Question

In 1939, the use of DDT (a powerful synthetic chemical) as an insecticide was discovered. The United States adopted its widespread use, producing up to 100 million kilograms per year (200 million pounds per year). Twenty years later, severe side effects started to be reported as a result of DDT use. Which was an advantage of using DDT?
insect and pest populations decreased
birth defect rates increased
cancer rates increased
fertility rates decreased

Answer 1

The correct answer is option A

The major advantage of DDT at that time when it was used as a pesticide is that the DDT was very effective as a pesticide and it killed almost all the pests on which it was sprayed. It killed all the insect and pests that was present in the united states at that time. It later became harmful and entered into the food web.

Answer 2

A. Insect and Pest populations decreased. 

I know they did, it was a powerful insecticide, but it also had horrendous side effects, all of the other answers.<span />