Science Forums 2

[Michaelangelica]

1.3 Rationale

DDT is a persistent, broad spectrum pesticide that in the past has been widely used in agriculture and for the control of mosquitoes, black flies and other insect pests and disease vectors. Some developing countries still use it in malaria campaigns, not only because of its effectiveness, but also because of its low cost and lack of acute toxicity for applicators, compared to alternative chemical pesticides that are more costly or more toxic. However, DDT and its metabolites are persistent, bioaccumulative and can be transported long distances through the atmosphere. Residues of DDT and its metabolites in the environment have been shown to result in adverse effects on wildlife reproduction.

http://www.cec.org/programs_projects...varlan=english