list two reasons why DDT should not be used...
Doesn't it cause human birth defects? And stay in the environment a long time? And cause bird eggs to be too thin to hatch successfully?
You mentioned three reasons why DDT should not be used. Let's discuss two of them: the potential for causing human birth defects and its persistence in the environment.
1. Human Birth Defects: DDT has been associated with increasing the risk of certain birth defects in humans. Exposure to DDT during pregnancy has been linked to developmental issues in babies, such as physical deformities and neurological impairments. However, it's important to note that the direct impact of DDT on human birth defects is still a matter of scientific debate and ongoing research.
2. Environmental Persistence: DDT is known for its long-lasting persistence in the environment. When DDT is used to control pests, it can accumulate in soil, water bodies, and the food chain. Once DDT enters the environment, it takes a significantly long time to break down, often several years or even decades. This persistence leads to its bioaccumulation in organisms, meaning it can build up to higher concentrations as it passes through the food chain. As a result, DDT can have harmful effects on non-target organisms, including birds, fish, and other wildlife.
It's worth mentioning one more reason mentioned in your question:
3. Impact on Bird Eggs: DDT is notorious for causing thinning of the eggshells in certain bird species. When birds consume prey contaminated with DDT, the chemical interferes with their calcium metabolism, resulting in the production of thinner eggshells. Thinner shells are more likely to crack during incubation, leading to population declines in affected bird species.
To gather more detailed information on this topic, you can consult scientific research articles, reports from reputable environmental agencies, or refer to reliable scientific databases, such as PubMed or Google Scholar.