Question

discuss some of the concerns that led to the banning of DDT in the united states and other developed countries.

Answer 1

DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane), is a class 2 insecticide, meaning it is moderately toxic.It has also been found that humans, who were occupationally exposed to DDT, suffered chromosomal damage.. It has proven effective as an insecticide, but its potent toxicity isn't limited to insects.

It was banned in the US in 1972, because of the health risks that emerge from it's usage.

Many tests have been conducted in order to determine it's effect on the human body. Low to moderate exposure (10mg/kg) may result in nausea, diarrhea, irritation of eyes, nose or throat, while higher doses (16mg/kg) can lead to tremors and convulsions.

It's highly toxic to both aquatic invertebrate species, like stoneflies and crayfish, as well as fish. Being able to affect all kinds of wildlife, and given it's low decay rate, it proliferates through the entire web of life until it reaches the species inhabiting the throne of the great chain of life, Homo Sapiens.It is considered a possible human carcinogen.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared its support for the indoor use of DDT in African countries where malaria remains a major health problem, citing that benefits of the pesticide outweigh the health and environmental risks.

DDT has a devastating effect on aquatic life also. Due to it's low solubility, it has a greater rate of bioaccumulation in water, and thus poses a great long-term threat to aquatic wildlife.

As evidence of harm, DDT was causing began to grow, countries worldwide started to ban the chemical or restrict its use.

Due to all these harmful effects to human life and other life, DDT was banned in U.S and other developed countries.