The use of DDT was banned in the United States in 1973. DDT’s chemical stability, fat solubility, and slow metabolism in animals led to its accumulation in fatty tissues, causing environmental concerns and contributing to its ban in the U.S., though it is still used in some other parts of the world.
When was the use of DDT banned in the United States, and what factor contributed to the environmental issues associated with DDT?
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The use of DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane) in the United States was banned for agricultural use in 1972, following the publication of Rachel Carson’s book “Silent Spring” in 1962. Carson’s work raised public awareness about the environmental issues associated with DDT, particularly its impact on wildlife and ecosystems. The persistent nature of DDT in the environment, its ability to bioaccumulate in organisms, and its detrimental effects on non-target species led to environmental concerns. These concerns, combined with growing evidence of DDT’s adverse effects, ultimately led to regulatory actions and restrictions on its use in the United States and globally.