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FGCU Commemorates 50th Anniversary of "Silent Spring"

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

This month marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring”.  Florida Gulf Coast University is commemorating the anniversary with a week-long film and lecture series about the impact of our use of and exposure to manmade chemicals.

Carson’s seminal work exposed the environmental impact of pesticides like DDT and is credited with launching the environmental movement.  “If we’re going to be living with these chemicals, and there’s no question about that, we should know something about them,” said FGCU professor of Marine Science, Dr. Darren Rumbold.  “If they’re getting into our bodies we should know about these chemicals and that’s what we’re encouraging people to do; to take responsibility for themselves and learn something about it.”

Rumbold will speak Tuesday night about successes in mitigating chemical threats as well as continued challenges including high levels of mercury found in fish.  Rumbold continues to research the transport of mercury.

Additional film and discussion topics include nuclear testing, the effects of hormone mimicking chemicals and environmental stewardship in government.  The series concludes in a day-long event Saturday, September 29th with a chance for the public to speak to environmental officials and waste and water managers.  For more information and a full schedule of events visit: http://www.fgcu.edu/whitakercenter/.

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