Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is a clear, tasteless, near odorless organochloride made famous for its insecticidal properties and resulting environmental impact. In 1939, the Swiss chemist, Paul Hermann Muller discovered DDT’s insecticidal properties. In World War II DDT was used to control malaria and typhus among civilian troops. It was later used as an agricultural insecticide and as it popularity increased, it gained commercial use. In 1962, Rachel Carson published Silent Spring, a book tracing the environmental impact of the nationwide spraying of DDT and the ethical concerns of releasing large amounts of potentially toxic chemicals into the environment without fully understanding their effect on human and animal life. The publication
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In 1977, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made known that fish and waterfowls from the waters in Huntsville Spring Branch showed high levels of DDT. This prompted the EPA to begin to investigate the effects of DDT in the water supply. Studies revealed that the pollutant came from Olin Corporation’s production of DDT on Redstone Arsenal. This prompted many Triana residents to file lawsuits against the Olin Corporation. The water near Triana, Alabama was continuously monitored during this time, and the amount of DDT in the water was reduced by 97%. However, mistrust of the chemical use remains. As a native of Madison County, living only 5 miles outside of Triana, Alabama, I can attest that environmental racism is a fear of Triana residents since DDT. Environmental racism refers to the placement of potentially hazardous, toxic wastes in proximity to low-income and/or minority groups. Triana, Alabama, a small rural town, has a population that is over 80% African American and has high levels of poverty with most families making less than $30,000 a year. When DDT was discovered in the water supply, it not only raised concerns because it has many unknown potential factors, but it sparked talk of racism and lack of concern for minorities on the same level as the majority. Reintroducing DDT into the environment resurfaces these ethical concerns of
In 1977, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made known that fish and waterfowls from the waters in Huntsville Spring Branch showed high levels of DDT. This prompted the EPA to begin to investigate the effects of DDT in the water supply. Studies revealed that the pollutant came from Olin Corporation’s production of DDT on Redstone Arsenal. This prompted many Triana residents to file lawsuits against the Olin Corporation. The water near Triana, Alabama was continuously monitored during this time, and the amount of DDT in the water was reduced by 97%. However, mistrust of the chemical use remains. As a native of Madison County, living only 5 miles outside of Triana, Alabama, I can attest that environmental racism is a fear of Triana residents since DDT. Environmental racism refers to the placement of potentially hazardous, toxic wastes in proximity to low-income and/or minority groups. Triana, Alabama, a small rural town, has a population that is over 80% African American and has high levels of poverty with most families making less than $30,000 a year. When DDT was discovered in the water supply, it not only raised concerns because it has many unknown potential factors, but it sparked talk of racism and lack of concern for minorities on the same level as the majority. Reintroducing DDT into the environment resurfaces these ethical concerns of