Why is Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane banned?

Why is Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane banned?

Regulation Due to Health and Environmental Effects In 1972, EPA issued a cancellation order for DDT based on its adverse environmental effects, such as those to wildlife, as well as its potential human health risks. DDT is: known to be very persistent in the environment, will accumulate in fatty tissues, and.

What diseases does DDT cause?

The direct DDT exposure toxic effects in humans include developmental abnormalities [17], reproductive disease [18], neurological disease [19], and cancer [20]. The exposure DDT metabolite DDE (dichlorodiphenyldichloroehtane) also promotes abnormal human health effects such as childhood diabetes and obesity [21].

How toxic is DDT?

DDT is slightly to moderately acutely toxic to mammals, including humans, when ingested. See box on Laboratory Testing. The acute oral LD50 (rat) is 113 to 800 milligrams per kilogram of body weight or mg/kg (6). See boxes on LD50 and Toxicity Category.

Which countries still use DDT?

Production, use, and management DDT is currently being produced in three countries: India, China, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK; North Korea) (Table 1). By far the largest amounts are produced in India for the purpose of disease vector control.

Is DDT banned in US?

The United States banned the use of DDT in 1972. Some countries outside the United States still use DDT to control of mosquitoes that spread malaria. DDT and its related chemicals persist for a long time in the environment and in animal tissues.

How many humans died from DDT?

As a result, insect-borne diseases returned to the tropics with a vengeance. By some estimates, the death toll in Africa alone from unnecessary malaria resulting from the restrictions on DDT has exceeded 100 million people.

Is DDT biodegradable?

DDT is harm to all biota of the planet as it is non-biodegradable, and tends to become more concentrated as it moves up the food chain. It is a fat-soluble chemical, and accumulates in the fat deposits of the body.

Should DDT be banned?

Because DDT can travel long distances and accumulate in the body, millions of humans and animals worldwide have buildups of the chemical in their tissue, even though it may have been used on another continent. …