The DDT Debate
A panel of scientists from the United States and South Africa are recommending that there should be a reduction in the spraying of DDT in malaria infested Africa and Asia due to the serious risk of health side-effects. They argued that DDT, an insecticide banned throughout the world years ago, should be used only as a last resort in combating Malaria in affected parts of the world. The World Health Organization says that Malaria is a deadly disease that causes approximately 880,000 deaths a year, mostly in children in sub-Sahara Africa.
In many African countries, including India and South Korea, DDT is sprayed inside homes and buildings to help combat the amount of mosquitos with the disease. The use of DDT in this manner has increased since it was endorsed in 2006 by the World Health Organization. The use was also encouraged in 2006 by the President's Malaria Initiative, a U.S. Malaria aid program launched by former President Bush. Now, a panel of scientists and health experts are saying that they cannot allow or encourage the extensive use of DDT when it is known that it poses serious health effects for humans. The article listed side effects in humans as reduced fertility, genital birthdefects, diabetes, and damaged to developing brains. A report by the United Nations Environmental Programme reported that in 2007 at least 3,950 tons of DDT were sprayed for mosquito control in Africa and Asia. It is also estimated that 60 - 80 grams of DDT is sparyed in each household in Africa per year.
The pesticide is known for lingering in the environment for generations after it is sprayed. DDT was used widely in the US since the 1940s to help control pests on crops. It was banned after 1972 , when servere environmental effects were reported as it devestated food chains and nearly wiping out many animal populations. The concern for the pesticide's build up in the homes will affect not only the current population, but future generations to come. Personally, it comes as a surprise to me that DDT is used in such a fasion now. After the effects it had in the US (most of which that came to light in the book, "Silent Spring") it is hard to believe that it is still used, even in human homes.
Posted by Maura Mulvey (Group C)
posted by PWH @ 6:12 PM
5 comments
5 Comments:
I agree we should use chemicals like DDT very carefully. It has been proven they cause serious damage and even though it was banned in first world nations it is still used in places like Africa. I think the double stander of banning chemicals in the US then going to poverty stricken nations and allowing them to use them needs to end.
-Nick Cline
Awesome article Maura. I agree that DDT is a very dangerous substance, but at the same time we have to remember how dangerous malaria is too. Maybe the WHO has just run out of options? Regardless, I think DDT should not be used when we have other better alternatives such as mosquito nets. This seems like one of those situations where we have to look at both the pros and cons very carefully. Overall, I think the cons outweigh the benefits in this one.
-Calin Darabus
We need to look at the lifestyle of the people with the problem. I don't believe mosquito nets would do much, because Africa is not the place for an office job - most of the work is done outside, where mosquitos will be regardless, and people cannot just sit in their homes wrapped with netting.
Do they know how many deaths are caused by DDT related injuries? If its less than the number of deaths by malaria and the DDT is actually helping control the disease, it would be hard to justify stopping. Are there no better pesticide alternatives?
[Nathan Beck, Group A]
Hey,
Nice articla Maura. I think you chose a really good topic to discuss. It is importnat that DDT is used very carefully so as to not cause any harm while we're trying to help ourselves. There are other alternatives to use and they should be considered as well. Do you know of the impacts DDT has had in Africa and Asia? It would help in determining on how to go about using DDT and how much of it, etc.
Saad Choudhry
I had no idea DDT was still used today, I was pretty surprised to hear that especially after all we know about its effects. To spray this chemical in homes when it is known to cause health problems, as well as remain in the environment, seems unnecessary when there must be safer alternatives. Maybe DDT is cheaper and more accessible?
Jane de Verges
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