s(*!
+re)eni)e #eas(res are no a$en,7 sa"s Dr, H(e+er, L!e sa%e wi'' &e se a a
+ro%ressi)e rae for !e f((re o**(rren*e of a si#i'ar disaser o !e !(#an
+o+('aion,7 T!e dis*o)er" !a we are, as one in)esi%aor +!rased i, 'i)in% in a Lsea
of *ar*ino%ens7 is of *o(rse dis#a"in% and #a" easi'" 'ead o rea*ions of des+air
and defeais#, LIsn7 i a !o+e'ess si(aionJ7 is !e *o##on rea*ion, LIsn7 i
i#+ossi&'e e)en o ae#+ o e'i#inae !ese *an*er-+rod(*in% a%ens fro# o(r
wor'dJ Wo('dn7 i &e &eer no o wase i#e r"in%, &( insead o +( a'' o(r effors
ino resear*! o find a *(re for *an*erJ7
W!en !is .(esion is +( o Dr, H(e+er, w!ose "ears of disin%(is!ed wor$ in *an*er
#a$e !is o+inion one o res+e*, !is re+'" is %i)en wi! !e !o(%!f('ness of one
w!o !as +ondered i 'on%, and !as a 'ifei#e of resear*! and eB+erien*e &e!ind !is
G(d%#en, Dr, H(e+er &e'ie)es !a o(r si(aion wi! re%ard o *an*er oda" is )er"
si#i'ar o !a w!i*! fa*ed #an$ind wi! re%ard o infe*io(s diseases in !e *'osin%
"ears of !e 89! *en(r", T!e *a(sai)e re'aion &eween +a!o%eni* or%anis#s and
#an" diseases !ad &een esa&'is!ed !ro(%! !e &ri''ian wor$ of Pase(r and Ko*!,
4edi*a' #en and e)en !e %enera' +(&'i* were &e*o#in% aware !a !e !(#an
en)iron#en was in!a&ied &" an enor#o(s n(#&er of #i*roor%anis#s *a+a&'e of
*a(sin% disease, G(s as oda" *ar*ino%ens +er)ade o(r s(rro(ndin%s, 4os
infe*io(s diseases
!a)e now &een &ro(%! (nder a reasona&'e de%ree of *onro' and so#e !a)e &een
+ra*i*a''" e'i#inaed, T!is &ri''ian #edi*a' a*!ie)e#en *a#e a&o( &" an aa*$
!a was wofo'dH!a sressed +re)enion as we'' as *(re, Des+ie !e +ro#inen*e
!a L#a%i* &(''es7 and Lwonder dr(%s7 !o'd in !e 'a"#an7s #ind, #os of !e rea''"
de*isi)e &a'es in !e war a%ains infe*io(s disease *onsised of #eas(res o
e'i#inae disease or%anis#s fro# !e en)iron#en, An eBa#+'e fro# !isor"
*on*erns !e %rea o(&rea$ of *!o'era in London #ore !an one !(ndred "ears
a%o, A London +!"si*ian, ?o!n Snow, #a++ed !e o**(rren*e of *ases and fo(nd
!e" ori%inaed in one area, a'' of w!ose in!a&ians drew !eir waer fro# one +(#+
'o*aed on Broad Sree, In a swif and de*isi)e +ra*i*e of +re)eni)e #edi*ine, Dr,
Snow re#o)ed !e !and'e fro# !e +(#+, T!e e+ide#i* was &ro(%! (nder *onro'
Hno &" a #a%i* +i'' !a $i''ed !e 5!en (n$nown6 or%anis# of *!o'era, &( &"
e'i#inain% !e or%anis# fro# !e en)iron#en, E)en !era+e(i* #eas(res !a)e
!e i#+oran res(' no on'" of *(rin% !e +aien &( of red(*in% !e fo*i of infe*ion,
T!e +resen *o#+arai)e rari" of (&er*('osis res('s in 'ar%e #eas(re fro# !e fa*
!a !e a)era%e +erson now se'do# *o#es ino *ona* wi! !e (&er*'e &a*i''(s,
Toda" we find o(r wor'd fi''ed wi! *an*er-+rod(*in% a%ens, An aa*$ on *an*er
!a is *on*enraed w!o''" or e)en 'ar%e'" on !era+e(i* #eas(res 5e)en ass(#in%
a L*(re7 *o('d &e fo(nd6 in Dr, H(e+er7s o+inion wi'' fai' &e*a(se i 'ea)es (no(*!ed
!e %rea reser)oirs of *ar*ino%eni* a%ens w!i*! wo('d *onin(e o *'ai# new
)i*i#s faser !an !e as "e e'(si)e L*(re7 *o('d a''a" !e disease,
W!" !a)e we &een s'ow o ado+ !is *o##on-sense a++roa*! o !e *an*er
+ro&'e#J Pro&a&'" L!e %oa' of *(rin% !e )i*i#s of *an*er is #ore eB*iin%, #ore
an%i&'e, #ore %'a#oro(s and rewardin% !an +re)enion,7 sa"s Dr, H(e+er, <e o
+re)en *an*er fro# e)er &ein% for#ed is Ldefinie'" #ore !(#ane7 and *an &e
L#(*! #ore effe*i)e !an *an*er *(res7, Dr, H(e+er !as 'i'e +aien*e wi! !e
wis!f(' !in$in% !a +ro#ises La #a%i* +i'' !a we s!a'' a$e ea*! #ornin% &efore
&rea$fas7 as +roe*ion a%ains *an*er, Par of !e +(&'i* r(s in s(*! an e)en(a'
o(*o#e res('s fro# !e #is*on*e+ion !a *an*er is a sin%'e, !o(%! #"serio(s
disease, wi! a sin%'e *a(se and, !o+ef(''", a sin%'e *(re, T!is of *o(rse is far fro#
!e $nown r(!, ?(s as en)iron#ena' *an*ers are ind(*ed &" a wide )arie" of
*!e#i*a' and +!"si*a' a%ens, so !e #a'i%nan *ondiion ise'f is #anifesed in
#an" differen and &io'o%i*a''" disin* wa"s, T!e 'on% +ro#ised L&rea$!ro(%!7,
w!en or if i *o#es, *anno &e eB+e*ed o &e a +ana*ea for a'' "+es of #a'i%nan*",
A'!o(%! !e sear*! #(s &e *onin(ed for !era+e(i* #eas(res o re'ie)e and o
*(re !ose w!o !a)e a'read" &e*o#e )i*i#s of *an*er, i is a disser)i*e o
!(#ani" o !o'd o( !e !o+e !a !e so'(ion wi'' *o#e s(dden'", in a sin%'e
#aser sro$e, I wi'' *o#e s'ow'", one se+ a a i#e, 4eanw!i'e as we +o(r o(r
#i''ions ino resear*! and in)es a'' o(r !o+es in )as +ro%ra#s o find *(res for
esa&'is!ed *ases of *an*er, we are ne%'e*in% !e %o'den o++or(ni" o +re)en,
e)en w!i'e we see$ o *(re,
T!e as$ is &" no #eans a !o+e'ess one, In one i#+oran res+e* !e o('oo$ is
#ore en*o(ra%in% !an !e si(aion re%ardin% infe*io(s disease a !e (rn of !e
*en(r", T!e wor'd was !en f('' of disease %er#s, as oda" i is f('' of *ar*ino%ens,
B( #an did no +( !e %er#s ino !e en)iron#en and !is ro'e in s+readin% !e#
was in)o'(nar", In *onras, #an has +( !e )as #aGori" of *ar*ino%ens ino !e
en)iron#en, and !e *an, if !e wis!es, e'i#inae #an" of !e#, T!e *!e#i*a'
a%ens of *an*er !a)e &e*o#e enren*!ed in o(r wor'd in wo wa"s2 firs, and
ironi*a''", !ro(%! #an7s sear*! for a &eer and easier wa" of 'ifeI
se*ond, &e*a(se !e #an(fa*(re and sa'e of s(*! *!e#i*a's !as &e*o#e an
a**e+ed +ar of o(r e*ono#" and o(r wa" of 'ife, I wo('d &e (nrea'isi* o s(++ose
!a a'' *!e#i*a' *ar*ino%ens *an or wi'' &e e'i#inaed fro# !e #odern wor'd, B( a
)er" 'ar%e +ro+orion are &" no #eans ne*essiies of 'ife, B" !eir e'i#inaion !e oa'
'oad of *ar*ino%ens wo('d &e enor#o(s'" 'i%!ened, and !e !rea !a one in e)er"
fo(r wi'' de)e'o+ *an*er wo('d a 'eas &e %rea'" #ii%aed, T!e #os deer#ined
effor s!o('d &e #ade o e'i#inae !ose *ar*ino%ens !a now *ona#inae o(r food,
o(r waer s(++'ies, and o(r a#os+!ere, &e*a(se !ese +ro)ide !e #os dan%ero(s
"+e of *ona*H#in(e eB+os(res, re+eaed o)er and o)er !ro(%!o( !e "ears,
A#on% !e #os e#inen #en in *an*er resear*! are #an" o!ers w!o s!are Dr,
H(e+er7s &e'ief !a #a'i%nan diseases *an &e red(*ed si%nifi*an'" &" deer#ined
effors o idenif" !e en)iron#ena' *a(ses and o e'i#inae !e# or red(*e !eir
i#+a*, =or !ose in w!o# *an*er is a'read" a !idden or a )isi&'e +resen*e, effors o
find *(res #(s of *o(rse *onin(e, B( for !ose no "e o(*!ed &" !e disease and
*erain'" for !e %eneraions as "e (n&orn, +re)enion is !e i#+erai)e need,
(3. N)t/'e F.%-ts B)!
TO HAEE RISKED so #(*! in o(r effors o #o'd na(re o o(r saisfa*ion
and "e o !a)e fai'ed in a*!ie)in% o(r %oa' wo('d indeed &e !e fina' iron", <e !is, i
see#s, is o(r si(aion, T!e r(!, se'do# #enioned &( !ere for an"one o see, is
!a na(re is no so easi'" #o'ded and !a !e inse*s are findin% wa"s o
*ir*(#)en o(r *!e#i*a' aa*$s on !e#,
LT!e inse* wor'd is na(re7s #os asonis!in% +!eno#enon,7 said !e D(*! &io'o%is
1, ?, BrieGTr, LNo!in% is i#+ossi&'e o iI !e #os i#+ro&a&'e !in%s *o##on'" o**(r
!ere, One w!o +eneraes dee+'" ino is #"series is *onin(a''" &rea!'ess wi!
wonder, He $nows !a an"!in% *an !a++en, and !a !e *o#+'ee'" i#+ossi&'e
ofen does,7 T!e Li#+ossi&'e7 is now !a++enin% on wo &road frons, B" a +ro*ess of
%enei* se'e*ion, !e inse*s are de)e'o+in% srains resisan o *!e#i*a's, T!is wi''
&e dis*(ssed in !e fo''owin% *!a+er, B( !e &roader +ro&'e#, w!i*! we s!a'' 'oo$
a now, is !e fa* !a o(r *!e#i*a' aa*$ is wea$enin% !e defenses in!eren in !e
en)iron#en ise'f, defenses desi%ned o $ee+ !e )ario(s s+e*ies in *!e*$, Ea*!
i#e we &rea*! !ese defenses a !orde of inse*s +o(rs !ro(%!,
=ro# a'' o)er !e wor'd *o#e re+ors !a #a$e i *'ear we are in a serio(s
+redi*a#en, A !e end of a de*ade or #ore of inensi)e *!e#i*a' *onro',
eno#o'o%iss were findin% !a +ro&'e#s !e" !ad *onsidered so')ed a few "ears
ear'ier !ad re(rned o +'a%(e !e#, And new +ro&'e#s !ad arisen as inse*s on*e
+resen on'" in insi%nifi*an n(#&ers !ad in*reased o !e sa(s of serio(s +ess, B"
!eir )er" na(re *!e#i*a' *onro's are se'f-defeain%, for !e" !a)e &een de)ised
and a++'ied wi!o( a$in% ino a**o(n !e *o#+'eB &io'o%i*a' s"se#s a%ains
w!i*! !e" !a)e &een &'ind'" !(r'ed, T!e *!e#i*a's #a" !a)e &een +reesed
a%ains a few indi)id(a' s+e*ies, &( no a%ains 'i)in% *o##(niies, In so#e
.(arers nowada"s i is fas!iona&'e o dis#iss !e &a'an*e of na(re as a sae of
affairs !a +re)ai'ed in an ear'ier, si#+'er wor'dHa sae !a !as now &een so
!oro(%!'" (+se !a we #i%! as we'' for%e i, So#e find !is a *on)enien
ass(#+ion, &( as a *!ar for a *o(rse of a*ion i is !i%!'" dan%ero(s, T!e &a'an*e
of na(re is no !e sa#e oda" as in P'eiso*ene i#es, &( i is si'' !ere2 a
*o#+'eB, +re*ise, and !i%!'" ine%raed s"se# of re'aions!i+s &eween 'i)in% !in%s
w!i*! *anno safe'" &e i%nored an" #ore !an !e 'aw of %ra)i" *an &e defied wi!
i#+(ni" &" a #an +er*!ed on !e ed%e of a *'iff, T!e &a'an*e of na(re is no a
status 7uoI i is f'(id, e)er s!ifin%, in a *onsan sae of adG(s#en, 4an, oo, is +ar
of !is &a'an*e, So#ei#es !e &a'an*e is in !is fa)orI so#ei#esHand a'' oo ofen
!ro(%! !is own a*i)iiesHi is s!ifed o !is disad)ana%e,
Two *rii*a''" i#+oran fa*s !a)e &een o)er'oo$ed in desi%nin% !e #odern inse*
*onro' +ro%ra#s, T!e firs is !a !e rea''" effe*i)e *onro' of inse*s is !a a++'ied
&" na(re, no &" #an, Po+('aions are $e+ in *!e*$ &" so#e!in% !e e*o'o%iss
*a'' !e resisan*e of !e en)iron#en, and !is !as &een so sin*e !e firs 'ife was
*reaed, T!e a#o(n of food a)ai'a&'e, *ondiions of wea!er and *'i#ae, !e
+resen*e of *o#+ein% or +redaor" s+e*ies, a'' are *rii*a''" i#+oran, LT!e %reaes
sin%'e fa*or in +re)enin% inse*s fro# o)erw!e'#in% !e res of !e wor'd is !e
inerne*ine warfare w!i*! !e" *arr" o( a#on% !e#se')es,7 said !e eno#o'o%is
Ro&er 4e*a'f, <e #os of !e *!e#i*a's now (sed $i'' a'' inse*s, o(r friends and
ene#ies a'i$e,
T!e se*ond ne%'e*ed fa* is !e r('" eB+'osi)e +ower of a s+e*ies o re+rod(*e on*e
!e resisan*e of !e en)iron#en !as &een wea$ened, T!e fe*(ndi" of #an" for#s
of 'ife is a'#os &e"ond o(r +ower o i#a%ine, !o(%! now and !en we !a)e
s(%%esi)e %'i#+ses, I re#e#&er fro# s(den da"s !e #ira*'e !a *o('d &e
wro(%! in a Gar *onainin% a si#+'e #iB(re of !a" and waer #ere'" &" addin% o i a
few dro+s of #aeria' fro# a #a(re *('(re of +roo3oa, Wi!in a few da"s !e Gar
wo('d *onain a w!o'e %a'aB" of w!ir'in%, darin% 'ifeH (n*o(na&'e ri''ions of !e
s'i++er ani#a'*('e, 6ara+eciu+, ea*! s#a'' as a d(s %rain, a'' #('i+'"in% wi!o(
resrain in !eir e#+orar" Eden of fa)ora&'e e#+era(res, a&(ndan food, a&sen*e
of ene#ies, Or I !in$ of s!ore ro*$s w!ie wi! &arna*'es as far as !e e"e *an see,
or of !e s+e*a*'e of +assin% !ro(%! an i##ense s*!oo' of Ge''"fis!, #i'e afer #i'e,
wi! see#in%'" no end o !e +('sin%, %!os'" for#s s*ar*e'" #ore s(&sania' !an
!e waer ise'f,
We see !e #ira*'e of na(re7s *onro' a wor$ w!en !e *od #o)e !ro(%! winer
seas o !eir s+awnin% %ro(nds, w!ere ea*! fe#a'e de+osis se)era' #i''ions of
e%%s, T!e sea does no &e*o#e a so'id #ass of *od as i wo('d s(re'" do if a'' !e
+ro%en" of a'' !e *od were o s(r)i)e, T!e *!e*$s !a eBis in na(re are s(*! !a
o( of !e #i''ions of "o(n% +rod(*ed &" ea*! +air on'" eno(%!, on !e a)era%e,
s(r)i)e o ad('!ood o re+'a*e !e +aren fis!,
Bio'o%iss (sed o enerain !e#se')es &" s+e*('ain% as o w!a wo('d !a++en if,
!ro(%! so#e (n!in$a&'e *aasro+!e, !e na(ra' resrains were !rown off and a''
!e +ro%en" of a sin%'e indi)id(a' s(r)i)ed, T!(s T!o#as H(B'e" a *en(r" a%o
*a'*('aed !a a sin%'e fe#a'e a+!is 5w!i*! !as !e *(rio(s +ower of re+rod(*in%
wi!o( #ain%6 *o('d +rod(*e +ro%en" in a sin%'e "ear7s i#e w!ose oa' wei%!
wo('d e.(a' !a of !e in!a&ians of !e 1!inese e#+ire of !is da", =or(nae'" for
(s s(*! an eBre#e si(aion is on'" !eorei*a', &( !e dire res('s of (+sein%
na(re7s own arran%e#ens are we'' $nown o s(dens of ani#a' +o+('aions, T!e
so*$#an7s 3ea' for e'i#inain% !e *o"oe !as res('ed in +'a%(es of fie'd #i*e,
w!i*! !e *o"oe for#er'" *onro''ed, T!e of re+eaed sor" of !e Kai&a& deer in
Ari3ona is ano!er *ase in +oin, A one i#e !e deer +o+('aion was in e.(i'i&ri(#
wi! is en)iron#en, A n(#&er of +redaorsHwo')es, +(#as, and *o"oesH
+re)ened !e deer fro# o(r(nnin% !eir food s(++'", T!en a *a#+ai%n was &e%(n
o L*onser)e7 !e deer &" $i''in% off !eir ene#ies, On*e !e +redaors were %one, !e
deer in*reased +rodi%io(s'" and soon !ere was no eno(%! food for !e#, T!e
&rowse 'ine on !e rees wen !i%!er and !i%!er as !e" so(%! food, and in i#e
#an" #ore deer were d"in% of sar)aion !an !ad for#er'" &een $i''ed &" +redaors,
T!e w!o'e en)iron#en, #oreo)er, was da#a%ed &" !eir des+erae effors o find
food,
T!e +redaor" inse*s of fie'd and foress +'a" !e sa#e ro'e as !e wo')es and
*o"oes of !e Kai&a&, Ki'' !e# off and !e +o+('aion of !e +re" inse* s(r%es
(+ward, No one $nows !ow #an" s+e*ies of inse*s in!a&i !e ear! &e*a(se so
#an" are "e o &e idenified, B( #ore !an OKK,KKK !a)e a'read" &een des*ri&ed,
T!is #eans !a in er#s of !e n(#&er of s+e*ies, OK o 8K +er *en of !e ear!7s
*rea(res are inse*s, T!e )as #aGori" of !ese inse*s are !e'd in *!e*$ &" na(ra'
for*es, wi!o( an" iner)enion &" #an, If !is were no so, i is do(&f(' !a an"
*on*ei)a&'e )o'(#e of *!e#i*a's Hor an" o!er #e!odsH*o('d +ossi&'" $ee+
down !eir +o+('aions, T!e ro(&'e is !a we are se'do# aware of !e +roe*ion
afforded &" na(ra' ene#ies (ni' i fai's, 4os of (s wa'$ (nseein% !ro(%! !e wor'd,
(naware a'i$e of is &ea(ies, is wonders, and !e sran%e and so#ei#es erri&'e
inensi" of !e 'i)es !a are &ein% 'i)ed a&o( (s, So i is !a !e a*i)iies of !e
inse* +redaors and +arasies are $nown o few,
Per!a+s we #a" !a)e noi*ed an odd'" s!a+ed inse* of fero*io(s #ien on a &(s! in !e
%arden and &een di#'" aware !a !e +ra"in% #anis 'i)es a !e eB+ense of o!er
inse*s, B( we see wi! (ndersandin% e"e on'" if we !a)e wa'$ed in !e %arden a
ni%! and !ere and !ere wi! a f'as!'i%! !a)e %'i#+sed !e #anis sea'!i'"
*ree+in% (+on !er +re", T!en we sense so#e!in% of !e dra#a of !e !(ner and
!e !(ned, T!en we &e%in o fee' so#e!in% of !a re'en'ess'" +ressin% for*e &"
w!i*! na(re *onro's !er own, T!e +redaorsHinse*s !a $i'' and *ons(#e o!er
inse*sHare of #an" $inds, So#e are .(i*$ and wi! !e s+eed of swa''ows sna*!
