DDT (and DDE, DDD)

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.