Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (commonly known as DDT) is a colorless, tasteless, and almost odorless crystalline chemical compound, an organochlorine, originally developed as an insecticide in the 1940s.

History

DDT was first synthesized in 1874 by Othmar Zeidler under the supervision of Adolf von Baeyer. It was further developed as an insecticide during the second World War by Paul Hermann Müller. Müller was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1948 for his work on DDT.

Uses

DDT has been used in agriculture, particularly in the eradication of insects that are vectors for human diseases such as malaria and typhus. It is also used in the control of pests in crops, forests, and homes.

Health Effects

Exposure to DDT can lead to a variety of health effects. These include cancer, reproductive issues, developmental problems, and damage to the liver and nervous system.

Environmental Impact

DDT is persistent in the environment and can accumulate in living organisms, leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification. This has led to detrimental effects on wildlife, particularly birds.

Regulation

Due to its environmental and health impacts, the use of DDT has been banned or restricted in many countries. However, it is still used in some areas for malaria control.

See Also

• Organochlorine
• Insecticide
• Malaria
• Typhus
• Bioaccumulation
• Biomagnification

References

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane Resources
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