!eir +re" fro# !e air, O!ers +'od #e!odi*a''" a'on% a se#, +'(*$in% off and
de)o(rin% sedenar" inse*s 'i$e !e a+!ids, T!e "e''owGa*$es *a+(re sof-&odied
inse*s and feed !e G(i*es o !eir "o(n%, 4(dda(&er was+s &(i'd *o'(#ned ness
of #(d (nder !e *a)es of !o(ses and so*$ !e# wi! inse*s on w!i*! !eir "o(n%
wi'' feed, T!e !orse%(ard was+ !o)ers a&o)e !erds of %ra3in% *a'e, desro"in% !e
&'ood-s(*$in% f'ies !a or#en !e#, T!e 'o(d'" &(33in% s"r+!id f'", ofen #isa$en
for a &ee, 'a"s is e%%s on 'ea)es of a+!is-infesed +'ansI !e !a*!in% 'ar)ae !en
*ons(#e i##ense n(#&ers of a+!ids, Lad"&(%s or 'ad" &ee'es are a#on% !e
#os effe*i)e desro"ers of a+!ids, s*a'e inse*s, and o!er +'an-eain% inse*s,
Liera''" !(ndreds of a+!ids are *ons(#ed &" a sin%'e 'ad"&(% o so$e !e 'i'e fires
of ener%" w!i*! s!e re.(ires o +rod(*e e)en a sin%'e &a*! of e%%s,
E)en #ore eBraordinar" in !eir !a&is are !e +arasii* inse*s, T!ese do no $i''
!eir !oss o(ri%!, Insead, &" a )arie" of ada+aions !e" (i'i3e !eir )i*i#s for
!e n(r(re of !eir own "o(n%, T!e" #a" de+osi !eir e%%s wi!in !e 'ar)ae or e%%s
of !eir +re", so !a !eir own de)e'o+in% "o(n% #a" find food &" *ons(#in% !e
!os, So#e aa*! !eir e%%s o a *aer+i''ar &" #eans of a si*$" so'(ionI on
!a*!in%, !e 'ar)a' +arasie &ores !ro(%! !e s$in of !e !os, O!ers, 'ed &" an
insin* !a si#('aes foresi%!, #ere'" 'a" !eir e%%s on a 'eaf so !a a &rowsin%
*aer+i''ar wi'' ea !e# inad)eren'",
E)er"w!ere, in fie'd and !ed%erow and %arden and fores, !e inse* +redaors and
+arasies are a wor$, Here, a&o)e a +ond, !e dra%onf'ies dar and !e s(n sri$es
fire fro# !eir win%s, So !eir an*esors s+ed !ro(%! swa#+s w!ere !(%e re+i'es
'i)ed, Now, as in !ose an*ien i#es, !e s!ar+-e"ed *a+(re #os.(ioes in !e air,
s*oo+in% !e# in wi! &as$e-s!a+ed 'e%s, In !e waers &e'ow, !eir "o(n%, !e
dra%onf'" n"#+!s, or naiads, +re" on !e a.(ai* sa%es of #os.(ioes and o!er
inse*s, Or !ere, a'#os in)isi&'e a%ains a 'eaf, is !e 'a*ewin%, wi! %reen %a(3e
win%s and %o'den e"es, s!" and se*rei)e, des*endan of an an*ien ra*e !a 'i)ed
in Per#ian i#es, T!e ad(' 'a*ewin% feeds #os'" on +'an ne*ars and !e
!one"dew of a+!ids, and in i#e s!e 'a"s !er e%%s, ea*! on !e end of a 'on% sa'$
w!i*! s!e fasens o a 'eaf, =ro# !ese e#er%e !er *!i'drenHsran%e, &ris'ed
'ar)ae *a''ed a+!is 'ions, w!i*! 'i)e &" +re"in% on a+!ids, s*a'es, or #ies, w!i*!
!e" *a+(re and s(*$ dr" of f'(id, Ea*! #a" *ons(#e se)era' !(ndred a+!ids
&efore !e *ease'ess (rnin% of !e *"*'e of is 'ife &rin%s !e i#e w!en i wi'' s+in a
w!ie si'$en *o*oon in w!i*! o +ass !e +(+a sa%e,
And !ere are #an" was+s, and f'ies as we'', w!ose )er" eBisen*e de+ends on !e
desr(*ion of !e e%%s or 'ar)ae of o!er inse*s !ro(%! +arasiis#, So#e of !e
e%% +arasies are eB*eedin%'" #in(e was+s, "e &" !eir n(#&ers and !eir %rea
a*i)i" !e" !o'd down !e a&(ndan*e of #an" *ro+-desro"in% s+e*ies, A'' !ese
s#a'' *rea(res are wor$in%Hwor$in% in s(n and rain, d(rin% !e !o(rs of dar$ness,
e)en w!en winer7s %ri+ !as da#+ed down !e fires of 'ife o #ere e#&ers, T!en !is
)ia' for*e is #ere'" s#o'derin%, awaiin% !e i#e o f'are a%ain ino a*i)i" w!en
s+rin% awa$ens !e inse* wor'd, 4eanw!i'e, (nder !e w!ie &'an$e
of snow, &e'ow !e fros!ardened soi', in *re)i*es in !e &ar$ of rees, and in
s!e'ered *a)es, !e +arasies and !e +redaors !a)e fo(nd wa"s o ide !e#se')es
o)er !e season of *o'd, T!e e%%s of !e #anis are se*(re in 'i'e *ases of !in
+ar*!#en aa*!ed o !e &ran*! of a s!r(& &" !e #o!er w!o 'i)ed !er 'ife s+an
wi! !e s(##er !a is %one,
T!e fe#a'e 6olistes was+, a$in% s!e'er in a for%oen *orner of so#e ai*, *arries
in !er &od" !e feri'i3ed e%%s, !e !eria%e on w!i*! !e w!o'e f((re of !er *o'on"
de+ends, S!e, !e 'one s(r)i)or, wi'' sar a s#a'' +a+er nes in !e s+rin%, 'a" a few
e%%s in is *e''s, and *aref(''" rear a s#a'' for*e of wor$ers, Wi! !eir !e'+ s!e wi''
!en en'ar%e !e nes and de)e'o+ !e *o'on", T!en !e wor$ers, fora%in%
*ease'ess'" !ro(%! !e !o da"s of s(##er, wi'' desro" *o(n'ess *aer+i''ars,
T!(s, !ro(%! !e *ir*(#san*es of !eir 'i)es, and !e na(re of o(r own wans, a''
!ese !a)e &een o(r a''ies in $ee+in% !e &a'an*e of na(re i'ed in o(r fa)or, <e we
!a)e (rned o(r ari''er" a%ains o(r friends, T!e erri&'e dan%er is !a we !a)e
%ross'" (nderesi#aed !eir )a'(e in $ee+in% a &a" a dar$ ide of ene#ies !a,
wi!o( !eir !e'+, *an o)err(n (s,
T!e +ros+e* of a %enera' and +er#anen 'owerin% of en)iron#ena' resisan*e
&e*o#es %ri#'" and in*reasin%'" rea' wi! ea*! +assin% "ear as !e n(#&er, )arie",
and desr(*i)eness of inse*i*ides %rows, Wi! !e +assa%e of i#e we #a" eB+e*
+ro%ressi)e'" #ore serio(s o(&rea$s of inse*s, &o! disease-*arr"in% and *ro+-
desro"in% s+e*ies, in eB*ess of an"!in% we !a)e e)er $nown, L<es, &( isn7 !is a''
!eorei*a'J7 "o( #a" as$, LS(re'" i won7 rea''" !a++enHno in #" 'ifei#e, an"wa",7
B( i is !a++enin%, !ere and now, S*ienifi* Go(rna's !ad a'read" re*orded so#e FK
s+e*ies in)o')ed in )io'en dis'o*aions of na(re7s &a'an*e &" 89F8, 4ore eBa#+'es
are &ein% fo(nd e)er" "ear, A re*en re)iew of !e s(&Ge* *onained referen*es o
;8F +a+ers re+orin% or dis*(ssin% (nfa)ora&'e (+ses in !e &a'an*e of inse*
+o+('aions *a(sed &" +esi*ides,
So#ei#es !e res(' of *!e#i*a' s+ra"in% !as &een a re#endo(s (+s(r%e of !e
)er" inse* !e s+ra"in% was inended o *onro', as w!en &'a*$f'ies in Onario
&e*a#e 8O i#es #ore a&(ndan afer s+ra"in% !an !e" !ad &een &efore, Or w!en
in En%'and an enor#o(s o(&rea$ of !e *a&&a%e a+!idHan o(&rea$ !a !ad no
+ara''e' on re*ordHfo''owed s+ra"in% wi! one of !e or%ani* +!os+!or(s *!e#i*a's,
A o!er i#es s+ra"in%, w!i'e reasona&'" effe*i)e a%ains !e ar%e inse*, !as 'e
'oose a w!o'e Pandora7s &oB of desr(*i)e +ess !a !ad ne)er +re)io(s'" &een
a&(ndan eno(%! o *a(se ro(&'e, T!e s+ider #ie, for eBa#+'e, !as &e*o#e
+ra*i*a''" a wor'dwide +es as DDT and o!er inse*i*ides !a)e $i''ed off is
ene#ies, T!e s+ider #ie is no an inse*, I is a &are'" )isi&'e ei%!-'e%%ed *rea(re
&e'on%in% o !e %ro(+ !a in*'(des s+iders, s*or+ions, and i*$s, I !as #o(! +ars
ada+ed for +ier*in% and s(*$in%, and a +rodi%io(s a++eie for !e *!'oro+!"'' !a
#a$es !e wor'd %reen, I insers !ese #in(e and si'eo-s!ar+ #o(! +ars ino !e
o(er *e''s of 'ea)es and e)er%reen need'es and eBra*s !e *!'oro+!"'', A #i'd
infesaion %i)es rees and s!r(&&er" a #o'ed or sa'-and-+e++er a++earan*eI wi!
a !ea)" #ie +o+('aion, fo'ia%e (rns "e''ow and fa''s,
T!is is w!a !a++ened in so#e of !e wesern naiona' foress a few "ears a%o,
w!en in 89F: !e Unied Saes =ores Ser)i*e s+ra"ed so#e 88F,KKK a*res of
foresed 'ands wi! DDT, T!e inenion was o *onro' !e s+r(*e &(dwor#, &( !e
fo''owin% s(##er i was dis*o)ered !a a +ro&'e# worse !an !e &(dwor# da#a%e
!ad &een *reaed, In s(r)e"in% !e foress fro# !e air, )as &'i%!ed areas *o('d &e
seen w!ere !e #a%nifi*en Do(%'as firs were (rnin% &rown and dro++in% !eir
need'es, In !e He'ena Naiona' =ores and on !e wesern s'o+es of
!e Bi% Be' 4o(nains, !en in o!er areas of 4onana and down ino Ida!o !e
foress 'oo$ed as !o(%! !e" !ad &een s*or*!ed, I was e)iden !a !is s(##er of
89FO !ad &ro(%! !e #os eBensi)e and s+e*a*('ar infesaion of s+ider #ies in
!isor", A'#os a'' of !e s+ra"ed area was affe*ed, Now!ere e'se was !e da#a%e
e)iden, Sear*!in% for +re*edens, !e foresers *o('d re#e#&er o!er s*o(r%es of
s+ider #ies, !o(%! 'ess dra#ai* !an !is one, T!ere !ad &een si#i'ar ro(&'e
a'on% !e 4adison Ri)er in <e''owsone Par$ in 89;9, in 1o'orado ;K "ears 'aer, and
!en in New 4eBi*o in 89F:, $ach of these outbrea's had followed forest spraying
with insecticides. 5T!e 89;9 s+ra"in%, o**(rrin% &efore !e DDT era, e#+'o"ed 'ead
arsenae,6
W!" does !e s+ider #ie a++ear o !ri)e on inse*i*idesJ Besides !e o&)io(s fa*
!a i is re'ai)e'" insensii)e o !e#, !ere see# o &e wo o!er reasons, In na(re
i is $e+ in *!e*$ &" )ario(s +redaors s(*! as 'ad"&(%s, a %a'' #id%e, +reda*eo(s
#ies and se)era' +irae &(%s, a'' of !e# eBre#e'" sensii)e o inse*i*ides, T!e
!ird reason !as o do wi! +o+('aion +ress(re wi!in !e s+ider #ie *o'onies, An
(ndis(r&ed *o'on" of #ies is a dense'" se'ed *o##(ni", !(dd'ed (nder a
+roe*i)e we&&in% for *on*ea'#en fro# is ene#ies, W!en s+ra"ed, !e *o'onies
dis+erse as !e #ies, irriaed !o(%! no $i''ed &" !e *!e#i*a's, s*aer o( in
sear*! of +'a*es w!ere !e" wi'' no &e dis(r&ed, In so doin% !e" find a far %reaer
a&(ndan*e of s+a*e and food !an was a)ai'a&'e in !e for#er *o'onies, T!eir
ene#ies are now dead so !ere is no need for !e #ies o s+end !eir ener%" in
se*rein% +roe*i)e we&&in%, Insead, !e" +o(r a'' !eir ener%ies ino +rod(*in%
#ore #ies, I is no (n*o##on for !eir e%% +rod(*ion o &e in*reased !reefo'dH
a'' !ro(%! !e &enefi*en effe* of inse*i*ides,
In !e S!enandoa! Ea''e" of Eir%inia, a fa#o(s a++'e-%rowin% re%ion, !ordes of a
s#a'' inse* *a''ed !e red-&anded 'eaf ro''er arose o +'a%(e !e %rowers as soon as
DDT &e%an o re+'a*e arsenae of 'ead, Is de+redaions !ad ne)er &efore &een
i#+oranI soon is o'' rose o FK +er *en of !e *ro+ and i a*!ie)ed !e sa(s of
!e #os desr(*i)e +es of a++'es, no on'" in !is re%ion &( !ro(%!o( #(*! of
!e Eas and 4idwes, as !e (se of DDT in*reased, T!e si(aion a&o(nds in
ironies, In !e a++'e or*!ards of No)a S*oia in !e 'ae 89MKs !e wors infesaions
of !e *od'in% #o! 5*a(se of Lwor#" a++'es76 were in !e or*!ards re%('ar'"
s+ra"ed, In (ns+ra"ed or*!ards !e #o!s were no a&(ndan eno(%! o *a(se rea'
ro(&'e,
Di'i%en*e in s+ra"in% !ad a si#i'ar'" (nsaisfa*or" reward in !e easern S(dan,
w!ere *oon %rowers !ad a &ier eB+erien*e wi! DDT, So#e :K,KKK a*res of
*oon were &ein% %rown (nder irri%aion in !e Gas! De'a, Ear'" ria's of DDT
!a)in% %i)en a++aren'" %ood res('s, s+ra"in% was inensified, I was !en !a
ro(&'e &e%an, One of !e #os desr(*i)e ene#ies of *oon is !e &o''wor#, B(
!e #ore *oon was s+ra"ed, !e #ore &o''wor#s a++eared, T!e (ns+ra"ed *oon
s(ffered 'ess da#a%e o fr(is and 'aer o #a(re &o''s !an !e s+ra"ed, and in
wi*e-s+ra"ed fie'ds !e "ie'd of seed *oon dro++ed si%nifi*an'", A'!o(%! so#e of
!e 'eaf-feedin% inse*s were e'i#inaed, an" &enefi !a #i%! !(s !a)e &een
%ained was #ore !an offse &" &o''wor# da#a%e, In !e end !e %rowers were
fa*ed wi! !e (n+'easan r(! !a !eir *oon "ie'd wo('d !a)e &een %reaer !ad
!e" sa)ed !e#se')es !e ro(&'e and eB+ense of s+ra"in%,
In !e Be'%ian 1on%o and U%anda !e res('s of !ea)" a++'i*aions of DDT a%ains
an inse* +es of !e *offee &(s! were a'#os L*aasro+!i*7, T!e +es ise'f was
fo(nd o &e a'#os *o#+'ee'" (naffe*ed &" !e DDT, w!i'e is +redaor was
eBre#e'" sensii)e, In A#eri*a, far#ers !a)e re+eaed'" raded one inse* ene#"
for a worse one as s+ra"in% (+ses !e
+o+('aion d"na#i*s of !e inse* wor'd, Two of !e #ass-s+ra"in% +ro%ra#s
re*en'" *arried o( !a)e !ad +re*ise'" !is effe*, One was !e fire an eradi*aion
