Question

Why is DDT a dangerous environmental pollutant?

Answer 1

Answer:

Because it takes a very long time to degrade, in addition to being a general pesticide, that is, it is capable of killing pests, but also killing the fauna and flora of a region.

Explanation:

DDT stands for Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane, a powerful and inexpensive pesticide that was widely used during WW2 to combat insect pests.

DDt is highly polluting and dangerous for the environment. This is because it is a generalist pesticide, that is, it does not act only in the extermination of pests, but it manages to kill any and all living organisms in the region where it is applied, which results in the death of the fauna and flora of a region. In addition, DDT spends a long period of time to be degraded and can remain active in nature for up to 30 years, which causes it to accumulate in soil and water, causing pollution and more deaths.

Answer 2

DDT was one of the first chemicals in widespread use as a pesticide.
Food supplies: USDA found DDT breakdown products in 60% of heavy cream samples, 42% of kale greens, 28% of carrots and lower percentages of many other foods.Body burden: DDT breakdown products were found in the blood of 99% of the people tested by CDC.Health impacts: Girls exposed to DDT before puberty are 5 times more likely to develop breast cancer in middle age, according to the President’s Cancer Panel.