What is DDT?
DDT, or dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane, is the most well known and most affective organic pesticide in the world.

DDT is a persistent pesticide!

It is a colorless solid that is insoluble in water. But although it sounds like a meek and harmless substance, DDT not only severely affects insects and other plant eating organism, but it also is detrimental to humans health.

Where DDT is found?
Today DDT is banned from the United States. The only way to get it into the country is when other countries smuggle it in illegally. There are some rare cases where DDT is still embedded in the soil from when DDT was legal. In addition, eggs have been recently found to contain an exorbitant amount of DDT.

When is DDT an environmental problem?
DDT becomes an environmental problem when it enters ones body. Research has proven that DDT causes liver and breast cancer. When DDT was used agriculturally, it would flow into the water, killing fish and polluting the water. DDT also thins egg shells, which can cause many birds to perish.

Why are people concerned about DDT?
People are concerned about DDT because of its negative affects on the environment and themselves. Originally, people were not that worried about the affects of DDT, but once studies became more advanced, scientists realized that DDT was staying in our body and becoming an unstoppable rebel force harming one organ after another. Also, today people have to be very careful when eating, for DDT can get in fish or other animals that are consumed daily by humans. Finally, the most dangerous side affect is that DDT can cause cancer. This is the leading reason as to why DDT has become illegal in today’s society.

My thoughts about DDT:
Although recent restrictions on DDT have been made, I would like to see a more committed effort to try and rid DDT from our environment completely. Although this would be a tough task, the rest of the world would feel much more comfortable.