Heroic DDT Defender Dies

Entomologist J. Gordon Edwards who for decades defended the use of the insecticide DDT to protect human beings from diseases like malaria has died at age 85. Millions of people have died of insect-borne illnesses since DDT was banned in 1972 to protect raptors from eggshell thinning. As the Fox News article points out, Dr. Edwards lived long enough to see some opponents of DDT like the New York Times' editorial page change into supporters. Thanks in part to Dr. Edwards' unflagging efforts, we can hope that millions in the future may soon be once again protected by this safe and cheap insecticide. RIP, Dr. Edwards.

Link thanks to David Ridgely.