NOVA Season 32 Episode 5 The Most Dangerous Woman in America

In NOVA season 32 episode 5, titled "The Most Dangerous Woman in America," viewers are taken on a journey through the life and work of chemist and environmental activist, Clair Patterson. Patterson devoted his life to measuring the age of the Earth and exposing the dangers of lead pollution, but the road he traveled was far from easy.

Born in 1922 in Iowa, Patterson was initially interested in studying geology. However, it was his work with a group of scientists from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) during World War II that would ultimately shape the course of his life. While working on a project to develop a rocket fuel, Patterson discovered something much more alarming: lead contamination in the environment. This discovery threw him headfirst into the world of environmental advocacy and activism and set him on a path towards becoming a voice for the planet.

Over the course of his career, Patterson was subjected to criticism and ridicule from those who opposed his findings. Many industries, including the leaded gasoline industry, fought back fiercely against Patterson's claims, but he would not be deterred. Through grit and determination, he succeeded in getting lead taken out of gasoline, resulting in a significant improvement in air quality and the quality of life for millions of people.

Patterson's most significant contribution, however, was his determination to accurately measure the age of the Earth. This quest would take him around the world, to the bottom of the ocean, and into the heart of some of the most remote and inhospitable landscapes on the planet.

"The Most Dangerous Woman in America" chronicles Patterson's life, his work, and the obstacles he faced along the way. Through interviews with those closest to him and never-before-seen footage, viewers gain an understanding of the man behind the science, and the passion that drove him forward.

Despite facing opposition at every turn, Patterson remained committed to his convictions and continued to fight for what he believed in. His legacy lives on today, as his work has set the standard for environmental advocacy and scientific inquiry. Through his dedication and perseverance, Clair Patterson truly became the "Most Dangerous Woman in America."