Thanks to Guy Ames for the reasoned discussion about pesticides. Guy, I
like to open sessions on this topic by asking my audience if DDT is good or
bad. Usually the less informed give a resounding "BAD" with all the
environmental problems attributed to this compound. After resoundingly
condemning it, I remind them that the World Health Organization estimates
that in the first 10 years of its use for Malaria control, DDT was
responsible for eliminating over 110,000,000 (one hundred ten million) cases
of Malaria which would have resulted in 10 to 12,000,000 human deaths. I
then ask, "now, would you say DDT is good or bad?" This is usually a good
point to talk about misuse and abuse, and our decision making process. By
the way, we can play the same game with automobiles, electricity, bridges,
etc., etc. Thanks Guy.
Myron Shenk, Oregon State U.
Myron Shenk
Integrated Plant Protection Center
Oregon State University
Cordley Hall 2040
Corvallis OR 97331-2915
Tel: (541) 737-6274
FAX: (541) 737-3080
email: shenkm@bcc.orst.edu