Abstract

Because doctors may be questioned about Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring” (Hamish Hamilton, 25/-) and the accuracy of the book’s portrayal of the human health hazards associated with the widespread use of pesticides in agriculture, The Medical Letter has tried to assess the part of the book dealing with dangers to health in much the same way as it assesses drugs. It has consulted many authorities, and the opinions expressed in the following statement reflect the views of most of them. A few of those consulted, however, believe that the health hazard from pesticides is more serious than the statement indicates; some others that the risk to consumers is negligible.