Dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDT) is a nonsystemic contact insecticide. The compound has been employed against a variety of pests. Although DDT can be used to combat insect-transmitted disease, it's most common application is in agriculture. The chemical was widely utilized across the globe from World War II up until 1972. In that year, concern over the potential threat of environmental damage eventually caused the United States to restrict its use.
An organochlorine, DDT's chemical formula is C14H9Cl5. The compound can be variously described. In addition to dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane, it is also known as the following: (1) p,p'-DDT; (2) 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane; and (3) 4,4'DDT. There are actually three ..."
Abstract This paper examines the dangers of the notorious chemical DDT and shows why it should be banned by the year 2007, as environmentalist groups have aimed to do. The paper covers issues relating to the chemical including a growing resistance to its use, effective alternatives and the extent of its environmental destruction.
From the Paper "The environmental damage that DDT causes is enough in itself to justify a total ban. DDT is a very persistent chemical and because if its molecular structure breaks down very slowly within nature. There are rough estimates that the half-life of DDT is around 12-15 years depending on the climate it is exposed to. This is partly why it is so dangerous in the environment. Another factor is that DDT is able to travel great distances, and is found every where throughout the globe. This is a strange and disturbing discovery because some places have never been sprayed before, such as Antarctica and the ocean bottoms. The spraying of DDT has unintentionally killed some main predators of the mosquito. Dragonfly larva hunt mosquito larva in puddles and stagnant ponds and also the adult dragonfly will hunt adult mosquitoes further reducing their numbers. DDT has worked in the past but as it destroyed fragile ecosystems it has now increased mosquito numbers. DDT is also the linked chemical responsible for the decline in the population of the Bald eagle and the Peregrine falcon. These two species are at the top of the food chain, thus their prey usually have been exposed to DDT."
Abstract This paper discusses the occurrence of malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa. The paper reviews the first program to control the spread of malaria in Sub-Saharan African countries that started in the 1920's with larval restraint. The governments in Sub-Saharan Africa have encouraged policies that target the destruction of the mosquitoes that cause this disease, since reliable means to contain this disease are out of their reach. These policies have paved way for excessive utilization of man-made insect-killers, mainly dichlorodiphenyl trichioroethane (DDT). This man-made insect-killer is said to possess extreme side affects to both the environment and the human life. The paper examines the reasons that have triggered the developed world to ban the use of DDT and explores the attempts to influence Third World countries to also take the initiative to ban the use of DDT. The paper demonstrates that malaria entails exceedingly important economic expenditures on Sub-Saharan African countries.
Outline
Executive Summary
Background of the Study
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Significance of the Study
Research Questions
Review of the Literature
Malaria Incidence in Sub-Saharan Africa
Age and Gender Analysis of Malaria Cases
Financial Expenses of Malaria Treatment
Malaria Prevention and Control in Sub-Saharan Africa
Pertinent Foundation
DDT is Necessary to Control Malaria
Abolishing the Use of DDT Function of the World Health Organization
Influence of International Policies
Methodology
Collection of Data
Data Analysis and Search Tactics
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "It is common knowledge that malaria is the world's most lethal bloodsucking infection. Malaria takes life from more people than any other infectious virus, apart from tuberculosis (TB). Despite the fact that the geological region influenced by malaria has reduced drastically in size in the preceding five decades, restraining Malaria has turned out to be extremely difficult, in fact impossible, and the efforts and improvements by the respective governments have been wasted.
The infection is passed on by Anopheline mosquitoes, the figure and kind of which establish the degree of flow in a specified region. Augmented threat of the infection is related with transformations in the utilization of land concerning actions like highway construction, mining, logging, as well as, farming and irrigation ventures, predominantly in border regions like the Sub-Sahara Africa. One of the cures for this ailment that has been extremely useful is the utilization of DDT."
Abstract This essay contains the history of the pesticide DDT and it's uses within the environment. DTT is a harmful pesticide which has been detrimental to the environment, and has caused a decline in a variety of species. The author focuses specifically on the effects of the pesticide on the environment.
From the Paper " As earth's population grows so does the demand for food, and the use of pesticides has become essential in meeting this demand. The first important synthetic organic pesticide was a chlorinated hydrocarbon, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane or DDT. DDT was discovered in 1939 by Swiss chemist Paul M?eller. In its early days, DDT was a popular pesticide because it was toxic to a wide range of insect pests, yet it appeared to have low toxicity to mammals. DDT was also persistent, which meant the pesticide didn't break down rapidly in the environment and therefore did not need to be reapplied often and since DDT was insoluble it did not wash off by rain or other weather conditions. Although gradually throughout time it was discovered that many insects had developed resistance to DDT, and it was discovered that DDT did in fact pose to be harmful to the ecosystem. This discovery created wide public interest and made people aware that chemicals were polluting the environment. As a result DDT was banned for use in North America and other countries in the early 1970?s. Though pesticides, such as DDT, may decrease the number of insects, throughout history it has been proven that there is a detrimental effect upon the environment, animals and humans as a result."