+ro%ra# in !e So(!I !e o!er was !e s+ra"in% for !e ?a+anese &ee'e in !e
4idwes, 5See Chapters 93 and =,6
W!en a w!o'esa'e a++'i*aion of !e+a*!'or was #ade o !e far#'ands in Lo(isiana
in 89FO, !e res(' was !e (n'eas!in% of one of !e wors ene#ies of !e s(%ar*ane
*ro+H!e s(%ar*ane &orer, Soon afer !e !e+a*!'or rea#en, da#a%e &" &orers
in*reased s!ar+'", T!e *!e#i*a' ai#ed a !e fire an !ad $i''ed off !e ene#ies of
!e &orer, T!e *ro+ was so se)ere'" da#a%ed !a far#ers so(%! o &rin% s(i
a%ains !e sae for ne%'i%en*e in no warnin% !e# !a !is #i%! !a++en, T!e
sa#e &ier 'esson was 'earned &" I''inois far#ers, Afer !e de)asain% &a! of
die'drin re*en'" ad#inisered o !e far#'ands in easern I''inois for !e *onro' of !e
?a+anese &ee'e, far#ers dis*o)ered !a *orn &orers !ad in*reased enor#o(s'" in
!e reaed area, In fa*, *orn %rown in fie'ds wi!in !is area *onained a'#os wi*e
as #an" of !e desr(*i)e 'ar)ae of !is inse* as did !e *orn %rown o(side, T!e
far#ers #a" no "e &e aware of !e &io'o%i*a' &asis of w!a !as !a++ened, &( !e"
need no s*ieniss o e'' !e# !e" !a)e #ade a +oor &ar%ain, In r"in% o %e rid of
one inse*, !e" !a)e &ro(%! on a s*o(r%e of a #(*! #ore desr(*i)e one,
A**ordin% o De+ar#en of A%ri*('(re esi#aes, oa' da#a%e &" !e ?a+anese
&ee'e in !e Unied Saes adds (+ o a&o( 8K #i''ion do''ars a "ear, w!i'e da#a%e
&" !e *orn &orer r(ns o a&o( 8F #i''ion,
I is wor! noin% !a na(ra' for*es !ad &een !ea)i'" re'ied on for *onro' of !e *orn
&orer, Wi!in wo "ears afer !is inse* was a**idena''" inrod(*ed fro# E(ro+e in
898O, !e Unied Saes Go)ern#en !ad #o(ned one of is #os inensi)e
+ro%ra#s for 'o*ain% and i#+orin% +arasies of an inse* +es, Sin*e !a i#e ;M
s+e*ies of +arasies of !e *orn &orer !a)e &een &ro(%! in fro# E(ro+e and !e
Orien a *onsidera&'e eB+ense, Of !ese, F are re*o%ni3ed as &ein% of disin* )a'(e
in *onro', Need'ess o sa", !e res('s of a'' !is wor$ are now Geo+ardi3ed as !e
ene#ies of !e *orn &orer are $i''ed off &" !e s+ra"s,
If !is see#s a&s(rd, *onsider !e si(aion in !e *ir(s %ro)es of 1a'ifornia, w!ere
!e wor'd7s #os fa#o(s and s(**essf(' eB+eri#en in &io'o%i*a' *onro' was *arried
o( in !e 888Ks, In 88O; a s*a'e inse* !a feeds on !e sa+ of *ir(s rees
a++eared in 1a'ifornia and wi!in !e neB ;F "ears de)e'o+ed ino a +es so
desr(*i)e !a !e fr(i *ro+ in #an" or*!ards was a *o#+'ee 'oss, T!e "o(n%
*ir(s ind(sr" was !reaened wi! desr(*ion, 4an" far#ers %a)e (+ and +(''ed
o( !eir rees, T!en a +arasie of !e s*a'e inse* was i#+ored fro# A(sra'ia, a
s#a'' 'ad" &ee'e *a''ed !e )eda'ia, Wi!in on'" wo "ears afer !e firs s!i+#en of
!e &ee'es, !e s*a'e was (nder *o#+'ee *onro' !ro(%!o( !e *ir(s-%rowin%
se*ions of 1a'ifornia, =ro# !a i#e on one *o('d sear*! for da"s a#on% !e
oran%e %ro)es wi!o( findin% a sin%'e s*a'e inse*,
T!en in !e 89MKs !e *ir(s %rowers &e%an o eB+eri#en wi! %'a#oro(s new
*!e#i*a's a%ains o!er inse*s, Wi! !e ad)en of DDT and !e e)en #ore oBi*
*!e#i*a's o fo''ow, !e +o+('aions of !e )eda'ia in #an" se*ions of 1a'ifornia
were wi+ed o(, Is i#+oraion !ad *os !e %o)ern#en a #ere XFKKK, Is a*i)iies
!ad sa)ed !e fr(i %rowers se)era' #i''ions of do''ars a "ear, &( in a #o#en of
!eed'essness !e &enefi was *an*e'ed o(, Infesaions of !e s*a'e inse* .(i*$'"
rea++eared and da#a%e eB*eeded an"!in% !a !ad &een seen for fif" "ears, LT!is
+ossi&'" #ar$ed !e end of an era,7 said Dr, Pa(' DeBa*! of !e 1ir(s EB+eri#en
Saion in Ri)erside, Now *onro' of !e s*a'e !as &e*o#e enor#o(s'" *o#+'i*aed,
T!e )eda'ia *an &e #ainained on'" &" re+eaed re'eases and &" !e #os *aref('
aenion o s+ra"
s*!ed('es, o #ini#i3e !eir *ona* wi! inse*i*ides, And re%ard'ess of w!a !e
*ir(s %rowers do, !e" are #ore or 'ess a !e #er*" of !e owners of adGa*en
a*rea%es, for se)ere da#a%e !as &een done &" inse*i*ida' drif, , , ,
A'' !ese eBa#+'es *on*ern inse*s !a aa*$ a%ri*('(ra' *ro+s, W!a of !ose !a
*arr" diseaseJ T!ere !a)e a'read" &een warnin%s, On Nissan Is'and in !e So(!
Pa*ifi*, for eBa#+'e, s+ra"in% !ad &een *arried on inensi)e'" d(rin% !e Se*ond
Wor'd War, &( was so++ed w!en !osi'iies *a#e o an end, Soon swar#s of a
#a'aria-*arr"in% #os.(io rein)aded !e is'and, A'' of is +redaors !ad &een $i''ed
off and !ere !ad no &een i#e for new +o+('aions o &e*o#e esa&'is!ed, T!e wa"
was !erefore *'ear for a re#endo(s +o+('aion eB+'osion, 4ars!a'' Laird, w!o !as
des*ri&ed !is in*iden, *o#+ares *!e#i*a' *onro' o a read#i''I on*e we !a)e se
foo on i we are (na&'e o so+ for fear of !e *onse.(en*es,
In so#e +ars of !e wor'd disease *an &e 'in$ed wi! s+ra"in% in .(ie a differen
wa", =or so#e reason, snai'-'i$e #o''(s$s see# o &e a'#os i##(ne o !e effe*s
of inse*i*ides, T!is !as &een o&ser)ed #an" i#es, In !e %enera' !o'o*a(s !a
fo''owed !e s+ra"in% of sa' #ars!es in easern ='orida 5pages 99>199,6, a.(ai*
snai's a'one s(r)i)ed, T!e s*ene as des*ri&ed was a #a*a&re +i*(reHso#e!in%
!a #i%! !a)e &een *reaed &" a s(rrea'is &r(s!, T!e snai's #o)ed a#on% !e
&odies of !e dead fis!es and !e #ori&(nd *ra&s, de)o(rin% !e )i*i#s of !e dea!
rain of +oison, B( w!" is !is i#+oranJ I is i#+oran &e*a(se #an" a.(ai* snai's
ser)e as !oss of dan%ero(s +arasii* wor#s !a s+end +ar of !eir 'ife *"*'e in a
#o''(s$, +ar in a !(#an &ein%, EBa#+'es are !e &'ood f'($es, or s*!isoso#a, !a
*a(se serio(s disease in #an w!en !e" ener !e &od" &" wa" of drin$in% waer or
!ro(%! !e s$in w!en +eo+'e are &a!in% in infesed waers, T!e f'($es are re'eased
ino !e waer &" !e !os snai's, S(*! diseases are es+e*ia''" +re)a'en in +ars of
Asia and Afri*a, W!ere !e" o**(r, inse* *onro' #eas(res !a fa)or a )as
in*rease of snai's are 'i$e'" o &e fo''owed &" %ra)e *onse.(en*es,
And of *o(rse #an is no a'one in &ein% s(&Ge* o snai'-&orne disease, Li)er disease
in *a'e, s!ee+, %oas, deer, e'$, ra&&is, and )ario(s o!er war#-&'ooded ani#a's
#a" &e *a(sed &" 'i)er f'($es !a s+end +ar of !eir 'ife *"*'es in fres!-waer snai's,
Li)ers infesed wi! !ese wor#s are (nfi for (se as !(#an food and are ro(ine'"
*onde#ned, S(*! reGe*ions *os A#eri*an *a'e#en a&o( >8Y; #i''ion do''ars
ann(a''", An"!in% !a a*s o in*rease !e n(#&er of snai's *an o&)io(s'" #a$e !is
+ro&'e# an e)en #ore serio(s one, , , ,
O)er !e +as de*ade !ese +ro&'e#s !a)e *as 'on% s!adows, &( we !a)e &een
s'ow o re*o%ni3e !e#, 4os of !ose &es fied o de)e'o+ na(ra' *onro's and
assis in +(in% !e# ino effe* !a)e &een oo &(s" 'a&orin% in !e #ore eB*iin%
)ine"ards of *!e#i*a' *onro', I was re+ored in 89:K !a on'" ; +er *en of a'' !e
e*ono#i* eno#o'o%iss in !e *o(nr" were !en wor$in% in !e fie'd of &io'o%i*a'
*onro's, A s(&sania' n(#&er of !e re#ainin% 98 +er *en were en%a%ed in
resear*! on *!e#i*a' inse*i*ides,
W!" s!o('d !is &eJ T!e #aGor *!e#i*a' *o#+anies are +o(rin% #one" ino !e
(ni)ersiies o s(++or resear*! on inse*i*ides, T!is *reaes ara*i)e fe''ows!i+s
for %rad(ae s(dens and ara*i)e saff +osiions, Bio'o%i*a'-*onro' s(dies, on !e
o!er !and, are ne)er so endowedH for !e si#+'e reason !a !e" do no +ro#ise
an"one !e for(nes !a are o &e #ade in !e *!e#i*a' ind(sr", T!ese are 'ef o
sae and federa' a%en*ies, w!ere !e sa'aries +aid are far 'ess, T!is si(aion a'so
eB+'ains !e o!erwise #"sif"in% fa* !a *erain o(sandin% eno#o'o%iss are
a#on% !e 'eadin% ad)o*aes of *!e#i*a' *onro', In.(ir" ino !e
&a*$%ro(nd of so#e of !ese #en re)ea's !a !eir enire resear*! +ro%ra# is
s(++ored &" !e *!e#i*a' ind(sr", T!eir +rofessiona' +resi%e, so#ei#es !eir )er"
Go&s de+end on !e +er+e(aion of *!e#i*a' #e!ods, 1an we !en eB+e* !e# o
&ie !e !and !a 'iera''" feeds !e#J B( $nowin% !eir &ias, !ow #(*! *reden*e
*an we %i)e o !eir +roess !a inse*i*ides are !ar#'essJ A#id !e %enera'
a**'ai# for *!e#i*a's as !e +rin*i+a' #e!od of inse* *onro', #inori" re+ors !a)e
o**asiona''" &een fi'ed &" !ose few eno#o'o%iss w!o !a)e no 'os si%! of !e fa*
!a !e" are nei!er *!e#iss nor en%ineers, &( &io'o%iss,
=, H, ?a*o& in En%'and !as de*'ared !a L!e a*i)iies of #an" so-*a''ed e*ono#i*
eno#o'o%iss wo('d #a$e i a++ear !a !e" o+erae in !e &e'ief !a sa')aion 'ies
a !e end of a s+ra" no33'e,,,!a w!en !e" !a)e *reaed +ro&'e#s of res(r%en*e
or resisan*e or #a##a'ian oBi*i", !e *!e#is wi'' &e read" wi! ano!er +i'', T!a
)iew is no !e'd !ere,,,U'i#ae'" on'" !e &io'o%is wi'' +ro)ide !e answers o !e
&asi* +ro&'e#s of +es *onro',7 LE*ono#i* eno#o'o%iss #(s rea'i3e,7 wroe A, D,
Pi*$e of No)a S*oia, L!a !e" are dea'in% wi! 'i)in% !in%s,,,!eir wor$ #(s &e
#ore !an si#+'" inse*i*ide esin% or a .(es for !i%!'" desr(*i)e *!e#i*a's,7 Dr,
Pi*$e !i#se'f was a +ioneer in !e fie'd of wor$in% o( sane #e!ods of inse*
*onro' !a a$e f('' ad)ana%e of !e +redaor" and +arasii* s+e*ies, T!e #e!od
w!i*! !e and !is asso*iaes e)o')ed is oda" a s!inin% #ode' &( one oo 'i'e
e#('aed, On'" in !e ine%raed *onro' +ro%ra#s de)e'o+ed &" so#e 1a'ifornia
eno#o'o%iss do we find an"!in% *o#+ara&'e in !is *o(nr",
Dr, Pi*$e &e%an !is wor$ so#e !ir"-fi)e "ears a%o in !e a++'e or*!ards of !e
Anna+o'is Ea''e" in No)a S*oia, on*e one of !e #os *on*enraed fr(i-%rowin%
areas in 1anada, A !a i#e i was &e'ie)ed !a inse*i*idesH!en inor%ani*
*!e#i*a'sHwo('d so')e !e +ro&'e#s of inse* *onro', !a !e on'" as$ was o
ind(*e fr(i %rowers o fo''ow !e re*o##ended #e!ods, B( !e ros" +i*(re fai'ed
o #aeria'i3e, So#e!ow !e inse*s +ersised, New *!e#i*a's were added, &eer
s+ra"in% e.(i+#en was de)ised, and !e 3ea' for s+ra"in% in*reased, &( !e inse*
+ro&'e# did no %e an" &eer, T!en DDT +ro#ised o Lo&'ierae !e ni%!#are7 of
*od'in% #o! o(&rea$s, W!a a*(a''" res('ed fro# is (se was an (n+re*edened
s*o(r%e of #ies, LWe #o)e fro# *risis o *risis, #ere'" radin% one +ro&'e# for
ano!er,7 said Dr, Pi*$e,
A !is +oin, !owe)er, Dr, Pi*$e and !is asso*iaes sr(*$ o( on a new road
insead of %oin% a'on% wi! o!er eno#o'o%iss w!o *onin(ed o +(rs(e !e wi''-o7-
!e-wis+ of !e e)er #ore oBi* *!e#i*a', Re*o%ni3in% !a !e" !ad a sron% a''" in
na(re, !e" de)ised a +ro%ra# !a #a$es #aBi#(# (se of na(ra' *onro's and
#ini#(# (se of inse*i*ides, W!ene)er inse*i*ides are a++'ied on'" #ini#(#
dosa%es are (sedH&are'" eno(%! o *onro' !e +es wi!o( a)oida&'e !ar# o
&enefi*ia' s+e*ies, Pro+er i#in% a'so eners in, T!(s, if ni*oine s('+!ae is a++'ied
&efore ra!er !an afer !e a++'e &'osso#s (rn +in$ one of !e i#+oran +redaors
is s+ared, +ro&a&'" &e*a(se i is si'' in !e e%% sa%e,
Dr, Pi*$e (ses s+e*ia' *are o se'e* *!e#i*a's !a wi'' do as 'i'e !ar# as +ossi&'e
o inse* +arasies and +redaors, LW!en we rea*! !e +oin of (sin% DDT, +ara!ion,
*!'ordane, and o!er new inse*i*ides as ro(ine *onro' #eas(res in !e sa#e wa"
we !a)e (sed !e inor%ani* *!e#i*a's in !e +as, eno#o'o%iss ineresed in
&io'o%i*a' *onro' #a" as we'' !row in !e s+on%e,7 !e sa"s, Insead of !ese !i%!'"
