Tuesday, July 27, 2010

How dangerous is DDT on humans today?


  • DDT and DDE were detected in almost all human blood samples as tested by US Centres for Disease Control in 2005
  • DDT is classified as "moderately toxic" by the United States National Toxicology Programn (NTP) and is "moderately hazardous" by WHO
  • The United Nations Environment Programme organised the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants where countries joined together to negotiate a treaty to enact global bans or restrictions on (POPs). The Convention states limited exemption for the use of DDT to control malaria.
  • In September 2006, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared its support for the indoor use of DDT in African countries. It cites that benefits outweighs health and environment risks.
  • Now, DDT is one of 12 pesticides recommended by WHO for indoor residual spray programs. It is up to countries to decide whether or not to use it.

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