DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) is a man-made chemical that does not occur naturally in the environment. It is a white, crystalline solid with no odor or taste. DDE (dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) and DDD (dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane) are chemicals similar to DDT that can form when DDT breaks down.
DDT is a pesticide that was once widely used to control insects in agriculture and insects that carry diseases such as malaria. Its use was banned in 1972 because of damage to wildlife but is still used in a limited number of countries where diseases such as malaria are a major health problem. DDE has no commercial use. DDD was also used to kill pests, but its use has also been banned. One form of DDD has been used to treat cancer of the adrenal gland.
Since DDT was banned in 1972, exposure to DDT, DDE, and DDD has decreased dramatically. Small amounts may still be found in some food.
United States. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine. Applied Toxicology Branch.
June 2013 | ToxFAQs™
Description:
cdc:26309Division of Toxicology and Human Health Sciences ToxFAQs™This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions (FAQs) about su...
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