Identification of human carcinogen (DDT)
DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane) is a pesticide derived from chlorinated hydrocarbon. DDT‘s history dates back to 1940’s, the use of this pesticide eventually peaked in the 1960’s. However due to its detrimental effects on human health and wildlife, it was banned from the United States market in 1972. DDT like other chlorinated hydrocarbon is a very stable compound and hence, tends to be more persistent in the environment. DDT is also known as a bioaccumulates in the food chain. The bioaccumulation property of DDT coupled with its long half-life of 10 years and its ability to accumulate in the adipose or fat tissue explains some of the exaggerated detrimental health effects on humans and wildlife …show more content…
; Breast Cancer, 2009).
Describe any other health effects that occur upon exposure to DDT
Other than cancer, other health effects associated with DDT include, but are not limited to male infertility, miscarriages & low birth weight, developmental delay, nervous system and liver damage (“The DDT Story,” n.d).According to Friis (2012), DDT resulted in nervous system abnormalities in farm workers that were exposed to DDT, and their symptoms according to the report were irritability, dizziness, and numbness.
What is currently being done to limit the human population's exposure to DDT (as outlined by the EPA, FDA, and the textbook?)
To limit the further exposure of the human population and wildlife in the United States to DDT, the EPA banned the use of DDT for pesticide control in the United States and has since implemented strict control of the pesticide. In addition to banning of the chemical as a pesticide, public awareness of the health hazards posed by DDT in the environment has been heightened by the EPA (“EPA-A Brief History,”
DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane) is a pesticide derived from chlorinated hydrocarbon. DDT‘s history dates back to 1940’s, the use of this pesticide eventually peaked in the 1960’s. However due to its detrimental effects on human health and wildlife, it was banned from the United States market in 1972. DDT like other chlorinated hydrocarbon is a very stable compound and hence, tends to be more persistent in the environment. DDT is also known as a bioaccumulates in the food chain. The bioaccumulation property of DDT coupled with its long half-life of 10 years and its ability to accumulate in the adipose or fat tissue explains some of the exaggerated detrimental health effects on humans and wildlife …show more content…
; Breast Cancer, 2009).
Describe any other health effects that occur upon exposure to DDT
Other than cancer, other health effects associated with DDT include, but are not limited to male infertility, miscarriages & low birth weight, developmental delay, nervous system and liver damage (“The DDT Story,” n.d).According to Friis (2012), DDT resulted in nervous system abnormalities in farm workers that were exposed to DDT, and their symptoms according to the report were irritability, dizziness, and numbness.
What is currently being done to limit the human population's exposure to DDT (as outlined by the EPA, FDA, and the textbook?)
To limit the further exposure of the human population and wildlife in the United States to DDT, the EPA banned the use of DDT for pesticide control in the United States and has since implemented strict control of the pesticide. In addition to banning of the chemical as a pesticide, public awareness of the health hazards posed by DDT in the environment has been heightened by the EPA (“EPA-A Brief History,”