When Smoke Ran Like Water
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1999
352
Book • Nonfiction
Global • 20th century
1999
Adult
18+ years
When Smoke Ran Like Water by Devra Davis documents her battle against environmental pollution, highlighting public health disasters and institutional deception, with personal anecdotes like her family's losses in the 1948 Donora smog. She covers regulatory efforts, such as removing lead from gasoline and banning harmful pesticides, and explores chronic illnesses linked to pollution, advocating for significant change. Includes instances of disease and reproductive harm.
Informative
Unnerving
Mysterious
Challenging
Emotional
400 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
When Smoke Ran Like Water by Devra Davis is praised for its compelling narrative and comprehensive research on environmental pollution and public health. While readers appreciate the personal anecdotes and eye-opening analysis, some criticize the dense scientific data and occasional emotional intensity. Overall, it's a significant contribution to environmental literature.
Readers passionate about environmental science, public health, and the effects of pollution will find When Smoke Ran Like Water by Devra Davis captivating. Comparable to Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, this book offers a compelling look at industrial pollution's impact on health, making it ideal for advocates and scholars in environmental and health studies.
400 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
352
Book • Nonfiction
Global • 20th century
1999
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!