oBi*, &road-s+e*r(# inse*i*ides, !e +'a*es *!ief re'ian*e on r"ania 5deri)ed fro#
%ro(nd se#s of a ro+i*a' +'an6, ni*oine s('+!ae, and 'ead arsenae, In *erain
si(aions )er" wea$ *on*enraions of DDT or #a'a!ion are (sed 58 or ;
o(n*es +er 8KK %a''ons in *onras o !e (s(a' 8 or ; +o(nds +er 8KK %a''ons6,
A'!o(%! !ese wo are !e 'eas oBi* of !e #odern inse*i*ides, Dr, Pi*$e !o+es
&" f(r!er resear*! o re+'a*e !e# wi! safer and #ore se'e*i)e #aeria's,
How we'' !as !is +ro%ra# wor$edJ No)a S*oia or*!ardiss w!o are fo''owin% Dr,
Pi*$e7s #odified s+ra" +ro%ra# are +rod(*in% as !i%! a +ro+orion of firs-%rade
fr(i as are !ose w!o are (sin% inensi)e *!e#i*a' a++'i*aions, T!e" are a'so
%ein% as %ood +rod(*ion, T!e" are %ein% !ese res('s, #oreo)er, a a
s(&sania''" 'ower *os, T!e o('a" for inse*i*ides in No)a S*oia a++'e or*!ards is
on'" fro# 8K o ;K +er *en of !e a#o(n s+en in #os o!er a++'e- %rowin% areas,
4ore i#+oran !an e)en !ese eB*e''en res('s is !e fa* !a !e #odified
+ro%ra# wor$ed o( &" !ese No)a S*oian eno#o'o%iss is no doin% )io'en*e o
na(re7s &a'an*e, I is we'' on !e wa" o rea'i3in% !e +!i'oso+!" saed &" !e
1anadian eno#o'o%is G, 1, U''"e a de*ade a%o2 LWe #(s *!an%e o(r +!i'oso+!",
a&andon o(r ai(de of !(#an s(+eriori" and ad#i !a in #an" *ases in na(ra'
en)iron#ens we find wa"s and #eans of 'i#iin% +o+('aions of or%anis#s in a
#ore e*ono#i*a' wa" !an we *an do i o(rse')es,7
(4. T-e R/&*#.n%s o+ )n A7)#)n-e
I= DARWIN were a'i)e oda" !e inse* wor'd wo('d de'i%! and aso(nd !i#
wi! is i#+ressi)e )erifi*aion of !is !eories of !e s(r)i)a' of !e fies, Under !e
sress of inensi)e *!e#i*a' s+ra"in% !e wea$er #e#&ers of !e inse* +o+('aions
are &ein% weeded o(, Now, in #an" areas and a#on% #an" s+e*ies on'" !e sron%
and fi re#ain o def" o(r effors o *onro' !e#, Near'" !a'f a *en(r" a%o, a
+rofessor of eno#o'o%" a Was!in%on Sae 1o''e%e, A, L, 4e'ander, as$ed !e
now +(re'" r!eori*a' .(esion, L1an inse*s &e*o#e resisan o s+ra"sJ7 If !e
answer see#ed o 4e'ander (n*'ear, or s'ow in *o#in%, !a was on'" &e*a(se !e
as$ed !is .(esion oo soonHin 898M insead of MK "ears 'aer, In !e +re-DDT era,
inor%ani* *!e#i*a's, a++'ied on a s*a'e !a oda" wo('d see# eBraordinari'"
#odes, +rod(*ed !ere and !ere srains of inse*s !a *o('d s(r)i)e *!e#i*a'
s+ra"in% or d(sin%, 4e'ander !i#se'f !ad r(n ino diffi*('" wi! !e San ?ose s*a'e,
for so#e "ears saisfa*ori'" *onro''ed &" s+ra"in% wi! 'i#e s('f(r, T!en in !e
1'ar$son area of Was!in%on !e inse*s &e*a#e refra*or"H!e" were !arder o
$i'' !an in !e or*!ards of !e Wena*!ee and <a$i#a )a''e"s and e'sew!ere,
S(dden'" !e s*a'e inse*s in o!er +ars of !e *o(nr" see#ed o !a)e %o !e
sa#e idea2 i was no ne*essar" for !e# o die (nder !e s+ra"in%s of 'i#e s('f(r,
di'i%en'" and 'i&era''" a++'ied &" or*!ardiss, T!ro(%!o( #(*! of !e 4idwes
!o(sands of a*res of fine or*!ards were desro"ed &" inse*s now i#+er)io(s o
s+ra"in%, T!en in 1a'ifornia !e i#e-!onored #e!od of +'a*in% *an)as ens o)er
rees and f(#i%ain% !e# wi! !"dro*"ani* a*id &e%an o "ie'd disa++oinin% res('s
in *erain areas, a +ro&'e# !a 'ed o resear*! a !e 1a'ifornia 1ir(s EB+eri#en
Saion, &e%innin% a&o( 898F and *onin(in% for a .(arer of a *en(r", Ano!er
inse* o 'earn !e +rofia&'e wa" of resisan*e was !e *od'in% #o!, or a++'ewor#,
in !e 89;Ks, a'!o(%! 'ead arsenae !ad &een (sed s(**essf(''" a%ains i for so#e
MK "ears,
B( i was !e ad)en of DDT and a'' is #an" re'ai)es !a (s!ered in !e r(e A%e
of Resisan*e, I need !a)e s(r+rised no one wi! e)en !e si#+'es $now'ed%e of
inse*s or of !e d"na#i*s of ani#a' +o+('aions !a wi!in a #aer of a )er" few
"ears an (%'" and dan%ero(s +ro&'e# !ad *'ear'" defined ise'f, <e awareness of
!e fa* !a inse*s +ossess an effe*i)e *o(nerwea+on o a%%ressi)e *!e#i*a'
aa*$ see#s o !a)e dawned s'ow'", On'" !ose *on*erned wi! disease-*arr"in%
inse*s see# &" now o !a)e &een !oro(%!'" aro(sed o !e a'ar#in% na(re of !e
si(aionI !e a%ri*('(riss si'' for !e #os +ar &'i!e'" +( !eir fai! in !e
de)e'o+#en of new and e)er #ore oBi* *!e#i*a's, a'!o(%! !e +resen diffi*('ies
!a)e &een &orn of G(s s(*! s+e*io(s reasonin%,
If (ndersandin% of !e +!eno#enon of inse* resisan*e de)e'o+ed s'ow'", i was far
o!erwise wi! resisan*e ise'f, Before 89MF on'" a&o( a do3en s+e*ies were $nown
o !a)e de)e'o+ed resisan*e o an" of !e +re-DDT inse*i*ides, Wi! !e new
or%ani* *!e#i*a's and new #e!ods for !eir inensi)e a++'i*aion, resisan*e &e%an
a #eeori* rise !a rea*!ed !e a'ar#in% 'e)e' of 8>O s+e*ies in 89:K, No one
&e'ie)es !e end is in si%!, 4ore !an 8KKK e*!ni*a' +a+ers !a)e now &een
+(&'is!ed on !e s(&Ge*, T!e Wor'd Hea'! Or%ani3aion !as en'ised !e aid of
so#e >KK s*ieniss in a'' +ars of !e wor'd, de*'arin% !a Lresisan*e is a +resen
!e #os i#+oran sin%'e +ro&'e# fa*in% )e*or-*onro' +ro%ra##es,7 A
disin%(is!ed
Briis! s(den of ani#a' +o+('aions, Dr, 1!ar'es E'on, !as said, LWe are !earin% !e
ear'" r(#&'in%s of w!a #a" &e*o#e an a)a'an*!e in sren%!,7
So#ei#es resisan*e de)e'o+s so ra+id'" !a !e in$ is s*ar*e'" dr" on a re+or
!ai'in% s(**essf(' *onro' of a s+e*ies wi! so#e s+e*ified *!e#i*a' w!en an
a#ended re+or !as o &e iss(ed, In So(! Afri*a, for eBa#+'e, *a'e#en !ad 'on%
&een +'a%(ed &" !e &'(e i*$, fro# w!i*!, on one ran*! a'one, :KK !ead of *a'e
!ad died in one "ear, T!e i*$ !ad for so#e "ears &een resisan o arseni*a' di+s,
T!en &en3ene !eBa*!'oride was ried, and for a )er" s!or i#e a'' see#ed o &e
we'', Re+ors iss(ed ear'" in !e "ear 89M9 de*'ared !a !e arseni*-resisan i*$s
*o('d &e *onro''ed readi'" wi! !e new *!e#i*a'I 'aer in !e sa#e "ear, a &'ea$
noi*e of de)e'o+in% resisan*e !ad o &e +(&'is!ed, T!e si(aion +ro#+ed a wrier
in !e :eather !rades Review o *o##en in 89FK2 LNews s(*! as !is .(ie'"
ri*$'in% !ro(%! s*ienifi* *ir*'es and a++earin% in s#a'' se*ions of !e o)erseas
+ress is eno(%! o #a$e !ead'ines as &i% as !ose *on*ernin% !e new ao#i* &o#&
if on'" !e si%nifi*an*e of !e #aer were +ro+er'" (ndersood,7 A'!o(%! inse*
resisan*e is a #aer of *on*ern in a%ri*('(re and foresr", i is in !e fie'd of +(&'i*
!ea'! !a !e #os serio(s a++re!ensions !a)e &een fe', T!e re'aion &eween
)ario(s inse*s and #an" diseases of #an is an an*ien one, 4os.(ioes of !e
%en(s "nopheles #a" inGe* ino !e !(#an &'oodsrea# !e sin%'e-*e''ed or%anis#
of #a'aria,
O!er #os.(ioes rans#i "e''ow fe)er, Si'' o!ers *arr" en*e+!a'iis, T!e !o(sef'",
w!i*! does no &ie, ne)er!e'ess &" *ona* #a" *ona#inae !(#an food wi! !e
&a*i''(s of d"sener", and in #an" +ars of !e wor'd #a" +'a" an i#+oran +ar in
!e rans#ission of e"e diseases, T!e 'is of diseases and !eir inse* *arriers, or
)e*ors, in*'(des "+!(s and &od" 'i*e, +'a%(e and ra f'eas, Afri*an s'ee+in%
si*$ness and sese f'ies, )ario(s fe)ers and i*$s, and inn(#era&'e o!ers,
T!ese are i#+oran +ro&'e#s and #(s &e #e, No res+onsi&'e +erson *onends
!a inse*- &orne disease s!o('d &e i%nored, T!e .(esion !a !as now (r%en'"
+resened ise'f is w!e!er i is ei!er wise or res+onsi&'e o aa*$ !e +ro&'e# &"
#e!ods !a are ra+id'" #a$in% i worse, T!e wor'd !as !eard #(*! of !e
ri(#+!an war a%ains disease !ro(%! !e *onro' of inse* )e*ors of infe*ion, &(
i !as !eard 'i'e of !e o!er side of !e sor"H!e defeas, !e s!or-'i)ed ri(#+!s
!a now sron%'" s(++or !e a'ar#in% )iew !a !e inse* ene#" !as &een #ade
a*(a''" sron%er &" o(r effors, E)en worse, we #a" !a)e desro"ed o(r )er" #eans
of fi%!in%, A disin%(is!ed 1anadian eno#o'o%is, Dr, A, W, A, Brown, was en%a%ed
&" !e Wor'd Hea'! Or%ani3aion o #a$e a *o#+re!ensi)e s(r)e" of !e resisan*e
+ro&'e#, In !e res('in% #ono%ra+!, +(&'is!ed in 89F8, Dr, Brown !as !is o sa"2
LBare'" a de*ade afer !e inrod(*ion of !e +oen s"n!ei* inse*i*ides in +(&'i*
!ea'! +ro%ra##es, !e #ain e*!ni*a' +ro&'e# is !e de)e'o+#en of resisan*e o
!e# &" !e inse*s !e" for#er'" *onro''ed,7 In +(&'is!in% !is #ono%ra+!, !e Wor'd
Hea'! Or%ani3aion warned !a L!e )i%oro(s offensi)e now &ein% +(rs(ed a%ains
ar!ro+od&orne diseases s(*! as #a'aria, "+!(s fe)er, and +'a%(e ris$s a serio(s
se&a*$ (n'ess !is new +ro&'e# *an &e ra+id'" #asered,7
W!a is !e #eas(re of !is se&a*$J T!e 'is of resisan s+e*ies now in*'(des
+ra*i*a''" a'' of !e inse* %ro(+s of #edi*a' i#+oran*e, A++aren'" !e &'a*$f'ies,
sand f'ies, and sese f'ies !a)e no "e &e*o#e resisan o *!e#i*a's, On !e o!er
!and, resisan*e a#on% !o(sef'ies and &od" 'i*e !as now de)e'o+ed on a %'o&a'
s*a'e, 4a'aria +ro%ra#s are !reaened &" resisan*e a#on% #os.(ioes, T!e
oriena' ra f'ea, !e +rin*i+a' )e*or of +'a%(e, !as re*en'"
de#onsraed resisan*e o DDT, a #os serio(s de)e'o+#en, 1o(nries re+orin%
resisan*e a#on% a 'ar%e n(#&er of o!er s+e*ies re+resen e)er" *oninen and
#os of !e is'and %ro(+s,
Pro&a&'" !e firs #edi*a' (se of #odern inse*i*ides o**(rred in Ia'" in 89M> w!en
!e A''ied 4i'iar" Go)ern#en 'a(n*!ed a s(**essf(' aa*$ on "+!(s &" d(sin%
enor#o(s n(#&ers of +eo+'e wi! DDT, T!is was fo''owed wo "ears 'aer &"
eBensi)e a++'i*aion of resid(a' s+ra"s for !e *onro' of #a'aria #os.(ioes, On'" a
"ear 'aer !e firs si%ns of ro(&'e a++eared, Bo! !o(sef'ies and #os.(ioes of !e
%en(s Cule@ &e%an o s!ow resisan*e o !e s+ra"s, In 89M8 a new *!e#i*a',
*!'ordane, was ried as a s(++'e#en o DDT, T!is i#e %ood *onro' was o&ained
for wo "ears, &( &" A(%(s of 89FK *!'ordane-resisan f'ies a++eared, and &" !e
end of !a "ear a'' of !e !o(sef'ies as we'' as !e Cule@ #os.(ioes see#ed o &e
resisan o *!'ordane, As ra+id'" as new *!e#i*a's were &ro(%! ino (se,
resisan*e de)e'o+ed,
B" !e end of 89F8, DDT, #e!oB"*!'or, *!'ordane, !e+a*!'or, and &en3ene
!eBa*!'oride !ad Goined !e 'is of *!e#i*a's no 'on%er effe*i)e, T!e f'ies,
#eanw!i'e, !ad &e*o#e Lfanasi*a''" a&(ndan7, T!e sa#e *"*'e of e)ens was
&ein% re+eaed in Sardinia d(rin% !e 'ae 89MKs, In Den#ar$, +rod(*s *onainin%
DDT were firs (sed in 89MMI &" 89MO f'" *onro' !ad fai'ed in #an" +'a*es, In so#e
areas of E%"+, f'ies !ad a'read" &e*o#e resisan o DDT &" 89M8I BH1 was
s(&si(ed &( was effe*i)e for 'ess !an a "ear, One E%"+ian )i''a%e in +ari*('ar
s"#&o'i3es !e +ro&'e#, Inse*i*ides %a)e %ood *onro' of f'ies in 89FK and d(rin%
!is sa#e "ear !e infan #ora'i" rae was red(*ed &" near'" FK +er *en, T!e neB
"ear, ne)er!e'ess, f'ies were resisan o DDT and *!'ordane, T!e f'" +o+('aion
re(rned o is for#er 'e)e'I so did infan #ora'i",
In !e Unied Saes, DDT resisan*e a#on% f'ies !ad &e*o#e wides+read in !e
Tennessee Ea''e" &" 89M8, O!er areas fo''owed, Ae#+s o resore *onro' wi!
die'drin #e wi! 'i'e s(**ess, for in so#e +'a*es !e f'ies de)e'o+ed sron%
resisan*e o !is *!e#i*a' within only two +onths, Afer r(nnin% !ro(%! a'' !e
a)ai'a&'e *!'orinaed !"dro*ar&ons, *onro' a%en*ies (rned o !e or%ani*
+!os+!aes, &( !ere a%ain !e sor" of resisan*e was re+eaed, T!e +resen
*on*'(sion of eB+ers is !a L!o(sef'" *onro' !as es*a+ed inse*i*ida' e*!ni.(es
and on*e #ore #(s &e &ased on %enera' saniaion,7 T!e *onro' of &od" 'i*e in
Na+'es was one of !e ear'ies and #os +(&'i*i3ed a*!ie)e#ens of DDT, D(rin% !e
neB few "ears is s(**ess in Ia'" was #a*!ed &" !e s(**essf(' *onro' of 'i*e
affe*in% so#e wo #i''ion +eo+'e in ?a+an and Korea in !e winer of 89MF-M:,
So#e +re#oniion of ro(&'e a!ead #i%! !a)e &een %ained &" !e fai'(re o *onro'
a "+!(s e+ide#i* in S+ain in 89M8, Des+ie !is fai'(re in a*(a' +ra*i*e,
en*o(ra%in% 'a&oraor" eB+eri#ens 'ed eno#o'o%iss o &e'ie)e 'i*e were (n'i$e'" o
de)e'o+ resisan*e, E)ens in Korea in !e winer of 89FK-F8 were !erefore sar'in%,
W!en DDT +owder was a++'ied o a %ro(+ of Korean so'diers !e eBraordinar"
res(' was an a*(a' in*rease in !e infesaion of 'i*e, W!en 'i*e were *o''e*ed and
esed, i was fo(nd !a F +er *en DDT +owder *a(sed no in*rease in !eir na(ra'
#ora'i" rae, Si#i'ar res('s a#on% 'i*e *o''e*ed fro# )a%rans in To$"o, fro# an
as"'(# in Ia&as!i, and fro# ref(%ee *a#+s in S"ria, ?ordan, and easern E%"+,
*onfir#ed !e ineffe*i)eness of DDT for !e *onro' of 'i*e and "+!(s, W!en &"
89FO !e 'is of *o(nries in w!i*! 'i*e !ad &e*o#e resisan o DDT was eBended o
in*'(de Iran, T(r$e", E!io+ia, Wes Afri*a, So(! Afri*a, Per(, 1!i'e, =ran*e,
<(%os'a)ia, Af%!anisan, U%anda, 4eBi*o, and Tan%an"i$a, !e iniia' ri(#+! in Ia'"
see#ed di# indeed, T!e firs #a'aria #os.(io o de)e'o+ resisan*e o DDT was
"nopheles sacharovi
in Gree*e, EBensi)e s+ra"in% was &e%(n in 89M: wi! ear'" s(**essI &" 89M9,
!owe)er, o&ser)ers noi*ed !a ad(' #os.(ioes were resin% in 'ar%e n(#&ers
(nder road &rid%es, a'!o(%! !e" were a&sen fro# !o(ses and sa&'es !a !ad
&een reaed, Soon !is !a&i of o(side resin% was eBended o *a)es, o(&(i'din%s,
and *(')ers and o !e fo'ia%e and r(n$s of oran%e rees, A++aren'" !e ad('
#os.(ioes !ad &e*o#e s(ffi*ien'" o'eran of DDT o es*a+e fro# s+ra"ed
&(i'din%s and res and re*o)er in !e o+en, A few #on!s 'aer !e" were a&'e o
re#ain in !o(ses, w!ere !e" were fo(nd resin% on reaed wa''s, T!is was a +oren
of !e eBre#e'" serio(s si(aion !a !as now de)e'o+ed, Resisan*e o inse*i*ides
&" #os.(ioes of !e ano+!e'ene %ro(+ !as s(r%ed (+ward a an aso(ndin% rae,
&ein% *reaed &" !e !oro(%!ness of !e )er" !o(ses+ra"in% +ro%ra#s desi%ned o
e'i#inae #a'aria, In 89F:, on'" F s+e*ies of !ese #os.(ioes dis+'a"ed resisan*eI
&" ear'" 89:K !e n(#&er !ad risen fro# F o ;8Q T!e n(#&er in*'(des )er"
dan%ero(s #a'aria )e*ors in Wes Afri*a, !e 4idd'e Eas, 1enra' A#eri*a,
Indonesia, and !e easern E(ro+ean re%ion,
A#on% o!er #os.(ioes, in*'(din% *arriers of o!er diseases, !e +aern is &ein%
re+eaed, A ro+i*a' #os.(io !a *arries +arasies res+onsi&'e for s(*! diseases as
e'e+!aniasis !as &e*o#e sron%'" resisan in #an" +ars of !e wor'd, In so#e
areas of !e Unied Saes !e #os.(io )e*or of wesern e.(ine en*e+!a'iis !as
de)e'o+ed resisan*e, An e)en #ore serio(s +ro&'e# *on*erns !e )e*or of "e''ow
fe)er, for *en(ries one of !e %rea +'a%(es of !e wor'd, Inse*i*ide resisan srains
of !is #os.(io !a)e o**(rred in So(!eas Asia and are now *o##on in !e
1ari&&ean re%ion, T!e *onse.(en*es of resisan*e in er#s of #a'aria and o!er
diseases are indi*aed &" re+ors fro# #an" +ars of !e wor'd, An o(&rea$ of
"e''ow fe)er in Trinidad in 89FM fo''owed fai'(re o *onro' !e )e*or #os.(io
&e*a(se of resisan*e, T!ere !as &een a f'are-(+ of #a'aria in Indonesia and Iran, In
Gree*e, Ni%eria, and Li&eria !e #os.(ioes *onin(e o !ar&or and rans#i !e
#a'aria +arasie, A red(*ion of diarr!ea' disease a*!ie)ed in Geor%ia !ro(%! f'"
*onro' was wi+ed o( wi!in a&o( a "ear, T!e red(*ion in a*(e *onG(n*i)iis in
E%"+, a'so aained !ro(%! e#+orar" f'" *onro', did no 'as &e"ond 89FK,
Less serio(s in er#s of !(#an !ea'!, &( )eBaio(s as #an #eas(res e*ono#i*
)a'(es, is !e fa* !a sa'-#ars! #os.(ioes in ='orida a'so are s!owin% resisan*e,
A'!o(%! !ese are no )e*ors of disease, !eir +resen*e in &'ood!irs" swar#s !ad
rendered 'ar%e areas of *oasa' ='orida (nin!a&ia&'e (ni' *onro'Hof an (neas" and
e#+orar" na(reHwas esa&'is!ed, B( !is was .(i*$'" 'os, T!e ordinar" !o(se
#os.(io is !ere and !ere de)e'o+in% resisan*e, a fa* !a s!o('d %i)e +a(se o
#an" *o##(niies !a now re%('ar'" arran%e for w!o'esa'e s+ra"in%, T!is s+e*ies is
now resisan o se)era' inse*i*ides, a#on% w!i*! is !e a'#os (ni)ersa''" (sed
DDT, in Ia'", Israe', ?a+an, =ran*e, and +ars of !e Unied Saes, in*'(din%
1a'ifornia, O!io, New ?erse", and 4assa*!(ses,
Ti*$s are ano!er +ro&'e#, T!e woodi*$, )e*or of s+oed fe)er, !as re*en'"
de)e'o+ed resisan*eI in !e &rown do% i*$ !e a&i'i" o es*a+e a *!e#i*a' dea!
