Argumentative Essay Example on Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT)

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is a synthesized crystalline organochloride with colorless, tasteless, highly hydrophilic but soluble in organic solvents and odorless substance containing insecticidal properties which is harmful to the environment.

The use of DDT disinfectant has helped in fighting diseases which would have claimed many peoples lives globally. The highly durability nature of SDDT has elevated the use of DDT substances even for period lasting 12 years has years. Many people preferring its use since it cannot be washed away by water, and very hard led to break down by either air or light. (Berry, 2017)

Initial purpose of DDT was to control malaria, and other diseases control in the early 14th century. Consequently, farmers adopted the knowledge and started to use DDT substance to enrich the performance of their crops. Due to its durability, inexpensiveness, and effectiveness, construction companies preferred its use to control pests in the buildings.

Most household and industrial products contain dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane substances which then interfere with transport, secretion and synthesis thereby eliminating natural hormone which are responsible for development of the body tissues. The resultant effects are infertility, behavioral changes and causes hormonal imbalance. (Cone, May 4, 2009)Exposure to DDT substances may lead to serious health risks to humans, plants and animals including fishes. The effect on the lower animals could spread through food chain to higher animals via aves. when DDT is used for spraying mosquitoes as was done during the World War Two, and in agriculture, the compound is swept by running water during heavy downpour into rivers, pond, dams and lakes. Consequently, fishes feed on them and when finally eaten by eagles, it affects the whole food chain and food web altogether. Additionally, DDT substances accumulate in the fatty acid tissues in the wildlife resulting to health complications to wildlife if left for long in the open environment. (Placeholder4) (Haberman, Janury 22, 2017)

Conclusion

Having closely and effectively examined the pros and cons of the DDT, an endocrine inhibitor substance, with available evidences from various literatures and research centers, there are valid conclusion based on the evidences highlighted above. Moreover, the adverse effects on environment, agriculture and to human health is evidently conspicuous therefore, to comprehensively control malarial by use of DDT compound and substances leads to destruction of environment, ecology, and pose negative effects on human health. Since the consequences of using DDT substances on human environment and wildlife health are overridden by the negative impacts, it thus nit cost-effective to handle although use of DDT has succeeded in controlling malaria in different countries. Nonetheless, its ban in most of the developed countries including United States of America has a bearing to its negative impacts. However, malarial diseases can still be controlled by poisoning the larvae and mosquito breading. This can be achieved by clearing bushes surrounding homesteads and eliminating stagnant waters.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has initiated a campaign that tends to reduce malaria diseases by distributing treated nets to adversely affected countries. The main aim of resorting to other options to control pests, and malarial diseases is to ensure that the DDT substances are wiped away and their uses banned due to their effect and impacts in the environment and health of human and wildlife. Form the analysis of both negative and positive impacts DDT substances should be eradicated and their uses prohibited in the whole world since. This discussion is in support of ban of DDT substances since there is enough evidences of negative impacts exceeding its usefulness.

References

DDT and Silent Spring: FIFTY years after: Journal of Military and Veterans Health, Berry, C. S. 2017. '

Environmental Health News: Should DDT be Used to Combat Malaria.Cone, M. May 4, 2009.

New York: The New York Times Sale, Haberman, C. January 22, 2017.