What is DDT, and why is it no longer used?

DDT, or dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, is a synthetic pesticide that was widely used in agriculture and for vector control, particularly during the mid-20th century. Its effectiveness in controlling pests, including those that spread diseases like malaria, made it popular for many years. However, DDT is no longer in use primarily due to significant environmental and health concerns that arose from its widespread application.

One of the major issues with DDT is its persistence in the environment. It does not break down easily, leading to bioaccumulation in the food chain. As a result, it was found to have detrimental effects on wildlife, particularly bird populations, which suffered from reproductive issues leading to declines in species like the bald eagle and the peregrine falcon. Moreover, DDT was linked to various health issues in humans, including possible carcinogenic effects and other serious health risks.

Due to these environmental and health concerns, it became clear that while DDT was effective in the short term, its long-term impacts were unacceptable. Consequently, many countries, influenced by studies and findings from the environmental movement, moved to ban its use, leading to a significant reduction in its availability and application. This context clarifies why B is