DDT is a persistent chemical because it is resistant to degradation by natural processes like sunlight, heat, and microorganisms. This allows it to remain in the environment for a long time, accumulating in organisms and biomagnifying through food chains.
DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) is a persistent organic pollutant that is considered non-biodegradable in the environment. It can remain in the environment for a long time, accumulating in organisms and the food chain, leading to harmful effects on wildlife and humans.
The chemical is likely DDT, a pesticide used in the past. DDT accumulated in the tissues of organisms, resulting in fragile eggshells when carnivorous birds like eagles or hawks consumed contaminated food. This eventually led to population declines in these bird species due to reproductive issues.
There isn't a single chemical that directly replaced DDT, but rather a shift towards using integrated pest management techniques, including rotating different insecticides and using physical methods like traps. Some commonly used insecticides post-DDT include pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, and organophosphates.
Persistent pesticides are chemicals that remain in the environment and can accumulate over time in soil, water, and organisms. These pesticides do not easily degrade, which can lead to long-lasting environmental and health impacts. Examples include organochlorine pesticides like DDT and chlordane.
Chlorine is an elemental gas, but is technically a compound in its naturally occurring state because, like many gases, it occurs as CL2, rather than Cl. It can be part of a mixture if it is in solution with other gases or liquids.
The chemical formula of DDT is C14H9Cl5.
DDT is a persistent chemical that can remain in the environment for a long time. It has a half-life of around 2 to 15 years in soil and can remain in water bodies for several years. However, the use of DDT has been phased out in many countries due to its harmful effects on the environment and human health.
DDT is a strong pesticide: dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, with the chemical formula C14H9Cl5.
The United States stopped using DDT primarily due to its harmful effects on the environment and human health. It was found to have persistent toxic effects on wildlife, to bioaccumulate in the food chain, and to have potential carcinogenic properties. These concerns prompted the US to ban the use of DDT in agriculture in 1972.
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson was published in 1962. It spoke out about how DDT was causing bird eggs to not hatch. The book led to the ban on DDT in the 1970s and 1980s.
After my knowledge the use of DDT is banned in USA, with the exception of use for health.
DDT cannot be used in New Zealand. New Zealand has signed and ratified the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants which includes DDT. DDT was prohibited from use on New Zealand farmland in 1970, and its production and sale for all other purposes was banned by law in 1989.
People who understand DDT may disagree with its use due to environmental concerns. DDT is a persistent organic pollutant that accumulates in the environment and can harm non-target species, including humans. Alternatives that are less harmful to the environment and human health are available for pest control.
The common chemical elements found in both DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) and Freon (chlorofluorocarbons) are carbon, chlorine, and hydrogen.
Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane is the chemical name for the insecticide DDT
DDT is a persistent chemical - it does not break down after it is used. So if you spray DDT to kill bugs, and birds eat the bugs, the birds now have DDT in them. Some species of birds almost went extinct because the DDT made their eggshells so weak that the chicks couldn't survive. You don't want to have a chemical around that solves one problem, but creates a hundred more.
Racheal Carson