In 1962, Rachel Carson, an ecologist, scientist and writer, became concerned about the indiscriminate use of pesticides after World War II, and wrote Silent Spring, to raise awareness about the possible harm this posed for the public. By challenging the government, agricultural scientists and the chemical industry, she was personally and professionally attacked. While those who opposed her message set out to discredit her by calling her an alarmist, she stood her ground. In 1963, Carson testified before Congress, calling for new policies to protect human health and the environment.

"Chemical sprays, dusts and aerosols are now applied almost universally to farms, gardens, forests and homes--non-selective chemicals that have the power to kill every insect, the good and the bad, to still the song of birds and the leaping of fish in the streams--to coat the leaves with a deadly film and to linger on in soil--all this, though the intended target may be only a few weeds or insects. Can anyone believe it is possible to lay down such a barrage of poisons on the surface of the earth without making it unfit for all life? They should not be called 'insecticides' but 'biocides.' Man's attitude toward nature is critically important simply because we have now acquired a fateful power to alter and destroy nature. Man is a part of nature, and his war against nature is inevitably a war against himself."

The chemical industry did not agree, and became one of Carson's most vocal critics. Dr. Robert White-Stevens, a spokesman for the chemical industry, said: "The major claims of Miss Rachel Carson's book, 'Silent Spring,' are gross distortions of the actual facts, completely unsupported by scientific, experimental evidence, and general practical experience in the field."

Rachel Carson, named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People of the Century, and inducted into the National Womens Hall of Fame, died of breast cancer in 1964.