Marine biologist and writer, Rachel Carson, studied the effects of DDT while working for the US Bureau of Fisheries, and saw its harmful effects. When the government did nothing to reduce its use she wrote a book, Silent Spring, which exposed the dangers of the pesticide. The book caused a sensation on publication in 1962, and Carson became an activist to raise public awareness and call for action. By 1970 the EPA phased out the use of DDT.