DDT was initially introduced by the chemical industry as a pesticide for crops. It was also used as an excellent and fairly inexpensive mosquito deterrent and helped controlling the spread of malaria all over the world. Although DDT saved human lives, it was found also to be extremely harmful to biota such as fish, birds etc. It causes for example eggshell thinning for birds, especially birds of prey. Awareness to DDT's effects in the environment was increased in the US by the work of marine biologist Rachel Carson. Her book, "Silent spring," powerfully influenced social change in American life and ultimately set the stage for environmental movement in the US. Due to its damaging effects, DDT's use was banned in the Western world and the United States and is listed by the United Nations as POP (persistent organic pollutant). It persists in the environment - up to 50 percent may remain in the soil 15 years after application - and was widely used. DDT residues can be found everywhere, even in the Arctic where it is deposited through global distillation.
Miscellaneous comments:
Obtained courtesy of the Cambridge Structural Database
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