!as 'on% &een !oro(%!'" and wide'" esa&'is!ed, T!is +oses +ro&'e#s for !(#an
&ein%s as we'' as for do%s, T!e &rown do% i*$ is a se#iro+i*a' s+e*ies and w!en i
o**(rs as far nor! as New ?erse" i #(s 'i)e o)er winer in !eaed &(i'din%s ra!er
!an o( of doors, ?o!n 1, Pa''iser of !e A#eri*an 4(se(# of Na(ra' Hisor"
re+ored in !e s(##er of 89F9 !a !is de+ar#en !ad &een %ein% a n(#&er of
*a''s fro# nei%!&orin% a+ar#ens on 1enra' Par$ Wes, LE)er" now and !en,7 4r,
Pa''iser said, La w!o'e a+ar#en !o(se %es infesed wi! "o(n% i*$s, and
!e"7re !ard o %e rid of, A do% wi'' +i*$ (+ i*$s in 1enra' Par$, and !en !e i*$s
'a" e%%s and !e" !a*! in !e a+ar#en, T!e" see# i##(ne o DDT or *!'ordane
or #os of o(r #odern s+ra"s, I (sed o &e )er" (n(s(a' o !a)e i*$s in New <or$
1i", &( now !e"7re a'' o)er !ere and on Lon% Is'and, in Wes*!eser and on (+ ino
1onne*i*(, We7)e noi*ed !is +ari*('ar'" in !e +as fi)e or siB "ears,7
T!e Ger#an *o*$roa*! !ro(%!o( #(*! of Nor! A#eri*a !as &e*o#e resisan o
*!'ordane, on*e !e fa)orie wea+on of eBer#inaors w!o !a)e now (rned o !e
or%ani* +!os+!aes, Howe)er, !e re*en de)e'o+#en of resisan*e o !ese
inse*i*ides *onfrons !e eBer#inaors wi! !e +ro&'e# of w!ere o %o neB,
A%en*ies *on*erned wi! )e*or-&orne disease are a +resen *o+in% wi! !eir
+ro&'e#s &" swi*!in% fro# one inse*i*ide o ano!er as resisan*e de)e'o+s, B(
!is *anno %o on indefinie'", des+ie !e in%en(i" of !e *!e#iss in s(++'"in% new
#aeria's, Dr, Brown !as +oined o( !a we are ra)e'in% La one-wa" sree7, No one
$nows !ow 'on% !e sree is, If !e dead end is rea*!ed &efore *onro' of disease-
*arr"in% inse*s is a*!ie)ed, o(r si(aion wi'' indeed &e *rii*a',
Wi! inse*s !a infes *ro+s !e sor" is !e sa#e, To !e 'is of a&o( a do3en
a%ri*('(ra' inse*s s!owin% resisan*e o !e inor%ani* *!e#i*a's of an ear'ier era
!ere is now added a !os of o!ers resisan o DDT, BH1, 'indane, oBa+!ene,
die'drin, a'drin, and e)en o !e +!os+!aes fro# w!i*! so #(*! was !o+ed, T!e
oa' n(#&er of resisan s+e*ies a#on% *ro+- desro"in% inse*s !ad rea*!ed :F in
89:K, T!e firs *ases of DDT resisan*e a#on% a%ri*('(ra' inse*s a++eared in !e
Unied Saes in 89F8, a&o( siB "ears afer is firs (se, Per!a+s !e #os
ro(&'eso#e si(aion *on*erns !e *od'in% #o!, w!i*! is now resisan o DDT in
+ra*i*a''" a'' of !e wor'd7s a++'e-%rowin% re%ions, Resisan*e in *a&&a%e inse*s is
*reain% ano!er serio(s +ro&'e#, Poao inse*s are es*a+in% *!e#i*a' *onro' in
#an" se*ions of !e Unied Saes, SiB s+e*ies of *oon inse*s, a'on% wi! an
assor#en of !ri+s, fr(i #o!s, 'eaf !o++ers, *aer+i''ars, #ies, a+!ids, wirewor#s,
and #an" o!ers now are a&'e o i%nore !e far#er7s assa(' wi! *!e#i*a' s+ra"s,
T!e *!e#i*a' ind(sr" is +er!a+s (ndersanda&'" 'oa! o fa*e (+ o !e (n+'easan
fa* of resisan*e, E)en in 89F9, wi! #ore !an 8KK #aGor inse* s+e*ies s!owin%
definie resisan*e o *!e#i*a's, one of !e 'eadin% Go(rna's in !e fie'd of a%ri*('(ra'
*!e#isr" s+o$e of Lrea' or i#a%ined7 inse* resisan*e, <e !o+ef(''" as !e ind(sr"
#a" (rn is fa*e !e o!er wa", !e +ro&'e# si#+'" does no %o awa", and i
+resens so#e (n+'easan e*ono#i* fa*s, One is !a !e *os of inse* *onro' &"
*!e#i*a's is in*reasin% seadi'", I is no 'on%er +ossi&'e o so*$+i'e #aeria's we'' in
ad)an*eI w!a oda" #a" &e !e #os +ro#isin% of inse*i*ida' *!e#i*a's #a" &e
!e dis#a' fai'(re of o#orrow, T!e )er" s(&sania' finan*ia' in)es#en in)o')ed in
&a*$in% and 'a(n*!in% an inse*i*ide #a" &e swe+ awa" as !e inse*s +ro)e on*e
#ore !a !e effe*i)e a++roa*! o na(re is no !ro(%! &r(e for*e, And !owe)er
ra+id'" e*!no'o%" #a" in)en new (ses for inse*i*ides and new wa"s of a++'"in%
!e#, i is 'i$e'" o find !e inse*s $ee+in% a 'a+ a!ead, , , ,
Darwin !i#se'f *o('d s*ar*e'" !a)e fo(nd a &eer eBa#+'e of !e o+eraion of
na(ra' se'e*ion !an is +ro)ided &" !e wa" !e #e*!anis# of resisan*e o+eraes,
O( of an ori%ina' +o+('aion, !e #e#&ers of w!i*! )ar" %rea'" in .(a'iies of
sr(*(re, &e!a)ior, or +!"sio'o%", i is !e Lo(%!7 inse*s !a s(r)i)e *!e#i*a'
aa*$, S+ra"in% $i''s off !e wea$'in%s, T!e on'" s(r)i)ors are inse*s !a !a)e
so#e in!eren .(a'i" !a a''ows !e# o es*a+e !ar#, T!ese are !e +arens of !e
new %eneraion, w!i*!, &" si#+'e in!erian*e, +ossesses a'' !e .(a'iies
of Lo(%!ness7 in!eren in is fore&ears, Ine)ia&'" i fo''ows !a inensi)e s+ra"in%
wi! +owerf(' *!e#i*a's on'" #a$es worse !e +ro&'e# i is desi%ned o so')e, Afer
a few %eneraions, insead of a #iBed +o+('aion of sron% and wea$ inse*s, !ere
res('s a +o+('aion *onsisin% enire'" of o(%!, resisan srains,
T!e #eans &" w!i*! inse*s resis *!e#i*a's +ro&a&'" )ar" and as "e are no
!oro(%!'" (ndersood, So#e of !e inse*s !a def" *!e#i*a' *onro' are !o(%! o
&e aided &" a sr(*(ra' ad)ana%e, !( !ere see#s o &e 'i'e a*(a' +roof of !is,
T!a i##(ni" eBiss in so#e srains is *'ear, !owe)er, fro# o&ser)aions 'i$e !ose
of Dr, BrieGTr, w!o re+ors wa*!in% f'ies a !e Pes 1onro' Insi(e a S+rin%for&i,
Den#ar$, Ldis+orin% !e#se')es in DDT as #(*! a !o#e as +ri#ii)e sor*erers
*a)orin% o)er red-!o *oa's,7 Si#i'ar re+ors *o#e fro# o!er +ars of !e wor'd, In
4a'a"a, a K(a'a L(#+(r, #os.(ioes a firs rea*ed o DDT &" 'ea)in% !e reaed
ineriors, As resisan*e de)e'o+ed, !owe)er, !e" *o('d &e fo(nd a res on s(rfa*es
w!ere !e de+osi of DDT &enea! !e# was *'ear'" )isi&'e &" or*!'i%!, And in an
ar#" *a#+ in so(!ern Taiwan sa#+'es of resisan &ed&(%s were fo(nd a*(a''"
*arr"in% a de+osi of DDT +owder on !eir &odies, W!en !ese &ed&(%s were
eB+eri#ena''" +'a*ed in *'o! i#+re%naed wi! DDT, !e" 'i)ed for as 'on% as a
#on!I !e" +ro*eeded o 'a" !eir e%%sI and !e res('in% "o(n% %rew and !ri)ed,
Ne)er!e'ess, !e .(a'i" of resisan*e does no ne*essari'" de+end on +!"si*a'
sr(*(re, DDT- resisan f'ies +ossess an en3"#e !a a''ows !e# o deoBif" !e
inse*i*ide o !e 'ess oBi* *!e#i*a' DDE, T!is en3"#e o**(rs on'" in f'ies !a
+ossess a %enei* fa*or for DDT resisan*e, T!is fa*or is, of *o(rse, !erediar",
How f'ies and o!er inse*s deoBif" !e or%ani* +!os+!or(s *!e#i*a's is 'ess *'ear'"
(ndersood, So#e &e!a)iora' !a&i #a" a'so +'a*e !e inse* o( of rea*! of
*!e#i*a's, 4an" wor$ers !a)e noi*ed !e enden*" of resisan f'ies o res #ore on
(nreaed !ori3ona' s(rfa*es !an on reaed wa''s, Resisan !o(sef'ies #a" !a)e
!e sa&'e- f'" !a&i of siin% si'' in one +'a*e, !is %rea'" red(*in% !e fre.(en*" of
!eir *ona* wi! resid(es of +oison, So#e #a'aria #os.(ioes !a)e a !a&i !a so
red(*es !eir eB+os(re o DDT as o #a$e !e# )ir(a''" i##(ne, Irriaed &" !e
s+ra", !e" 'ea)e !e !(s and s(r)i)e o(side, Ordinari'" resisan*e a$es wo or
!ree "ears o de)e'o+, a'!o(%! o**asiona''" i wi'' do so in on'" one season, or
e)en 'ess, A !e o!er eBre#e i #a" a$e as 'on% as siB "ears, T!e n(#&er of
%eneraions +rod(*ed &" an inse* +o+('aion in a "ear is i#+oran, and !is )aries
wi! s+e*ies and *'i#ae, ='ies in 1anada, for eBa#+'e, !a)e &een s'ower o de)e'o+
resisan*e !an !ose in so(!ern Unied Saes, w!ere 'on% !o s(##ers fa)or a
ra+id rae of re+rod(*ion,
T!e !o+ef(' .(esion is so#ei#es as$ed, LIf inse*s *an &e*o#e resisan o
*!e#i*a's, *o('d !(#an &ein%s do !e sa#e !in%J7 T!eorei*a''" !e" *o('dI &(
sin*e !is wo('d a$e !(ndreds or e)en !o(sands of "ears, !e *o#for o !ose
'i)in% now is s'i%!, Resisan*e is no so#e!in% !a de)e'o+s in an indi)id(a', If !e
+ossesses a &ir! so#e .(a'iies !a #a$e !i# 'ess s(s*e+i&'e !an o!ers o
+oisons !e is #ore 'i$e'" o s(r)i)e and +rod(*e *!i'dren, Resisan*e, !erefore, is
so#e!in% !a de)e'o+s in a +o+('aion afer i#e #eas(red in se)era' or #an"
%eneraions, H(#an +o+('aions re+rod(*e a !e rae of ro(%!'" !ree %eneraions
+er *en(r", &( new inse* %eneraions arise in a #aer of da"s or wee$s,
LI is #ore sensi&'e in so#e *ases o a$e a s#a'' a#o(n of da#a%e in +referen*e o
!a)in% one for a i#e &( +a"in% for i in !e 'on% r(n &" 'osin% !e )er" #eans of
fi%!in%,7 is !e ad)i*e %i)en in Ho''and &" Dr, BrieGTr in !is *a+a*i" as dire*or of !e
P'an Proe*ion Ser)i*e,
LPra*i*a' ad)i*e s!o('d &e /S+ra" as 'i'e as "o( +ossi&'" *an0 ra!er !an /S+ra" o !e
'i#i of "o(r *a+a*i",0,,,Press(re on !e +es +o+('aion s!o('d a'wa"s &e as s'i%!
as +ossi&'e,7 Unfor(nae'", s(*! )ision !as no +re)ai'ed in !e *orres+ondin%
a%ri*('(ra' ser)i*es of !e Unied Saes, T!e De+ar#en of A%ri*('(re7s &earboo'
for 89F;, de)oed enire'" o inse*s, re*o%ni3es !e fa* !a inse*s &e*o#e
resisan &( sa"s, L4ore a++'i*aions or %reaer .(aniies of !e inse*i*ides are
needed !en for ade.(ae *onro',7 T!e De+ar#en does no sa" w!a wi'' !a++en
w!en !e on'" *!e#i*a's 'ef (nried are !ose !a render !e ear! no on'"
inse*'ess &( 'ife'ess, B( in 89F9, on'" se)en "ears afer !is ad)i*e was %i)en, a
1onne*i*( eno#o'o%is was .(oed in !e ;ournal of "gricultural and -ood Che+istry
o !e effe* !a on a 'eas one or wo inse* +ess the last available new #aeria'
was !en &ein% (sed, Dr, BrieGTr sa"s2 I is #ore !an *'ear !a we are ra)e'in% a
dan%ero(s road, ...0e are going to have to do so+e very energetic research on other
control +easures/ +easures that will have to be biological/ not che+ical. (ur ai+
should be to guide natural processes as cautiously as possible in the desired
direction rather than to use brute force...
We need a #ore !i%!-#inded orienaion and a dee+er insi%!, w!i*! I #iss in #an"
resear*!ers, Life is a #ira*'e &e"ond o(r *o#+re!ension, and we s!o('d re)eren*e
i e)en w!ere we !a)e o sr(%%'e a%ains i,,,T!e resor o wea+ons s(*! as
inse*i*ides o *onro' i is a +roof of ins(ffi*ien $now'ed%e and of an in*a+a*i" so o
%(ide !e +ro*esses of na(re !a &r(e for*e &e*o#es (nne*essar", H(#&'eness is
in orderI !ere is no eB*(se for s*ienifi* *on*ei !ere,
(6. T-e Ot-e' Ro)$
WE STAND NOW w!ere wo roads di)er%e, B( (n'i$e !e roads in Ro&er
=ros7s fa#i'iar +oe#, !e" are no e.(a''" fair, T!e road we !a)e 'on% &een ra)e'in%
is de*e+i)e'" eas", a s#oo! s(+er!i%!wa" on w!i*! we +ro%ress wi! %rea s+eed,
&( a is end 'ies disaser, T!e o!er for$ of !e roadH!e one L'ess ra)e'ed &"7H
offers o(r 'as, o(r on'" *!an*e o rea*! a desinaion !a ass(res !e +reser)aion
of o(r ear!,
T!e *!oi*e, afer a'', is o(rs o #a$e, If, !a)in% end(red #(*!, we !a)e a 'as
assered o(r Lri%! o $now7, and if, $nowin%, we !a)e *on*'(ded !a we are &ein%
as$ed o a$e sense'ess and fri%!enin% ris$s, !en we s!o('d no 'on%er a**e+ !e
*o(nse' of !ose w!o e'' (s !a we #(s fi'' o(r wor'd wi! +oisono(s *!e#i*a'sI we
s!o('d 'oo$ a&o( and see w!a o!er *o(rse is o+en o (s, A r('" eBraordinar"
)arie" of a'ernai)es o !e *!e#i*a' *onro' of inse*s is a)ai'a&'e, So#e are
a'read" in (se and !a)e a*!ie)ed &ri''ian s(**ess, O!ers are in !e sa%e of
'a&oraor" esin%, Si'' o!ers are 'i'e #ore !an ideas in !e #inds of i#a%inai)e
s*ieniss, waiin% for !e o++or(ni" o +( !e# o !e es, A'' !a)e !is in *o##on2
!e" are biological so'(ions, &ased on (ndersandin% of !e 'i)in% or%anis#s !e"
see$ o *onro', and of !e w!o'e fa&ri* of 'ife o w!i*! !ese or%anis#s &e'on%,
S+e*ia'iss re+resenin% )ario(s areas of !e )as fie'd of &io'o%" are *onri&(in%H
eno#o'o%iss, +a!o'o%iss, %enei*iss, +!"sio'o%iss, &io*!e#iss, e*o'o%issHa''
+o(rin% !eir $now'ed%e and !eir *reai)e ins+iraions ino !e for#aion of a new
s*ien*e of &ioi* *onro's,
LAn" s*ien*e #a" &e 'i$ened o a ri)er,7 sa"s a ?o!ns Ho+$ins &io'o%is, Professor
1ar' P, Swanson, LI !as is o&s*(re and (n+reenio(s &e%innin%I is .(ie sre*!es
as we'' as is ra+idsI is +eriods of dro(%! as we'' as of f(''ness, I %a!ers
#o#en(# wi! !e wor$ of #an" in)esi%aors and as i is fed &" o!er srea#s of
!o(%!I i is dee+ened and &roadened &" !e *on*e+s and %enera'i3aions !a are
%rad(a''" e)o')ed,7
So i is wi! !e s*ien*e of &io'o%i*a' *onro' in is #odern sense, In A#eri*a i !ad is
o&s*(re &e%innin%s a *en(r" a%o wi! !e firs ae#+s o inrod(*e na(ra'
ene#ies of inse*s !a were +ro)in% ro(&'eso#e o far#ers, an effor !a
so#ei#es #o)ed s'ow'" or no a a'', &( now and a%ain %a!ered s+eed and
#o#en(# (nder !e i#+e(s of an o(sandin% s(**ess, I !ad is +eriod of dro(%!