Abstract The paper looks at the influence of the book on the ban of the use of DDT, and how it spurred revolutionary changes in the laws that have been destroying air, land and water of this planet. The initiation of the environmental movement is explored in relation to the book and the development of this movement is traced.
From the Paper "Seldom there have been incidents in the history of mankind that a single book has managed to alter the path of history, but Silent Spring written by Rachel Carson did precisely that. The book forced the ban on the use of DDT, after its publication in 1962, and spurred revolutionary changes in the laws that have been destroying air, land, and water of this planet. The obsessive concern of Carson for the future of this planet and the humanity that has been living for billions of years, echoed forcefully throughout the world, as her expressive book has been influential in the initiation of the environmental movement (2)."
Abstract After providing a brief autobiography of the author of "Silent Spring", Rachel Carson, the paper discusses the book itself in a chapter-by-chapter summary. "Silent Spring" was Carson's way of presenting to the public the dangers of the use of DDT. The paper also includes quotes from the text.
From the Paper "In Detroit, Michigan the Michigan Department of Agriculture decided to cover their city with Aldrin pellets, the most dangerous poison at the time (and the cheapest), to destroy their population of Japanese Beetles which had arrived in Detroit on plants imported from Mississippi. Carelessly they sprayed the pellets over the human population and when it rained over night the pellets were watered down and puddles of lethal poison lay scattered across the ground."
Abstract This paper shows how humankind's interaction with the environment in the late 20th century and early 21st century, particularly the diminution of natural resources such as fossil fuels, is causing problems that will perhaps lead to a localized global culture in the future. The paper begins by defining key terms such as 'environment' and by giving a brief background to bring issues into the postmodern perspective. The paper delineates the impact on the environment of oil, gas, coal and freshwater shortages; deforestation; air pollution; DDT; Teflon; population growth; and mass consumerism (particularly tourism and technology) as a product of globalization. The paper also supports the ideas presented in environment-conflict theory, arguing that unless speedy efforts are made to find new energy sources and reduce current energy consumption it is possible that the world may revert to a factional global society similar to that of over two centuries ago.
From the Paper "The movement towards a more localized organization of societies around the world is being pushed environmentally not only by the depletion of fossil fuels but by the pollution of the environment as a result of consumption in the globalized world. DDT (a pesticide) and other 'Persistent Organic Pollutants' (POPs) pose both risks to human health and possible long-term effects on the local environment. DDT has a half life of between 2-15 years and is immobile in most soils and can persist for weeks in rivers and lakes."
Abstract This paper examines the effects of environmental pollution on pollinators, specifically the honeybee, and how this organism can be used as an indicator of environmental health. Emphasis is placed on examining the toxicity and effect of various pesticides including DDT, malathion and various fungicides. In addition, the influence on the health of pollinators from atmospheric heavy metal pollution is addressed. The importance of the honeybee to the future of agriculture is the theme throughout this essay.
From the Paper ?Bees are one of the most important elements of agriculture. They are one of the most widespread and efficient pollinators. For this reason, the effects of pollution on bees is an ever growing area of interest for many scientists who fear that bee populations may be at risk from human activity. Air pollution from vehicles and industry can have adverse effects on bee populations. However, one of the greatest areas of concern is the effect of pesticides due to the direct and sometimes high exposure of foraging bees to these toxic chemicals."
Abstract This paper discusses how Rachel Carson and Barbara McClintock,two of the most successful 20th century female scientists in the world often had their early work denigrated and ignored. Carson's work helped the world recognize the destructive and deadly powers of DDT and its relatives and helped establish the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Dr. Barbara McClintock won a Nobel Prize in 1983, after more than fifty years of research in genetic transposition. This paper looks at how both women had difficulty finding decent positions and reaching acceptance from their peers and how female scientists today continue to make great strides in research and technology, but still have difficulty in being taken seriously by their colleagues.
From the Paper "She began writing as a way to make extra income to help support herself and her mother, and left the Bureau of Fishers in 1952 to devote herself to writing. She began studying the effects of pesticides on people and animals as early as 1945. "'The more I learned about the use of pesticides, the more appalled I became,' Carson recalled"(Matthiessen). She went on to write one of the most influential volumes of the decade, "Silent Spring," which vehemently condemned (with startling and graphic research as evidence) the use of pesticides in commercial and agricultural spraying for the control of insects. Her description of the total annihilation of songbird populations where spraying occurred is chilling even today."
Tags: jumping, genes, nobel, prize, research, pesticides, agricultural, chemical, industry
Abstract This paper reports on the EPA's action or lack of action regarding endocrine disruptors in the environment. The paper investigates
what is known and is not known about endocrine disruptors, what is "revisionist thinking" regarding such substances as DDT, and what steps the EPA should take with all the information gathered.
Introduction
Background
Environmental studies
Human studies of EDs
In favor of greater activity by the EPA to limit exposure to EDs
Against the EPA moving more rapidly and purposefully against EDs
Conclusion
From the Paper "Another EPA issue mentioned in that article concerned girls in the United States. A University of North Carolina study of girls between ages 3 and 12 had found that girls were ?developing pubertal characteristics at younger ages than suggested by standard pediatric textbooks.? [5] The study had not concluded positively that environmental exposures had been implicated, but it did definitely correlate the risks of early puberty with later breast cancer. The release of estrogens begins at puberty. Women who experienced puberty earlier will have a longer duration of exposure to estrogens, and with it, a greater risk of developing breast cancer."
