Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

What book led to significant changes in US pesticide laws and the establishment of the US EPA?

1. Silent Spring

2. A Treatise of Buggs

3. The Ecology of Insects

4. Insect Control Handbook

The correct answer is: Silent Spring

The book that had a profound impact on US pesticide laws and played a critical role in the establishment of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is "Silent Spring." Written by Rachel Carson and published in 1962, "Silent Spring" raised public awareness about the dangers of pesticide use, particularly DDT, and its harmful effects on the environment, wildlife, and human health. Through compelling scientific evidence and evocative prose, Carson highlighted the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the potential long-term consequences of chemical pollutants. This book catalyzed a significant environmental movement in the United States and triggered discussions around regulation and the need for government oversight of chemical substances, ultimately leading to more stringent pesticide regulations and the formation of the EPA in 1970. Carson’s work is credited with fostering an awareness of environmental issues that had previously been largely ignored, making it a pivotal milestone in environmental advocacy and legislation.