Question

List the advantages and disadvantages of the switch from persistent chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides (such as ddt) to nonpersistent organophosphate pesticides. have the benefits of this switch outweighed the disadvantages? explain.

Answer 1

Persistent chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides persist in the environment and accumulate in the foods chain causing harmful effects on the environment including posing a threat to humans health in the long term. Nonpersistent organophosphate pesticides are more toxic than the former but degrade after a short life span. Therefore they cause immediate harm in case one is in contact with them.
The fact that they do not accumulate in the environment, they are more favourable than chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides. Chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides will affect several generations due to their accumulation in the environment. However they don't need to be re-applied hence are less expensive