Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT)

DDT is a synthetic pesticide that belongs to the organic halogen compound family. Its usage has had a considerable detrimental influence on the health of animals and has resulted in extensive pollution of water and soil resources. The Stockholm Convention permits a limited exemption for the use of DDT in mosquito control program to suppress the vector that causes malaria. DDT has been classified by IARC as a possible carcinogen in humans. Most studies, including those conducted on Indian populations from diverse geographic regions, reported significant levels of DDT in human milk and blood. Between 2001 and 2014, global DDT usage for malaria and leishmaniosis prevention decreased by 30%. The majority of countries appear to have regulations in place that prohibit or restrict DDT manufacture, import, export, and usage, demonstrating that progress has been made in implementing or modifying national DDT legislation. India is also focusing on its efforts to reduce dependency on DDT by promoting the Long-Lasting Insecticidal Net (LLIN) and Neem-based and bacteria-based biopesticides. This is encouraged for the future, and additional remedial efforts should be made to eliminate DDT residuals from severely contaminated places.