Abstract Rachel Carson is celebrated as one of the most influential conservationist of the 20th century and one who will continue to to inspire generations to come. This paper examines the life story of Carson, beginning with her childhood, her university education, and her love for nature. It also focuses on Carson's most famous book, "The Silent Spring", which opened the world's eyes to the dangers of pesticide such as DDT and changed the course of this form of destruction to the environment.
From the Paper "In 1958 Carson received a letter from Olga Owens Huckins, owner of a private bird sanctuary in Duxbury, Massachusetts, who was horrified one day to find birds dead and dying throughout her property (Rachel pp). Explaining that only days earlier local agencies had conducted a massive, unannounced spraying of the pesticide DDT, Huckins begged Carson to find someone in government to look into the regulations regarding chemical spraying (Rachel pp). Carson had long suspected the danger posed by the use of DDT and in fact had once tried to interest Reader's Digest in an article based on research by Elmer Higgins and Clarence Cottram at the Fish and Wildlife Service, but Reader's Digest declined and the findings were never released to the public (Rachel pp)."
Abstract For most people living in Third World countries, malaria is a matter of life and death. This paper examines the threat to countries in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. It discusses the forms of malaria and the main causes of an outbreak. The paper also looks at the organizations involved, which are dedicated to developing vaccines and doing away with the epidemics.
From the Paper "Another controversial treatment for the mosquitoes is the use of DDT. DDT has been shown to be the most cost-effective and safe insecticide available. Many studies are being conducted to determine if DDT has any side effects that may contribute to the premature death of many infants (Bates, Curtis, Roberts, Sharp, Shiff, Tren, 2004) One of the best methods of control in areas with seasonal malaria, is indoor residual spraying (Tren, TechCentral Station, 2004). Small amounts of the insecticides are sprayed on the walls of the houses where the adult mosquitoes rest. The cost of treatment for malaria is estimated at $12 billion per year."
Abstract Rachel Carson's 1962 book, "Silent Spring," unquestionably served as a catalyst in the formation of the modern environmental movement, rousing many to action, and profoundly altering the public conception of government, industry, and the human relationship to the natural world. This paper explores the myriad ways in which Carson revolutionized nature writing and her profound impact on American life.
From the Paper "Perhaps the most noticeable aspect of Carson's writing is its lack of overt glorification of the natural world. Gone are Muir's mountain "temples," "bathed in light, bathed in floods of singing water," or "the wild sheep of God" that populate Mary Austin's' landscape. Carson boldly does away with the grandiose language usually used to evoke emotion, and in its place she creates an overriding tone of objectivity. A trained biologist, she presents a vast body of information in a style that is succinct and straightforward, designed to have a logical, rather than artistic or spiritual, appeal. References to the divine, for example, are almost entirely lacking - a marked contrast between her work and that of most other writers. Rather, one races through a series of vividly sketched case studies and statistics, which together paint an increasingly convincing and dire picture. It is this tone of objectivity, somewhat ironically, that creates much of Silent Spring's tremendous emotional impact."
Abstract This paper studies the attempts by the agricultural sector to contain pest plagues, which every year threaten the destruction of farmers' economic viability. The author provides an historical overview of the relationship between pests and agriculture, focusing on artificial or chemical means to control pest plagues. The paper also examines the dangers of these remedies to the environment and explores alternative means, such as organic farming.
From the Paper "In order to reach yield levels that even come close to satisfying the food demands of the population and that also make farming economically viable, farmers developed, through necessity, a dependence on chemical fertilizers, modern machinery, pesticides, and the science of agriculture. Farmers walk a tightrope on a daily basis to remain financially solvent in the face of weather disasters, pest infestations, and fluctuating market prices. Any crop loss can have severe economic repercussions, and in the arena of pest plagues, unless a constant battle is waged, disaster is certain. Insects multiply at such a high rate that several generations of an insect species can hatch, develop, mature, and reproduce within a single crop season. There is no doubt that crop devastation due to pests is a grave concern."
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses the books "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson and "Cities in the Wilderness" by Bruce Babbitt. The paper then goes on to discuss how the presidents of the USA have dealt with energy and environmental issues, similar to those raised by Carson and Babbitt in their respective books.
From the Paper "The Nixon administration was ineffectual at changing the policy, and gradually, the oil embargo ended and gas lines disappeared. In addition, many different public agencies oversaw the energy policy, and that was inefficient at best. President Carter attempted to find alternative energy sources and regulate fuel consumption but Congress would not work with him. When Reagan took office in 1980, he did make some attempts to lower gas prices, but his administration still supported the oil and gas producers more than the people, in fact, his was a decade of close relationships with key oil and gas producers. He even removed the solar electricity generating panels President Carter had installed to help reduce energy costs at the White House. It is clear that the real solution is to raise energy taxes, but no president has been willing to go that far with their policy and thereby alienate many of the people."
