DDT
DDT: A Toxic Legacy with Far-Reaching Impact
Description
DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) is a synthetic organochlorine insecticide that was widely used in the mid-20th century to control insects that transmit diseases such as malaria and typhus. DDT was hailed as a miracle chemical, earning Paul Müller the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1948 for his discovery of its insecticidal properties. However, its widespread use soon raised concerns about its environmental and human health risks.
Associated Diseases
DDT has been linked to a wide range of adverse health effects, including:
- Cancer: DDT is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer. Studies have associated exposure to DDT with an increased risk of liver, breast, and prostate cancer.
- Neurological disorders: DDT can disrupt the nervous system, leading to developmental disorders in children, cognitive impairment, and Parkinson's disease.
- Reproductive problems: DDT can interfere with the endocrine system, resulting in reduced fertility, birth defects, and miscarriage.
- Immune suppression: Exposure to DDT can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases.
Did you Know ?
Globally, over 2 million metric tons of DDT were produced and used between 1940 and 1990. Despite being banned in most countries due to its environmental and health risks, DDT persists in the environment due to its long half-life and ability to accumulate in fatty tissues.