w!en wor$ers in a++'ied eno#o'o%", da33'ed &" !e s+e*a*('ar new inse*i*ides of
!e 89MKs, (rned !eir &a*$s on a'' &io'o%i*a' #e!ods and se foo on L!e read#i''
of *!e#i*a' *onro'7, B( !e %oa' of an inse*-free wor'd *onin(ed o re*ede, Now a
'as, as i !as &e*o#e a++aren !a !e !eed'ess and (nresrained (se of *!e#i*a's
is a %reaer #ena*e o o(rse')es !an o !e ar%es, !e ri)er w!i*! is !e s*ien*e of
&ioi* *onro' f'ows a%ain, fed &" new srea#s of !o(%!,
So#e of !e #os fas*inain% of !e new #e!ods are !ose !a see$ o (rn !e
sren%! of a s+e*ies a%ains ise'fHo (se !e dri)e of an inse*7s 'ife for*es o
desro" i, T!e #os s+e*a*('ar of !ese a++roa*!es is !e L#a'e seri'i3aion7
e*!ni.(e de)e'o+ed &" !e *!ief of !e Unied Saes De+ar#en of A%ri*('(re7s
Eno#o'o%" Resear*! Bran*!, Dr, Edward Kni+'in%, and !is asso*iaes, A&o( a
.(arer of a *en(r" a%o Dr, Kni+'in% sar'ed !is *o''ea%(es &" +ro+osin% a (ni.(e
#e!od of inse* *onro', If i were +ossi&'e o seri'i3e and re'ease 'ar%e n(#&ers of
inse*s, !e !eori3ed, !e seri'i3ed #a'es wo('d, (nder *erain *ondiions, *o#+ee
wi! !e nor#a' wi'd #a'es so s(**essf(''" !a, afer re+eaed re'eases, on'" inferi'e
e%%s wo('d &e +rod(*ed and !e +o+('aion wo('d die o(,
T!e +ro+osa' was #e wi! &(rea(*rai* ineria and wi! s$e+i*is# fro# s*ieniss,
&( !e idea +ersised in Dr, Kni+'in%7s #ind, One #aGor +ro&'e# re#ained o &e
so')ed &efore i *o('d &e +( o !e esHa +ra*i*a' #e!od of inse* seri'i3aion
!ad o &e fo(nd, A*ade#i*a''", !e fa* !a inse*s *o('d &e seri'i3ed &" eB+os(re o
S-ra" !ad &een $nown sin*e 898:, w!en an eno#o'o%is &" !e na#e of G, A,
R(nner re+ored s(*! seri'i3aion of *i%aree &ee'es, Her#ann 4(''er7s +ioneerin%
wor$ on !e +rod(*ion of #(aions &" S-ra" o+ened (+ )as new areas of !o(%!
in !e 'ae 89;Ks, and &" !e #idd'e of !e *en(r" )ario(s wor$ers !ad re+ored !e
seri'i3aion &" S-ra"s or %a##a ra"s of a 'eas a do3en s+e*ies of inse*s,
B( !ese were 'a&oraor" eB+eri#ens, si'' a 'on% wa" fro# +ra*i*a' a++'i*aion,
A&o( 89FK, Dr, Kni+'in% 'a(n*!ed a serio(s effor o (rn inse* seri'i3aion ino a
wea+on !a wo('d wi+e o( a #aGor inse* ene#" of 'i)eso*$ in !e So(!, !e
s*rew-wor# f'", T!e fe#a'es of !is s+e*ies 'a" !eir e%%s in an" o+en wo(nd of a
war#-&'ooded ani#a', T!e !a*!in% 'ar)ae are +arasii*, feedin% on !e f'es! of !e
!os, A f(''-%rown seer #a" s(**(#& o a !ea)" infesaion in 8K da"s, and 'i)eso*$
'osses in !e Unied Saes !a)e &een esi#aed a XMK,KKK,KKK a "ear, T!e o'' of
wi'd'ife is !arder o #eas(re, &( i #(s &e %rea, S*ar*i" of deer in so#e areas of
TeBas is ari&(ed o !e s*rew-wor#, T!is is a ro+i*a' or s(&-ro+i*a' inse*,
in!a&iin% So(! and 1enra' A#eri*a and 4eBi*o, and in !e Unied Saes nor#a''"
resri*ed o !e So(!wes, A&o( 89>>, !owe)er, i was a**idena''" inrod(*ed ino
='orida, w!ere !e *'i#ae a''owed i o s(r)i)e o)er winer and o esa&'is!
+o+('aions, I e)en +(s!ed ino so(!ern A'a&a#a and Geor%ia, and soon !e
'i)eso*$ ind(sr" of !e so(!easern saes was fa*ed wi! ann(a' 'osses r(nnin% o
X;K,KKK,KKK,
A )as a#o(n of infor#aion on !e &io'o%" of !e s*rew-wor# !ad &een
a**(#('aed o)er !e "ears &" A%ri*('(re De+ar#en s*ieniss in TeBas, B" 89FM,
afer so#e +re'i#inar" fie'd ria's on ='orida is'ands, Dr, Kni+'in% was read" for a f(''-
s*a'e es of !is !eor", =or !is, &" arran%e#en wi! !e D(*! Go)ern#en, !e
wen o !e is'and of 1(ra\ao in !e 1ari&&ean, *( off fro# !e #ain'and &" a 'eas
FK #i'es of sea, Be%innin% in A(%(s 89FM, s*rew-wor#s reared and seri'i3ed in an
A%ri*('(re De+ar#en 'a&oraor" in ='orida were f'own o 1(ra\ao and re'eased
fro# air+'anes a !e rae of a&o( MKK +er s.(are #i'e +er wee$, A'#os a on*e !e
n(#&er of e%% #asses de+osied on eB+eri#ena' %oas &e%an o de*rease, as did
!eir feri'i", On'" se)en wee$s afer !e re'eases were sared, a'' e%%s were
inferi'e, Soon i was i#+ossi&'e o find a sin%'e e%% #ass, seri'e or o!erwise, T!e
s*rew-wor# !ad indeed &een eradi*aed on 1(ra\ao, T!e reso(ndin% s(**ess of
!e 1(ra\ao eB+eri#en w!eed !e a++eies of ='orida 'i)eso*$ raisers for a
si#i'ar fea !a wo('d re'ie)e !e# of !e s*o(r%e of s*rew-wor#s, A'!o(%! !e
diffi*('ies !ere were re'ai)e'" enor#o(sHan area >KK i#es as 'ar%e as !e s#a''
1ari&&ean is'andHin 89FO !e Unied Saes De+ar#en of A%ri*('(re and !e
Sae of ='orida Goined in +ro)idin% f(nds for an eradi*aion effor, T!e +roGe*
in)o')ed !e wee$'" +rod(*ion of a&o( FK #i''ion s*rew-wor#s a a s+e*ia''"
*onsr(*ed Lf'" fa*or"7, !e (se of ;K 'i%! air+'anes o f'" +rearran%ed f'i%!
+aerns, fi)e o siB !o(rs dai'", ea*! +'ane *arr"in% a !o(sand +a+er *arons, ea*!
*aron *onainin% ;KK o MKK irradiaed f'ies,
T!e *o'd winer of 89FO-F8, w!en free3in% e#+era(res %ri++ed nor!ern ='orida,
%a)e an (neB+e*ed o++or(ni" o sar !e +ro%ra# w!i'e !e s*rew-wor#
+o+('aions were red(*ed and *onfined o a s#a'' area, B" !e i#e !e +ro%ra#
was *onsidered *o#+'ee a !e end of
8O #on!s, >8Y; &i''ion arifi*ia''" reared, seri'i3ed f'ies !ad &een re'eased o)er
='orida and se*ions of Geor%ia and A'a&a#a, T!e 'as-$nown ani#a' wo(nd
infesaion !a *o('d &e ari&(ed o s*rewwor#s o**(rred in =e&r(ar" 89F9, In !e
neB few wee$s se)era' ad('s were a$en in ra+s, T!ereafer no ra*e of !e
s*rewwor# *o('d &e dis*o)ered, Is eBin*ion in !e So(!eas !ad &een
a**o#+'is!edHa ri(#+!an de#onsraion of !e wor! of s*ienifi* *reai)i", aided
&" !oro(%! &asi* resear*!, +ersisen*e, and deer#inaion,
Now a .(aranine &arrier in 4ississi++i see$s o +re)en !e re-enran*e of !e
s*rew-wor# fro# !e So(!wes, w!ere i is fir#'" enren*!ed, Eradi*aion !ere
wo('d &e a for#ida&'e (ndera$in%, *onsiderin% !e )as areas in)o')ed and !e
+ro&a&i'i" of re-in)asion fro# 4eBi*o, Ne)er!e'ess, !e sa$es are !i%! and !e
!in$in% in !e De+ar#en see#s o &e !a so#e sor of +ro%ra#, desi%ned a 'eas
o !o'd !e s*rew-wor# +o+('aions a )er" 'ow 'e)e's, #a" soon &e ae#+ed in
TeBas and o!er infesed areas of !e So(!wes, , , ,
T!e &ri''ian s(**ess of !e s*rew-wor# *a#+ai%n !as si#('aed re#endo(s
ineres in a++'"in% !e sa#e #e!ods o o!er inse*s, No a'', of *o(rse, are
s(ia&'e s(&Ge*s for !is e*!ni.(e, #(*! de+endin% on deai's of !e 'ife !isor",
+o+('aion densi", and rea*ions o radiaion, EB+eri#ens !a)e &een (ndera$en &"
!e Briis! in !e !o+e !a !e #e!od *o('d &e (sed a%ains !e sese f'" in
R!odesia, T!is inse* infess a&o( a !ird of Afri*a, +osin% a #ena*e o !(#an
!ea'! and +re)enin% !e $ee+in% of 'i)eso*$ in an area of so#e M8Y; #i''ion s.(are
#i'es of wooded %rass'ands, T!e !a&is of !e sese differ *onsidera&'" fro# !ose
of !e s*rew-wor# f'", and a'!o(%! i *an &e seri'i3ed &" radiaion so#e e*!ni*a'
diffi*('ies re#ain o &e wor$ed o( &efore !e #e!od *an &e a++'ied,
T!e Briis! !a)e a'read" esed a 'ar%e n(#&er of o!er s+e*ies for s(s*e+i&i'i" o
radiaion, Unied Saes s*ieniss !a)e !ad so#e en*o(ra%in% ear'" res('s wi! !e
#e'on f'" and !e oriena' and 4edierranean fr(i f'ies in 'a&oraor" ess in Hawaii
and fie'd ess on !e re#oe is'and of Roa, T!e *orn &orer and !e s(%ar*ane &orer
are a'so &ein% esed, T!ere are +ossi&i'iies, oo, !a inse*s of #edi*a' i#+oran*e
#i%! &e *onro''ed &" seri'i3aion, A 1!i'ean s*ienis !as +oined o( !a #a'aria-
*arr"in% #os.(ioes +ersis in !is *o(nr" in s+ie of inse*i*ide rea#enI !e
re'ease of seri'e #a'es #i%! !en +ro)ide !e fina' &'ow needed o e'i#inae !is
+o+('aion,
T!e o&)io(s diffi*('ies of seri'i3in% &" radiaion !a)e 'ed o sear*! for an easier
#e!od of a**o#+'is!in% si#i'ar res('s, and !ere is now a sron%'" r(nnin% ide of
ineres in *!e#i*a' seri'ans, S*ieniss a !e De+ar#en of A%ri*('(re 'a&oraor"
in Or'ando, ='orida, are now seri'i3in% !e !o(sef'" in 'a&oraor" eB+eri#ens and
e)en in so#e fie'd ria's, (sin% *!e#i*a's in*or+oraed in s(ia&'e foods, In a es on
an is'and in !e ='orida Ke"s in 89:8, a +o+('aion of f'ies was near'" wi+ed o(
wi!in a +eriod of on'" fi)e wee$s, Re+o+('aion of *o(rse fo''owed fro# near&"
is'ands, &( as a +i'o +roGe* !e es was s(**essf(', T!e De+ar#en7s eB*ie#en
a&o( !e +ro#ise of !is #e!od is easi'" (ndersood, In !e firs +'a*e, as we !a)e
seen, !e !o(sef'" !as now &e*o#e )ir(a''" (n*onro''a&'e &" inse*i*ides, A
*o#+'ee'" new #e!od of *onro' is (ndo(&ed'" needed, One of !e +ro&'e#s of
seri'i3aion &" radiaion is !a !is re.(ires no on'" arifi*ia' rearin% &( !e re'ease
of seri'e #a'es in 'ar%er n(#&er !an are +resen in !e wi'd +o+('aion, T!is *o('d
&e done wi! !e s*rew-wor#, w!i*! is a*(a''" no an a&(ndan inse*, Wi! !e
!o(sef'", !owe)er, #ore !an do(&'in% !e +o+('aion !ro(%! re'eases *o('d &e
!i%!'" o&Ge*iona&'e, e)en !o(%! !e in*rease wo('d &e on'" e#+orar", A *!e#i*a'
seri'an, on !e o!er !and, *o('d &e *o#&ined wi! a &ai
s(&san*e and inrod(*ed ino !e na(ra' en)iron#en of !e f'"I inse*s feedin% on
i wo('d &e*o#e seri'e and in !e *o(rse of i#e !e seri'e f'ies wo('d +redo#inae
and !e inse*s wo('d &reed !e#se')es o( of eBisen*e, T!e esin% of *!e#i*a's
for a seri'i3in% effe* is #(*! #ore diffi*(' !an !e esin% of *!e#i*a' +oisons, I
a$es >K da"s o e)a'(ae one *!e#i*a'Ha'!o(%!, of *o(rse, a n(#&er of ess *an
&e r(n *on*(rren'", <e &eween A+ri' 89F8 and De*e#&er 89:8 se)era' !(ndred
*!e#i*a's were s*reened a !e Or'ando 'a&oraor" for a +ossi&'e seri'i3in% effe*,
T!e De+ar#en of A%ri*('(re see#s !a++" o !a)e fo(nd a#on% !ese e)en a
!andf(' of *!e#i*a's !a s!ow +ro#ise, Now o!er 'a&oraories of !e De+ar#en
are a$in% (+ !e +ro&'e#, esin% *!e#i*a's a%ains sa&'e f'ies, #os.(ioes, &o''
wee)i's, and an assor#en of fr(i f'ies, A'' !is is +resen'" eB+eri#ena' &( in !e
few "ears sin*e wor$ &e%an on *!e#oseri'ans !e +roGe* !as %rown enor#o(s'",
In !eor" i !as #an" ara*i)e fea(res, Dr, Kni+'in% !as +oined o( !a effe*i)e
*!e#i*a' inse* seri'i3aion L#i%! easi'" o(do so#e of !e &es of $nown
inse*i*ides,7 Ta$e an i#a%inar" si(aion in w!i*! a +o+('aion of a #i''ion inse*s is
#('i+'"in% fi)e i#es in ea*! %eneraion, An inse*i*ide #i%! $i'' 9K +er *en of ea*!
