PBTs

PBTs in Wisconsin

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DDT (and DDE, DDD)

Background

Previous and Current Uses: DDT was one of the most widely used agricultural pesticides in the U.S. and other countries from 1946 to 1972. The use of DDT in the United States was canceled in 1972 by the EPA; however it can still be produced in the U.S. for sale and use in other countries. The only exceptions for the use of DDT in the U.S. are for public health emergencies involving vector (insect) diseases and the control of body lice.

Health Effects: The EPA rates DDT, DDE, and DDD as probable human carcinogens. These ratings are based on liver tumors found in several strains of laboratory mice, hamsters, and rats fed DDT, DDE, and DDD in their diet (USEPA 1988A, 1988B, 1991B). At high levels, damage to the nervous system can occur. Humans accidentally exposed to DDT suffered tremors, seizures and excitability (ATSDR 1995).

Ecological Effects: DDT (and its metabolites) is another highly persistent, highly lipophilic organochlorine insecticide. The metabolites of DDT, (DDE and DDD), are often linked with the toxic responses. DDT is reported to be highly toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates but only slightly acutely toxic to birds. However, the secondary or sub-lethal effects of DDT exposure in birds are severe. Reproductive effects linked to DDT exposure include eggshell thinning and decreased number of young fledged in eggs that do hatch. In addition, DDT has been linked to subtle effects on courtship behavior, delays in pairing and egg laying and decreases in egg weight (EXTOXNET 1996).

Trade Names: Neocid, p,p-DDT, Anofex, Neocoid, Zerdane, Dinocide, Gespon, Gesarex, Guespon, Guesarol, Pentech, Arkotine, Gyron, Ixodex, and Gesarol.

EPA Substance Registry Information Naming conventions for DDT, DDE, DDD and their chemical metabolites are numerous and confusing. The EPA Substance Registry lists over 20 synonyms for DDT (dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane ) with the primary name being Methoxychlor (CAS# 72-43-5). There are over 12 synonyms for DDD with the primary name being Ethylan (CAS# 72-56-0).

DDT (AND DDE, DDD) Monitoring and Research in Wisconsin

Environmental Monitoring

  • DNR’ Public Drinking Water Supply Data base has information about DDT (and DDE, DDD) levels found in public water supplies (Search for DDT, DDE, and DDD) ).  

Source Monitoring and Reporting

Cleanup and Management of DDT (and DDE, DDD) in Wisconsin

Remediation and Redevelopment

  • The DNR’s RR program assists Responsible Parties with site investigation and clean up of any "hazardous substance" releases in Wisconsin. This would include releases of DDT (and it breakdown products of DDE/DDD) that contaminate soil or groundwater. RR program guidance on investigations and clean ups can be found at the RR program web site.
  • In cases where the release is from a former pesticide practice, such as at a historical pesticide mixing or loading operation or through historical legitimate pesticide application, then the WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) may have the lead for investigation and clean up. The site may be eligible for funding under the DATCP Agricultural Chemical Cleanup Program. Such sites must be remediated in accordance with the DNR/DATCP MOU covering discharges of hazardous substances. Please see the DATCP Web site (exit DNR) for more ACCP information.
  • There are groundwater standards for DDT in NR 140 and Safe Drinking Water law, NR 809 Wisc. Adm. Code (Summary Table , search for Methoxychlor )

Surface Water and Watershed Management

  • Wisconsin has water quality standards to protect human health for DDT and its metabolites (NR 105 Wisc. Adm. Code) and guidelines for setting associated effluent limits (NR 106 Wisc. Adm. Code).
  • General Wastewater Discharge Permit applicants must certify that to the maximum extent of their knowledge their discharge doesn’t contain 4,4’-DDT , 4,4’-DDB, and 4,4’-DDD .

Waste Management

  • In some cases DDT (or DDE/DDD) contaminated material must be managed as solid waste or hazardous waste. Waste Management program guidance on can be found at the Waste Management program web site. As a canceled pesticide, it may be possible to manage DDT at an Agricultural Clean Sweep event. Please check with the DATCP web site for more information on these clean sweeps.

Options to Reduce DDT (AND DDE, DDD)

DDT (and DDE, DDD) are banned pesticides in the United States. The primary efforts today focus on Agricultural Clean Sweep Options - DATCP (exit DNR) to collect and safely dispose of any remaining pesticides in Wisconsin.

National, International and other DDT (and DDE, DDD) Initiatives

Last Revised: Friday April 25 2008