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DDT Full Form is Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is a chemical compound prepared for pest control in agricultural fields. Its poisonous nature also made it a widely used chemical for destroying mosquitoes and other insects. It effectively controlled insect-borne diseases in many regions.
However, its negative impact on human health, the environment, and ecosystems gradually emerged. It prompted several countries to restrict its use and search for alternatives.
This blog discusses various aspects of DDT, including its uses and negative impacts, to keep you aware of how this insecticide overshadows its benefits with its drawbacks.
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What is the Full Form of DDT?
The full form of DDT is Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
Here,
D stands for Dichloro
D stands for Diphenyl
T stands for Trichloroethane
DDT is a synthetic chemical compound widely used as an insecticide to kill insects and agricultural pests. The chemical was synthesised 1874 as an emergency repellent against mosquitoes and bugs.
However, it has been categorised as a general pesticide and has been used worldwide since then. However, its long-term effects on the environment and human health led to its ban in many countries.
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How DDT Works?
DDT is an odorless and transparent chemical. It is to be sprayed on the crops to kill the pests and insects affecting them.
Studies have shown that DDT is poisonous to living organisms. The tissues of the insects living on crops are damaged by contact with the chemical, leading to immediate death.
History of DDT
DDT was synthesised in a lab in the USA in 1874. The primary purpose was to curb typhus and growing cases of malaria. Here is a brief overview of how DDT’s use has had a declining trend over the years:
- In 1945, DDT was promoted as an effective agricultural insecticide. It also played a role in the elimination of malaria in Europe.
- In 1955, the World Health Organization started a program to eradicate malaria in different countries and relied largely on DDT for mosquito control.
- In the 1960s, the extensive use of DDT became an environmental concern, and its effects began to rise in local communities.
- In the 1970s, the U.S. government discovered its negative implications on human health.
- In 1973, The Agency for Environmental Protection banned the use of DDT in the U.S.
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DDT Uses
DDT was used extensively as a common pesticide for killing mosquitoes in domestic environments and harmful pests in agricultural fields. Here are some of the major DDT uses:
Disease Control: The primary use of DDT was to control diseases caused by mosquitoes. It effectively destroys the mosquitoes and prevents transmission of these diseases. Many public health programs approved the use of DDT to eradicate mosquitoes, prevented the spread of these diseases, and saved many lives.
Agricultural Pest Control: DDT was very effective in killing pests that damage crops. Its strong impact on various insects and long-lasting results made it a preferred choice for farmers. It helped to increase crop production.
Livestock Protection: DDT was also used effectively to protect livestock from the attack of external agents, including ticks, lice, and flies. It also prevented insect-borne diseases from affecting livestock.
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DDT Disadvantages
DDT is a very harmful chemical for living organisms that thus has to be used in moderation. Here are the major DDT disadvantages:
- The components used in DDT preparation makes it very poisonous. So it is dangerous for farmers who use it. It also pollutes the environment.
- The insects die and remain on the same soil after applying DDT chemicals. It adds harmful components to the soil and the plants absorb them. In this way, it enters the crops and vegetables.
- DDT chemicals remain on the crops and enter the animal body through edible vegetables and plants. It damages the immune systems of animals and affects their reproductive capacity.
DDT Environmental Issues
DDT was introduced as an effective pesticide, but now it has raised concerns due to its adverse environmental impact. Here are some major DDT environmental issues:
- Persistence: DDT remains in the environment long after its use. It gets sufficient time to accumulate in the food chain, which affects birds, mammals, and fish.
- Biomagnification: It refers to the increase in DDT concentration in the food chain. It happens as a result of DDT’s persistence and accumulation. Predatory birds and animals are the most affected.
- Impact on Wildlife: The environmental accumulation of DDT severely affects wildlife populations. Birds suffer from reproductive issues, which might lead to local extinctions.
- Ecological Imbalance: DDT’s extensive use disrupted ecological balance. As insect species were eradicated indiscriminately, it had cascading effects on ecosystems. It impacted beneficial insects and natural biological processes.
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DDT Regulations
Its use has been regulated in response to the growing concerns about DDT’s environmental impact. Several countries restricted its use, particularly in agricultural applications. Here are some DDT regulations aiming to restrict DDT use:
- In 1972, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States put a ban on DDT use due to its environmental and health risks.
- In 2001, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants was signed to restrict the use of organic pollutants.
- In 2004, the Stockholm Convention banned the use of DDT except for some specific disease control programs, such as malaria control in certain regions.
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DDT Usage Methods
The effects of DDT on humans, plants, and soil require more research to get a clear picture of how much harm it can cause us. If someone wants to use DDT, they must consider the following:
- The person should determine the pests he wants to control and whether DDT can serve the purpose.
- If you want to use DDT, you must know in what form and intensity it should be used.
- DDT is toxic to humans, and individuals should control their actions accordingly.
- It can be used preferably as a water spray in which the DDT is suspended as minute particles without a suitable wetting or sticking agent.
- When DDT should never be applied by dissolving oil like kerosene or gasoline.
Conclusion
The full form of DDT is Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane. It was a well-recommended insecticide for pest control in agriculture. It was also used extensively in the malaria eradication drive to kill mosquitoes. But gradually, people started experiencing its harmful effects. Eventually, it was banned in many countries, and its application was restricted.
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FAQs on DDT Full Form
What is the chemical formula of DDT?
The chemical formula of DDT is C14H9Cl5.
Why is DDT still used in some African countries?
DDT is still used in some African countries to control mosquito-borne diseases.
What are the diseases caused by prolonged exposure to DDT?
Prolonged exposure to DDT can cause tumour growth and cancer.
How does DDT affect the birds?
DDT can cause thinning of eggshells and poor reproductive rate in some birds.