Insecticides

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30173, 3 July 1963, Page 9

Insecticides

Sir, —Readers of Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring” must have been amazed to hear Dr. Turbott’s Saturday broadcast on the subject of fleas, when he advocated the use of in-

secticides in the borne. After saying that D.D.T. is harmful to cats, he advocated the uk of a “harmless” powder containing gamma benzene hexachloride. He ateo advised the use of dieldrin and lindane preparations against fleas. “Silent Spring” is well documented and recommended by the Duke of Edinburgh, and specifically warns us against all these insecticides as harmful to toe nervous system, the blood, and the liver. There is strong evidence that they are carcinogens, both directly and, as mutagens, by producing chromosomal abnormalities which account for Mongolism and some leukemias. Dieldrin is shown to be fatal to cats and birds. Dr. Turbott’s advice must be avoided unless we want a waste land without waiting for the atomic holocaust. —Yours, etc., VARIAN J. WILSON. June 23. 1963.

[The Director-General of Health (Dr. H. B. Turbott) said: “Many people will not agree about Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring," but surely my talk had a similar theme. I have checked it; I repeat it briefly. If you are troubled with fleas in the home, look at the whole environment. Make sure animal pets are not bringing them in. Scrub and clean the place completely. If this is not successful, use a suitable insecticide, getting advice on its use if necessary.”]