%eneraion, 'ea)in% 8;F,KKK inse*s a'i)e afer !e !ird %eneraion, In *onras, a
*!e#i*a' !a wo('d +rod(*e 9K +er *en seri'i" wo('d 'ea)e on'" 8;F inse*s a'i)e,
On !e o!er side of !e *oin is !e fa* !a so#e eBre#e'" +oen *!e#i*a's are
in)o')ed, I is for(nae !a a 'eas d(rin% !ese ear'" sa%es #os of !e #en
wor$in% wi! *!e#oseri'ans see# #indf(' of !e need o find safe *!e#i*a's and
safe #e!ods of a++'i*aion, None!e'ess, s(%%esions are !eard !ere and !ere !a
!ese seri'i3in% *!e#i*a's #i%! &e a++'ied as aeria' s+ra"sHfor eBa#+'e, o *oa
!e fo'ia%e *!ewed &" %"+s" #o! 'ar)ae, To ae#+ an" s(*! +ro*ed(re wi!o(
!oro(%! ad)an*e resear*! on !e !a3ards in)o')ed wo('d &e !e !ei%! of
irres+onsi&i'i", If !e +oenia' !a3ards of !e *!e#oseri'ans are no *onsan'"
&orne in #ind we *o('d easi'" find o(rse')es in e)en worse ro(&'e !an !a now
*reaed &" !e inse*i*ides,
T!e seri'ans *(rren'" &ein% esed fa'' %enera''" ino wo %ro(+s, &o! of w!i*! are
eBre#e'" ineresin% in !eir #ode of a*ion, T!e firs are ini#ae'" re'aed o !e 'ife
+ro*esses, or #ea&o'is#, of !e *e''I i,e,, !e" so *'ose'" rese#&'e a s(&san*e !e
*e'' or iss(e needs !a !e or%anis# L#isa$es7 !e# for !e r(e #ea&o'ie and
ries o in*or+orae !e# in is nor#a' &(i'din% +ro*esses, B( !e fi is wron% in
so#e deai' and !e +ro*ess *o#es o a !a', S(*! *!e#i*a's are *a''ed
ani#ea&o'ies,
T!e se*ond %ro(+ *onsiss of *!e#i*a's !a a* on !e *!ro#oso#es, +ro&a&'"
affe*in% !e %ene *!e#i*a's and *a(sin% !e *!ro#oso#es o &rea$ (+, T!e
*!e#oseri'ans of !is %ro(+ are a'$"'ain% a%ens, w!i*! are eBre#e'" rea*i)e
*!e#i*a's, *a+a&'e of inense *e'' desr(*ion, da#a%e o *!ro#oso#es, and
+rod(*ion of #(aions, I is !e )iew of Dr, Peer A'eBander of !e 1!eser Bea"
Resear*! Insi(e in London !a Lan" a'$"'ain% a%en w!i*! is effe*i)e in seri'i3in%
inse*s wo('d a'so &e a +owerf(' #(a%en and *ar*ino%en,7 Dr, A'eBander fee's !a
an" *on*ei)a&'e (se of s(*! *!e#i*a's in inse* *onro' wo('d &e Lo+en o !e #os
se)ere o&Ge*ions7, I is o &e !o+ed, !erefore, !a !e +resen eB+eri#ens wi'' 'ead
no o a*(a' (se of !ese +ari*('ar *!e#i*a's &( o !e dis*o)er" of o!ers !a wi''
&e safe and a'so !i%!'" s+e*ifi* in !eir a*ion on !e ar%e inse*, , , ,
So#e of !e #os ineresin% of !e re*en wor$ is *on*erned wi! si'' o!er wa"s of
for%in%
wea+ons fro# !e inse*7s own 'ife +ro*esses, Inse*s +rod(*e a )arie" of )eno#s,
ara*ans,
re+e''ens, W!a is !e *!e#i*a' na(re of !ese se*reionsJ 1o('d we #a$e (se of
!e# as,
+er!a+s, )er" se'e*i)e inse*i*idesJ S*ieniss a 1orne'' Uni)ersi" and e'sew!ere
are r"in% o find answers o so#e of !ese .(esions, s(d"in% !e defense
#e*!anis#s &" w!i*! #an" inse*s +roe* !e#se')es fro# aa*$ &" +redaors,
wor$in% o( !e *!e#i*a' sr(*(re of inse* se*reions, O!er s*ieniss are wor$in%
on !e so-*a''ed LG()eni'e !or#one7, a +owerf(' s(&san*e w!i*! +re)ens
#ea#or+!osis of !e 'ar)a' inse* (ni' !e +ro+er sa%e of %row! !as &een
rea*!ed,
Per!a+s !e #os i##ediae'" (sef(' res(' of !is eB+'oraion of inse* se*reion is
!e de)e'o+#en of '(res, or ara*ans, Here a%ain, na(re !as +oined !e wa", T!e
%"+s" #o! is an es+e*ia''" inri%(in% eBa#+'e, T!e fe#a'e #o! is oo !ea)"-&odied
o f'", S!e 'i)es on or near !e %ro(nd, f'(erin% a&o( a#on% 'ow )e%eaion or
*ree+in% (+ ree r(n$s, T!e #a'e, on !e *onrar", is a sron% f'ier and is ara*ed
e)en fro# *onsidera&'e disan*es &" a s*en re'eased &" !e fe#a'e fro# s+e*ia'
%'ands, Eno#o'o%iss !a)e a$en ad)ana%e of !is fa* for a %ood #an" "ears,
'a&orio(s'" +re+arin% !is seB ara*an fro# !e &odies of !e fe#a'e #o!s, I was
!en (sed in ra+s se for !e #a'es in *ens(s o+eraions a'on% !e frin%e of !e
inse*7s ran%e, B( !is was an eBre#e'" eB+ensi)e +ro*ed(re, Des+ie !e #(*!
+(&'i*i3ed infesaions in !e nor!easern saes, !ere were no eno(%! %"+s"
#o!s o +ro)ide !e #aeria', and !and*o''e*ed fe#a'e +(+ae !ad o &e i#+ored
fro# E(ro+e, so#ei#es a a *os of !a'f a do''ar +er i+, I was a re#endo(s
&rea$!ro(%!, !erefore, w!en, afer "ears of effor, *!e#iss of !e A%ri*('(re
De+ar#en re*en'" s(**eeded in iso'ain% !e ara*an, =o''owin% (+on !is
dis*o)er" was !e s(**essf(' +re+araion of a *'ose'" re'aed s"n!ei* #aeria' fro#
a *onsi(en of *asor oi'I !is no on'" de*ei)es !e #a'e #o!s &( is a++aren'"
f(''" as ara*i)e as !e na(ra' s(&san*e,
As 'i'e as one #i*ro%ra# 58Y8,KKK,KKK %ra#6 in a ra+ is an effe*i)e '(re, A'' !is is
of #(*! #ore !an a*ade#i* ineres, for !e new and e*ono#i*a' L%"+'(re7 #i%! &e
(sed no #ere'" in *ens(s o+eraions &( in *onro' wor$, Se)era' of !e #ore
ara*i)e +ossi&i'iies are now &ein% esed, In w!a #i%! &e er#ed an eB+eri#en
in +s"*!o'o%i*a' warfare, !e ara*an is *o#&ined wi! a %ran('ar #aeria' and
disri&(ed &" +'anes, T!e ai# is o *onf(se !e #a'e #o! and a'er !e nor#a'
&e!a)ior so !a, in !e we'er of ara*i)e s*ens, !e *anno find !e r(e s*en rai'
'eadin% o !e fe#a'e, T!is 'ine of aa*$ is &ein% *arried e)en f(r!er in eB+eri#ens
ai#ed a de*ei)in% !e #a'e ino ae#+in% o #ae wi! a s+(rio(s fe#a'e, In !e
'a&oraor", #a'e %"+s" #o!s !a)e ae#+ed *o+('aion wi! *!i+s of wood,
)er#i*('ie, and o!er s#a'', inani#ae o&Ge*s, so 'on% as !e" were s(ia&'"
i#+re%naed wi! %"+'(re, W!e!er s(*! di)ersion of !e #ain% insin* ino
non+rod(*i)e *!anne's wo('d a*(a''" ser)e o red(*e !e +o+('aion re#ains o &e
esed, &( i is an ineresin% +ossi&i'i",
T!e %"+s" #o! '(re was !e firs inse* seB ara*an o &e s"n!esi3ed, &(
+ro&a&'" !ere wi'' soon &e o!ers, A n(#&er of a%ri*('(ra' inse*s are &ein% s(died
for +ossi&'e ara*ans !a #an *o('d i#iae, En*o(ra%in% res('s !a)e &een
o&ained wi! !e Hessian f'" and !e o&a**o !ornwor#, 1o#&inaions of
ara*ans and +oisons are &ein% ried a%ains se)era' inse* s+e*ies, Go)ern#en
s*ieniss !a)e de)e'o+ed an ara*an *a''ed #e!"'-e(%eno', w!i*! #a'es of !e
oriena' fr(i f'" and !e #e'on f'" find irresisi&'e, T!is !as &een *o#&ined wi! a
+oison in ess in !e Bonin Is'ands MFK #i'es so(! of ?a+an, S#a'' +ie*es of
fi&er&oard
were i#+re%naed wi! !e wo *!e#i*a's and were disri&(ed &" air o)er !e enire
is'and *!ain o ara* and $i'' !e #a'e f'ies, T!is +ro%ra# of L#a'e anni!i'aion7 was
&e%(n in 89:K2 a "ear 'aer !e A%ri*('(re De+ar#en esi#aed !a #ore !an 99
+er *en of !e +o+('aion
!ad &een e'i#inaed, T!e #e!od as !ere a++'ied see#s o !a)e #ar$ed
ad)ana%es o)er !e *on)eniona' &road*asin% of inse*i*ides, T!e +oison, an
or%ani* +!os+!or(s *!e#i*a', is *onfined o s.(ares of fi&er&oard w!i*! are (n'i$e'"
o &e eaen &" wi'd'ifeI is resid(es, #oreo)er, are .(i*$'" dissi+aed and so are no
+oenia' *ona#inans of soi' or waer,
B( no a'' *o##(ni*aion in !e inse* wor'd is &" s*ens !a '(re or re+e', So(nd
a'so #a" &e a warnin% or an ara*ion, T!e *onsan srea# of ('rasoni* so(nd !a
iss(es fro# a &a in f'i%! 5ser)in% as a radar s"se# o %(ide i !ro(%! dar$ness6 is
!eard &" *erain #o!s, ena&'in% !e# o a)oid *a+(re, T!e win% so(nds of
a++roa*!in% +arasii* f'ies warn !e 'ar)ae of so#e sawf'ies o !erd o%e!er for
+roe*ion, On !e o!er !and, !e so(nds #ade &" *erain wood-&orin% inse*s
ena&'e !eir +arasies o find !e#, and o !e #a'e #os.(io !e win%&ea of !e
fe#a'e is a siren son%,
W!a (se, if an", *an &e #ade of !is a&i'i" of !e inse* o dee* and rea* o
so(ndJ As "e in !e eB+eri#ena' sa%e, &( none!e'ess ineresin%, is !e iniia'
s(**ess in ara*in% #a'e #os.(ioes o +'a"&a*$ re*ordin%s of !e f'i%! so(nd of
!e fe#a'e, T!e #a'es were '(red o a *!ar%ed %rid and so $i''ed, T!e re+e''en effe*
of &(rss of ('rasoni* so(nd is &ein% esed in 1anada a%ains *orn &orer and
*(wor# #o!s, Two a(!oriies on ani#a' so(nd, Professors H(&er and 4a&'e
=rin%s of !e Uni)ersi" of Hawaii, &e'ie)e !a a fie'd #e!od of inf'(en*in% !e
&e!a)ior of inse*s wi! so(nd on'" awais dis*o)er" of !e +ro+er $e" o (n'o*$ and
a++'" !e )as eBisin% $now'ed%e of inse* so(nd +rod(*ion and re*e+ion,
Re+e''en so(nds #a" offer %reaer +ossi&i'iies !an ara*ans, T!e =rin%ses are
$nown for !eir dis*o)er" !a sar'in%s s*aer in a'ar# &efore a re*ordin% of !e
disress *r" of one of !eir fe''owsI +er!a+s so#ew!ere in !is fa* is a *enra' r(!
!a #a" &e a++'ied o inse*s, To +ra*i*a' #en of ind(sr" !e +ossi&i'iies see#
rea' eno(%! so !a a 'eas one #aGor e'e*roni* *or+oraion is +re+arin% o se (+ a
'a&oraor" o es !e#,
So(nd is a'so &ein% esed as an a%en of dire* desr(*ion, U'rasoni* so(nd wi'' $i''
a'' #os.(io 'ar)ae in a 'a&oraor" an$I !owe)er, i $i''s o!er a.(ai* or%anis#s as
we'', In o!er eB+eri#ens, &'owf'ies, #ea'wor#s, and "e''ow fe)er #os.(ioes !a)e
&een $i''ed &" air&orne ('rasoni* so(nd in a #aer of se*onds, A'' s(*! eB+eri#ens
are firs se+s oward w!o''" new *on*e+s of inse* *onro' w!i*! !e #ira*'es of
e'e*roni*s #a" so#e da" #a$e a rea'i", , , , T!e new &ioi* *onro' of inse*s is no
w!o''" a #aer of e'e*roni*s and %a##a radiaion and o!er +rod(*s of #an7s
in)eni)e #ind, So#e of is #e!ods !a)e an*ien roos, &ased on !e $now'ed%e
!a, 'i$e o(rse')es, inse*s are s(&Ge* o disease, Ba*eria' infe*ions swee+
!ro(%! !eir +o+('aions 'i$e !e +'a%(es of o'dI (nder !e onse of a )ir(s !eir
!ordes si*$en and die, T!e o**(rren*e of disease in inse*s was $nown &efore !e
i#e of Ariso'eI !e #a'adies of !e si'$wor# were *e'e&raed in #edie)a' +oer"I
and !ro(%! s(d" of !e diseases of !is sa#e inse* !e firs (ndersandin% of !e
+rin*i+'es of infe*io(s disease *a#e o Pase(r, Inse*s are &ese no on'" &"
)ir(ses and &a*eria &( a'so &" f(n%i, +roo3oa, #i*ros*o+i* wor#s, and o!er
&ein%s fro# a'' !a (nseen wor'd of #in(e 'ife !a, &" and 'ar%e, &efriends
#an$ind, =or !e #i*ro&es in*'(de no on'" disease or%anis#s &( !ose !a
desro" wase #aer, #a$e soi's feri'e, and ener ino *o(n'ess &io'o%i*a'
+ro*esses 'i$e fer#enaion and nirifi*aion, W!" s!o('d !e" no a'so aid (s in !e
*onro' of inse*sJ One of !e firs o en)ision s(*! (se of #i*roor%anis#s was !e
89!-*en(r" 3oo'o%is E'ie 4e*!ni$off, D(rin% !e *on*'(din% de*ades of !e 89!
and !e firs !a'f of !e ;K! *en(ries !e idea of #i*ro&ia' *onro' was s'ow'" a$in%
for#, T!e firs *on*'(si)e +roof !a an inse*
*o('d &e &ro(%! (nder *onro' &" inrod(*in% a disease ino is en)iron#en *a#e in
!e 'ae 89>Ks wi! !e dis*o)er" and (se of #i'$" disease for !e ?a+anese &ee'e,
w!i*! is *a(sed &" !e s+ores of a &a*eri(# &e'on%in% o !e %en(s Bacillus, T!is
*'assi* eBa#+'e of &a*eria' *onro' !as a 'on% !isor" of (se in !e easern +ar of
!e Unied Saes, as I !a)e +oined o( in Chapter =,
Hi%! !o+es now aend ess of ano!er &a*eri(# of !is %en(sHBacillus
thuringiensisH ori%ina''" dis*o)ered in Ger#an" in 8988 in !e +ro)in*e of T!(rin%ia,
w!ere i was fo(nd o *a(se a faa' se+i*e#ia in !e 'ar)ae of !e f'o(r #o!, T!is
&a*eri(# a*(a''" $i''s &" +oisonin% ra!er !an &" disease, Wi!in is )e%eai)e
rods !ere are for#ed, a'on% wi! s+ores, +e*('iar *r"sa's *o#+osed of a +roein
s(&san*e !i%!'" oBi* o *erain inse*s, es+e*ia''" o !e 'ar)ae of !e #o!'i$e
'e+ido+eras, S!or'" afer eain% fo'ia%e *oaed wi! !is oBin !e 'ar)a s(ffers
+ara'"sis, so+s feedin%, and soon dies, =or +ra*i*a' +(r+oses, !e fa* !a feedin%
is inerr(+ed +ro#+'" is of *o(rse an enor#o(s ad)ana%e, for *ro+ da#a%e so+s
a'#os as soon as !e +a!o%en is a++'ied, 1o#+o(nds *onainin% s+ores of
Bacillus thuringiensis are now &ein% #an(fa*(red &" se)era' fir#s in !e Unied
Saes (nder )ario(s rade na#es, =ie'd ess are &ein% #ade in se)era' *o(nries2
in =ran*e and Ger#an" a%ains 'ar)ae of !e *a&&a%e &(erf'", in <(%os'a)ia
a%ains !e fa'' we&wor#, in !e So)ie Union a%ains a en *aer+i''ar, In Pana#a,
w!ere ess were &e%(n in 89:8, !is &a*eria' inse*i*ide #a" &e !e answer o one
or #ore of !e serio(s +ro&'e#s *onfronin% &anana %rowers, T!ere !e roo &orer is
a serio(s +es of !e &anana, so wea$enin% is roos !a !e rees are easi'" o++'ed
&" wind, Die'drin !as &een !e on'" *!e#i*a' effe*i)e a%ains !e &orer, &( i !as
now se in #oion a *!ain of disaser, T!e &orers are &e*o#in% resisan, T!e
*!e#i*a' !as a'so desro"ed so#e i#+oran inse* +redaors and so !as *a(sed an
in*rease in !e orri*idsH s#a'', so(-&odied #o!s w!ose 'ar)ae s*ar !e s(rfa*e
of !e &ananas, T!ere is reason o !o+e !e new #i*ro&ia' inse*i*ide wi'' e'i#inae
&o! !e orri*ids and !e &orers and !a i wi'' do so wi!o( (+sein% na(ra'
*onro's,
In easern foress of 1anada and !e Unied Saes &a*eria' inse*i*ides #a" &e one
i#+oran answer o !e +ro&'e#s of s(*! fores inse*s as !e &(dwor#s and !e
%"+s" #o!, In 89:K &o! *o(nries &e%an fie'd ess wi! a *o##er*ia' +re+araion
of Bacillus thuringiensis, So#e of !e ear'" res('s !a)e &een en*o(ra%in%, In
Eer#on, for eBa#+'e, !e end res('s of &a*eria' *onro' were as %ood as !ose
o&ained wi! DDT, T!e #ain e*!ni*a' +ro&'e# now is o find a *arr"in% so'(ion !a
wi'' si*$ !e &a*eria' s+ores o !e need'es of !e e)er%reens, On *ro+s !is is no a
+ro&'e#He)en a d(s *an &e (sed, Ba*eria' inse*i*ides !a)e a'read" &een ried on
a wide )arie" of )e%ea&'es, es+e*ia''" in 1a'ifornia, 4eanw!i'e, o!er +er!a+s 'ess
s+e*a*('ar wor$ is *on*erned wi! )ir(ses, Here and !ere in 1a'ifornia fie'ds of
"o(n% a'fa'fa are &ein% s+ra"ed wi! a s(&san*e as dead'" as an" inse*i*ide for !e
desr(*i)e a'fa'fa *aer+i''arHa so'(ion *onainin% a )ir(s o&ained fro# !e &odies
of *aer+i''ars !a !a)e died &e*a(se of infe*ion wi! !is eB*eedin%'" )ir('en
