In the 1940’s dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane, known as DDT was invented and used as one of the first manufactured pesticides thanks to the discovery by scientist Paul Miller which showed that the chlorine aspects of DDT were effective in eliminating insects. Human diseases such as malaria, typhus, and other illnesses caused by insects were combated by the use of DDT. This was especially helpful during the second half of World War II for both military and non-military individuals. Additionally, DDT was used for controlling insects in livestock, crops, home gardens and institutions as a pesticide. DDT was used in homes throughout the United States.
DDT, an Organochlorine pesticide, does not develop naturally in the environment. This man made pesticide is developed in a lab and is a crystalline white powder that is both tasteless as well as odorless. DDT is a non-point source pollution due to the fact that it enters a body of water through run off or surface water. In surface water, DDT will bind to particles in the water, settle, and be deposited in the sediment. (EPA, n.d.) Additionally, while being sprayed in the air, wind gust can carry DDT to water sources as well as expose humans and wildlife who happen to be in the path of the wind gust carrying DDT.
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Although DDT worked very well as a pesticide, the negative effects of DDT began to show up in the environment for both humans and wildlife around the 1950s. It was found that DDT can build up in the tissues of animals and fish that were exposed to DDT. DDT does not break down in the fatty tissues of humans and animals. DDT is a bio accumulative toxin and stays in the food chain by moving into animals from the fish or frogs that eat that have been exposed to DDT. During this time, it was noticeable that the eggs of birds who were exposed to DDT were thinner and would break easier. In addition to noticeable negative effects in wildlife, humans began to have higher rates of cancer. Females were at a higher risk of breast cancer if they were exposed to DDT before the onset of puberty. Additional risks to humans are increased risk of infertility in males, risk of miscarriages, low birth rate, developmental delay, liver damage, tumors of the liver, and nervous system disorders.
Regulatory actions regarding DDT took place in the 1950s and 60s by the United States Department of Agriculture. The USDA began to not allow the use of DDT during that time due to the link of negative toxic effects and environmental concerns. Due to health risks to humans, negative effects on the environment, including wild life, the newly formed Environmental Protection Agency, stepped in and banned the use of DDT in 1972. After the use of DDT was discontinued in the United States, its concentration in the environment and animals has decreased, but because of its persistence, residues of concern from historical use still remain. (EPA, n.d.) Currently, the United States authorities consider DDT as a potential carcinogen for humans.
The EPA currently works internationally to spread the concern of DDT as well as helps implement regulations regarding DDT use in other countries. Several countries have joined together and agreed to a treaty to help aid in restrictions of DDT. The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutions treaty was signed in 2004 by 170 countries which placed significant guidelines regarding the use of DDT. DDT is considered to be banned worldwide due to its significant threat to human and wildlife safety as well as the environment.Today it is still used in some developing countries.(Scottish Protection Environment Agency, n.d.) The World Health Organization still allows DDT to be used in Africa due to increased risk of malaria. Unfortunately, despite the amount of science behind the negative effects of DDT, it is felt by WHO that the benefits of DDT in preventing outbreaks of malaria in Africa outweigh the risks to the individuals living in Africa. Although DDT is banned in the United States, it is still manufactured.
- CDC. (n.d.). Toxix Substances Portal-DDT, DDE, DDD. Retrieved’February’6, 2017, from www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phsasp?=79&tid=20
- EPA. (n.d.). DDT-A Brief History and Stats. Retrieved’February’6, 2017, from www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-product/ddt-brief-history-and-stats
- Scottish Protection Environmental Agency. (n.d.). Dichlorodiphenyltricholoroethane all isomers. Retrieved’February’6, 2017, from www.apps.sepa.orguk/spriga/Pages/SubstancesInformation.aspx?=37
