Katelyn Forman- DDT
The pollutant that I chose to look into was DDT; however, my article also touches upon the chemical chlordane as well. DDT is an insecticide that was used to attack certain diseases and protect against insects. Due to its negative effect on wildlife, affecting the nervous system, and classification as a possible carcinogen, DDT is no longer used. Almost a year ago this article was written in response to the discovery of these pesticides in 60% of black women in Detroit.
These women were infected by these chemicals because DDT and chlordane can stay in the environment even decades after being used. There is a correlation between minority populations and pesticide contamination which is why this discovery is not completely surprising. After testing the blood of black women in Detroit it was confirmed that over 60% of the participants had significant levels of OCPs in their blood samples. Interestingly, the study also found that of these participants “women who drink five glasses of tap or bottled water per day have 8-15% higher concentrations of all four OCPs” (Beyond Pesticides, 2020). This revelation is one of the reasons why drinking water was investigated for pesticide contamination. Furthermore, the interference of DDT in black women’s bodies also affect their children if they are mothers that breastfeed. In fact, these chemicals were 15% higher in these breastfed infants than in non-breastfed infants.
One of the key points of the article is that the EPA did not monitor these chemicals which is why these women were ultimately exposed. Although DDT was not being currently used, it was still prominent in the environment and has been passed down now to children. Similarly, researchers found that older women had higher concentrations of the OCPs in their systems. This clearly shows that the chemical has been been slowly infecting the community/area over a long duration of time. Despite its containment in POC areas, there was contamination in alcohol and tobacco as well, so people from outside residential areas could also be affected by these pollutants.
The exposure to these hazardous chemicals includes a risk of diabetes, reduced sperm, endometriosis, obesity, and early onset menopause. Additionally, DDT poses a threat to our ecosystems because it effects wildlife. DDT’s impact on wildlife comes from its toxicity to marine life as well as its harmful impact on bird reproduction by making eggs have a softer shell, thus easier to crack.
Sources:
DDT metabolite (DDE) and other Banned pesticides found in blood sample of African American women in Detroit. (2020, May 14). Retrieved March 26, 2021, from https://beyondpesticides.org/dailynewsblog/2020/05/ddt-metabolite-dde-and-other-banned-pesticides-found-in-blood-sample-of-african-american-women-in-detroit/
Ddt – a brief history and status. (2021, March 17). Retrieved March 26, 2021, from https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/ddt-brief-history-and-status
Author: William Anderson (Schoolworkhelper Editorial Team) https://schoolworkhelper.net/ Tutor and Freelance Writer. Science Teacher and Lover of Essays. Article last reviewed: 2020 | St. Rosemary Institution © 2010-2021 | Creative Commons 4.0, Author:, & Tutor and Freelance Writer. Science Teacher and Lover of Essays. Article last reviewed: 2020 | St. Rosemary Institution © 2010-2021 | Creative Commons 4.0. (n.d.). Ddt: Environmental impact, dangers, history. Retrieved March 26, 2021, from https://schoolworkhelper.net/ddt-environmental-impact-dangers-history/#:~:text=DDT%20has%20had%20a%20huge,interferes%20with%20certain%20reproductive%20enzymes.