disease, T!e &odies of on'" fi)e diseased *aer+i''ars +ro)ide eno(%! )ir(s o rea
an a*re of a'fa'fa, In so#e 1anadian foress a )ir(s !a affe*s +ine sawf'ies !as
+ro)ed so effe*i)e in *onro' !a i !as re+'a*ed inse*i*ides,
S*ieniss in 13e*!os'o)a$ia are eB+eri#enin% wi! +roo3oa a%ains we&wor#s
and o!er inse* +ess, and in !e Unied Saes a +roo3oan +arasie !as &een
fo(nd o red(*e !e e%%'a"in% +oenia' of !e *orn &orer, To so#e !e er# #i*ro&ia'
inse*i*ide #a" *onG(re (+ +i*(res of &a*eria' warfare !a wo('d endan%er o!er
for#s of 'ife, T!is is no r(e, In
*onras o *!e#i*a's, inse* +a!o%ens are !ar#'ess o a'' &( !eir inended ar%es,
Dr, Edward Sein!a(s, an o(sandin% a(!ori" on inse* +a!o'o%", !as saed
e#+!ai*a''" !a !ere is Lno a(!eni*aed re*orded insan*e of a r(e inse*
+a!o%en !a)in% *a(sed an infe*io(s disease in a )ere&rae ani#a' ei!er
eB+eri#ena''" or in na(re,7
T!e inse* +a!o%ens are so s+e*ifi* !a !e" infe* on'" a s#a'' %ro(+ of inse*sH
so#ei#es a sin%'e s+e*ies, Bio'o%i*a''" !e" do no &e'on% o !e "+e of or%anis#s
!a *a(se disease in !i%!er ani#a's or in +'ans, A'so, as Dr, Sein!a(s +oins o(,
o(&rea$s of inse* disease in na(re a'wa"s re#ain *onfined o inse*s, affe*in%
nei!er !e !os +'ans nor ani#a's feedin% on !e#, Inse*s !a)e #an" na(ra'
ene#iesHno on'" #i*ro&es of #an" $inds &( o!er inse*s, T!e firs s(%%esion
!a an inse* #i%! &e *onro''ed &" en*o(ra%in% is ene#ies is %enera''" *redied o
Eras#(s Darwin a&o( 88KK, Pro&a&'" &e*a(se i was !e firs %enera''" +ra*i*ed
#e!od of &io'o%i*a' *onro', !is sein% of one inse* a%ains ano!er is wide'" &(
erroneo(s'" !o(%! o &e !e on'" a'ernai)e o *!e#i*a's, In !e Unied Saes !e
r(e &e%innin%s of *on)eniona' &io'o%i*a' *onro' dae fro# 8888 w!en A'&er
Koe&e'e, !e firs of a %rowin% ar#" of eno#o'o%is eB+'orers, wen o A(sra'ia o
sear*! for na(ra' ene#ies of !e *oon" *(s!ion s*a'e !a !reaened !e
1a'ifornia *ir(s ind(sr" wi! desr(*ion, As we !a)e seen in Chapter 9>, !e
#ission was *rowned wi! s+e*a*('ar s(**ess, and in !e *en(r" !a fo''owed !e
wor'd !as &een *o#&ed for na(ra' ene#ies o *onro' !e inse*s !a !a)e *o#e
(nin)ied o o(r s!ores, In a'', a&o( 8KK s+e*ies of i#+ored +redaors and +arasies
!a)e &e*o#e esa&'is!ed, Besides !e )eda'ia &ee'es &ro(%! in &" Koe&e'e, o!er
i#+oraions !a)e &een !i%!'" s(**essf(', A was+ i#+ored fro# ?a+an esa&'is!ed
*o#+'ee *onro' of an inse* aa*$in% easern a++'e or*!ards, Se)era' na(ra'
ene#ies of !e s+oed a'fa'fa a+!id, an a**idena' i#+or fro# !e 4idd'e Eas, are
*redied wi! sa)in% !e 1a'ifornia a'fa'fa ind(sr", Parasies and +redaors of !e
%"+s" #o! a*!ie)ed %ood *onro', as did !e !iphia was+ a%ains !e ?a+anese
&ee'e, Bio'o%i*a' *onro' of s*a'es and #ea'" &(%s is esi#aed o sa)e 1a'ifornia
se)era' #i''ions of do''ars a "earHindeed, one of !e 'eadin% eno#o'o%iss of !a
sae, Dr, Pa(' DeBa*!, !as esi#aed !a for an in)es#en of XM,KKK,KKK in
&io'o%i*a' *onro' wor$ 1a'ifornia !as re*ei)ed a re(rn of X8KK,KKK,KKK,
EBa#+'es of s(**essf(' &io'o%i*a' *onro' of serio(s +ess &" i#+orin% !eir na(ra'
ene#ies are o &e fo(nd in so#e MK *o(nries disri&(ed o)er #(*! of !e wor'd,
T!e ad)ana%es of s(*! *onro' o)er *!e#i*a's are o&)io(s2 i is re'ai)e'"
ineB+ensi)e, i is +er#anen, i 'ea)es no +oisono(s resid(es, <e &io'o%i*a' *onro'
!as s(ffered fro# 'a*$ of s(++or, 1a'ifornia is )ir(a''" a'one a#on% !e saes in
!a)in% a for#a' +ro%ra# in &io'o%i*a' *onro', and #an" saes !a)e no e)en one
eno#o'o%is w!o de)oes f('' i#e o i, Per!a+s for wan of s(++or &io'o%i*a'
*onro' !ro(%! inse* ene#ies !as no a'wa"s &een *arried o( wi! !e s*ienifi*
!oro(%!ness i re.(iresHeBa*in% s(dies of is i#+a* on !e +o+('aions of inse*
+re" !a)e se'do# &een #ade, and re'eases !a)e no a'wa"s &een #ade wi! !e
+re*ision !a #i%! s+e'' !e differen*e &eween s(**ess and fai'(re,
T!e +redaor and !e +re"ed (+on eBis no a'one, &( as +ar of a )as we& of 'ife,
a'' of w!i*! needs o &e a$en ino a**o(n, Per!a+s !e o++or(niies for !e #ore
*on)eniona' "+es of &io'o%i*a' *onro' are %reaes in !e foress, T!e far#'ands of
#odern a%ri*('(re are !i%!'" arifi*ia', (n'i$e an"!in% na(re e)er *on*ei)ed, B(
!e foress are a differen wor'd, #(*! *'oser o na(ra' en)iron#ens, Here, wi! a
#ini#(# of !e'+ and a #aBi#(# of
noninerferen*e fro# #an, Na(re *an !a)e !er wa", sein% (+ a'' !a wonderf(' and
inri*ae s"se# of *!e*$s and &a'an*es !a +roe*s !e fores fro# (nd(e da#a%e
&" inse*s,
In !e Unied Saes o(r foresers see# o !a)e !o(%! of &io'o%i*a' *onro' *!ief'" in
er#s of inrod(*in% inse* +arasies and +redaors, T!e 1anadians a$e a &roader
)iew, and so#e of !e E(ro+eans !a)e %one far!es of a'' o de)e'o+ !e s*ien*e of
Lfores !"%iene7 o an a#a3in% eBen, Birds, ans, fores s+iders, and soi' &a*eria
are as #(*! a +ar of a fores as !e rees, in !e )iew of E(ro+ean foresers, w!o
a$e *are o ino*('ae a new fores wi! !ese +roe*i)e fa*ors, T!e en*o(ra%e#en
of &irds is one of !e firs se+s, In !e #odern era of inensi)e foresr" !e o'd !o''ow
rees are %one and wi! !e# !o#es for wood+e*$ers and o!er ree- nesin% &irds,
T!is 'a*$ is #e &" nesin% &oBes, w!i*! draw !e &irds &a*$ ino !e fores, O!er
&oBes are s+e*ia''" desi%ned for ow's and for &as, so !a !ese *rea(res #a" a$e
o)er in !e dar$ !o(rs !e wor$ of inse* !(nin% +erfor#ed in da"'i%! &" !e s#a''
&irds,
B( !is is on'" !e &e%innin%, So#e of !e #os fas*inain% *onro' wor$ in E(ro+ean
foress e#+'o"s !e fores red an as an a%%ressi)e inse* +redaorHa s+e*ies
w!i*!, (nfor(nae'", does no o**(r in Nor! A#eri*a, A&o( ;F "ears a%o Professor
Kar' G]sswa'd of !e Uni)ersi" of WPr3&(r% de)e'o+ed a #e!od of *('i)ain% !is
an and esa&'is!in% *o'onies, Under !is dire*ion #ore !an 8K,KKK *o'onies of !e
red an !a)e &een esa&'is!ed in a&o( 9K es areas in !e Ger#an =edera'
Re+(&'i*, Dr, G]sswa'd7s #e!od !as &een ado+ed in Ia'" and o!er *o(nries,
w!ere an far#s !a)e &een esa&'is!ed o s(++'" *o'onies for disri&(ion in !e
foress, In !e A+ennines, for eBa#+'e, se)era' !(ndred ness !a)e &een se o( o
+roe* reforesed areas, LW!ere "o( *an o&ain in "o(r fores a *o#&inaion of &irds7
and ans7 +roe*ion o%e!er wi! so#e &as and ow's, !e &io'o%i*a' e.(i'i&ri(# !as
a'read" &een essenia''" i#+ro)ed,7 sa"s Dr, Hein3 R(++ers!ofen, a foresr" offi*er
in 4]''n, Ger#an", w!o &e'ie)es !a a sin%'e inrod(*ed +redaor or +arasie is 'ess
effe*i)e !an an arra" of !e Lna(ra' *o#+anions7 of !e rees,
New an *o'onies in !e foress a 4]''n are +roe*ed fro# wood+e*$ers &" wire
nein% o red(*e !e o'', In !is wa" !e wood+e*$ers, w!i*! !a)e in*reased &" MKK
+er *en in 8K "ears in so#e of !e es areas, do no serio(s'" red(*e !e an
*o'onies, and +a" !andso#e'" for w!a !e" a$e &" +i*$in% !ar#f(' *aer+i''ars off
!e rees, 4(*! of !e wor$ of *arin% for !e an *o'onies 5and !e &irds7 nesin%
&oBes as we''6 is ass(#ed &" a "o(! *or+s fro# !e 'o*a' s*!oo', *!i'dren 8K o 8M
"ears o'd, T!e *oss are eB*eedin%'" 'owI !e &enefis a#o(n o +er#anen
+roe*ion of !e foress, Ano!er eBre#e'" ineresin% fea(re of Dr, R(++ers!ofen7s
wor$ is !is (se of s+iders, in w!i*! !e a++ears o &e a +ioneer, A'!o(%! !ere is a
'ar%e 'iera(re on !e *'assifi*aion and na(ra' !isor" of s+iders, i is s*aered and
fra%#enar" and dea's no a a'' wi! !eir )a'(e as an a%en of &io'o%i*a' *onro', Of
!e ;;,KKK $nown $inds of s+iders, O:K are nai)e o Ger#an" 5and a&o( ;KKK o
!e Unied Saes6, Twen"-nine fa#i'ies of s+iders in!a&i Ger#an foress, To a
foreser !e #os i#+oran fa* a&o( a s+ider is !e $ind of ne i &(i'ds, T!e w!ee'-
ne s+iders are #os i#+oran, for !e we&s of so#e of !e# are so narrow-#es!ed
!a !e" *an *a*! a'' f'"in% inse*s, A 'ar%e we& 5(+ o 8: in*!es in dia#eer6 of !e
*ross s+ider &ears so#e 8;K,KKK ad!esi)e nod('es on is srands, A sin%'e s+ider
#a" desro" in !er 'ife of 88 #on!s an a)era%e of ;KKK inse*s, A &io'o%i*a''" so(nd
fores !as FK o 8FK s+iders o !e s.(are #eer 5a 'i'e #ore !an a s.(are "ard6,
W!ere !ere are fewer, !e defi*ien*" #a" &e re#edied &" *o''e*in% and disri&(in%
!e &a%'i$e *o*oons *onainin% !e e%%s, LT!ree *o*oons of !e was+ s+ider Vw!i*!
o**(rs a'so in
A#eri*aW "ie'd a !o(sand s+iders, w!i*! *an *a*! ;KK,KKK f'"in% inse*s,7 sa"s Dr,
R(++ers!ofen, T!e in" and de'i*ae "o(n% of !e w!ee'-ne s+iders !a e#er%e in
!e s+rin% are es+e*ia''" i#+oran, !e sa"s, Las !e" s+in in a ea#wor$ a ne
(#&re''a a&o)e !e o+ s!oos of !e rees and !(s +roe* !e "o(n% s!oos a%ains
!e f'"in% inse*s,7 As !e s+iders #o' and %row, !e ne is en'ar%ed,
1anadian &io'o%iss !a)e +(rs(ed ra!er si#i'ar 'ines of in)esi%aion, a'!o(%! wi!
differen*es di*aed &" !e fa* !a Nor! A#eri*an foress are 'ar%e'" na(ra' ra!er
!an +'aned, and !a !e s+e*ies a)ai'a&'e as aids in #ainainin% a !ea'!" fores
are so#ew!a differen, T!e e#+!asis in 1anada is on s#a'' #a##a's, w!i*! are
a#a3in%'" effe*i)e in !e *onro' of *erain inse*s, es+e*ia''" !ose !a 'i)e wi!in
!e s+on%" soi' of !e fores f'oor, A#on% s(*! inse*s are !e sawf'ies, so-*a''ed
&e*a(se !e fe#a'e !as a saw-s!a+ed o)i+osior wi! w!i*! s!e s'is o+en !e
need'es of e)er%reen rees in order o de+osi !er e%%s, T!e 'ar)ae e)en(a''" dro+
o !e %ro(nd and for# *o*oons in !e +ea of a#ara*$ &o%s or !e d(ff (nder
s+r(*e or +ines, B( &enea! !e fores f'oor is a wor'd !one"*o#&ed wi! !e
(nne's and r(nwa"s of s#a'' #a##a'sHw!iefooed #i*e, )o'es, and s!rews of
)ario(s s+e*ies, Of a'' !ese s#a'' &(rrowers, !e )ora*io(s s!rews find and
*ons(#e !e 'ar%es n(#&er of sawf'" *o*oons, T!e" feed &" +'a*in% a forefoo on
!e *o*oon and &iin% off !e end, s!owin% an eBraordinar" a&i'i" o dis*ri#inae
&eween so(nd and e#+" *o*oons, And for !eir insaia&'e a++eie !e s!rews
!a)e no ri)a's, W!ereas a )o'e *an *ons(#e a&o( ;KK *o*oons a da", a s!rew,
de+endin% on !e s+e*ies, #a" de)o(r (+ o 8KKQ T!is #a" res(', a**ordin% o
'a&oraor" ess, in desr(*ion of OF o 98 +er *en of !e *o*oons +resen,
I is no s(r+risin% !a !e is'and of Newfo(nd'and, w!i*! !as no nai)e s!rews &(
is &ese wi! sawf'ies, so ea%er'" desired so#e of !ese s#a'', effi*ien #a##a's
!a in 89F8 !e inrod(*ion of !e #as$ed s!rewH!e #os effi*ien sawf'" +redaor
Hwas ae#+ed, 1anadian offi*ia's re+or in 89:; !a !e ae#+ !as &een
s(**essf(', T!e s!rews are #('i+'"in% and are s+readin% o( o)er !e is'and, so#e
#ar$ed indi)id(a's !a)in% &een re*o)ered as #(*! as en #i'es fro# !e +oin of
re'ease,
T!ere is, !en, a w!o'e &aer" of ar#a#ens a)ai'a&'e o !e foreser w!o is wi''in%
o 'oo$ for +er#anen so'(ions !a +reser)e and sren%!en !e na(ra' re'aions in
!e fores, 1!e#i*a' +es *onro' in !e fores is a &es a so+%a+ #eas(re &rin%in%
no rea' so'(ion, a wors $i''in% !e fis!es in !e fores srea#s, &rin%in% on +'a%(es
of inse*s, and desro"in% !e na(ra' *onro's and !ose we #a" &e r"in% o
inrod(*e, B" s(*! )io'en #eas(res, sa"s Dr, R(++ers!ofen, L!e +arners!i+ for 'ife
of !e fores is enire'" &ein% (n&a'an*ed, and !e *aasro+!es *a(sed &" +arasies
re+ea in s!orer and s!orer +eriods,,,We, !erefore, !a)e o +( an end o !ese
(nna(ra' #ani+('aions &ro(%! ino !e #os i#+oran and a'#os 'as na(ra'
'i)in% s+a*e w!i*! !as &een 'ef for (s,7 , , ,
T!ro(%! a'' !ese new, i#a%inai)e, and *reai)e a++roa*!es o !e +ro&'e# of
s!arin% o(r ear! wi! o!er *rea(res !ere r(ns a *onsan !e#e, !e awareness
!a we are dea'in% wi! 'ifeHwi! 'i)in% +o+('aions and a'' !eir +ress(res and
*o(ner-+ress(res, !eir s(r%es and re*essions, On'" &" a$in% a**o(n of s(*! 'ife
for*es and &" *a(io(s'" see$in% o %(ide !e# ino *!anne's fa)ora&'e o o(rse')es
*an we !o+e o a*!ie)e a reasona&'e a**o##odaion &eween !e inse* !ordes
and o(rse')es,
T!e *(rren )o%(e for +oisons !as fai'ed (er'" o a$e ino a**o(n !ese #os
f(nda#ena' *onsideraions, As *r(de a wea+on as !e *a)e #an7s *'(&, !e
*!e#i*a' &arra%e !as &een
!(r'ed a%ains !e fa&ri* of 'ifeHa fa&ri* on !e one !and de'i*ae and desr(*i&'e, on
!e o!er #ira*('o(s'" o(%! and resi'ien, and *a+a&'e of sri$in% &a*$ in
(neB+e*ed wa"s, T!ese eBraordinar" *a+a*iies of 'ife !a)e &een i%nored &" !e
+ra*iioners of *!e#i*a' *onro' w!o !a)e &ro(%! o !eir as$ no L!i%!-#inded
orienaion7, no !(#i'i" &efore !e )as for*es wi! w!i*! !e" a#+er, T!e L*onro' of
na(re7 is a +!rase *on*ei)ed in arro%an*e, &orn of !e Neander!a' a%e of &io'o%"
and +!i'oso+!", w!en i was s(++osed !a na(re eBiss for !e *on)enien*e of #an,
T!e *on*e+s and +ra*i*es of a++'ied eno#o'o%" for !e #os +ar dae fro# !a
Sone A%e of s*ien*e, I is o(r a'ar#in% #isfor(ne !a so +ri#ii)e a s*ien*e !as
ar#ed ise'f wi! !e #os #odern and erri&'e wea+ons, and !a in (rnin% !e#
a%ains !e inse*s i !as a'so (rned !e# a%ains !e ear!,
, , ,
&hen 'ou re() S*LENT S+R*N, 'ou -ill .no- -h' /u0ti1e &illi(2 O. Dougl(0 1(lle) it 3THE 4OST
*4+ORTANT CHRON*CLE O5 TH*S CENTUR6 5OR THE
HU4AN RACE.7
3A 02(0hing in)i1t2ent th(t f(1e0 up to the )i0(0trou0 1on0e8uen1e09 for :oth n(ture
(n) 2(n; of the 1he2i1(l
2(00<-(rf(re th(t i0 :eing
-(ge) to)(' in)i01ri2in(tel'
(g(in0t in0e1t09 -ee)0 (n)
fungi ...7
-New York Herald
Tribune
3The thing to re2e2:er ...
i0 th(t the (uthor i0 not (n
(l(r2i0t :ut ( tr(ine)9
2eti1ulou0l' 01rupulou0
01ienti0t9 -ho 0hun0
pu:li1it' (n) 1ontro=er0'
:ut -ho0e fin)ing0 -ere
too 1(t(0trophi1 to .eep to
her0elf.7
<The >o0ton Her(l)
=AW1ETT WORLD LIBRAR<
1o)er S, Nei' =(Gia