DDT or 1,1-bis(p-Chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethane was a popular insecticide commonly used in the 1940s through to the 1970s.
CAS registry number:
50-29-3
Layman's explanation:
DDT was initially introduced into the environment as a pesticide for crops.
Later on it was also used as an excellent and fairly inexpensive deterrent of mosquitoes,
to control the spread of malaria all over the world. Although the inclusion of DDT into
the environment saved millions of lives, it was found to be harmful to worms,
fish, and predatory birds. Moreover, this chemical is not biodegradable and persists in
the environment for many years. Due to its damaging effects, DDT's use was banned
in the United States.
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