What are DDT and DDE?
DDT (1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane) is a white, crystalline solid with no odor or taste. DDT was manufactured to control insects on agricultural crops and insects that carry diseases like malaria and typhus. It does not occur naturally in the environment. Because of damage to wildlife and the potential harm to human health, the production and use of DDT was banned in the United States, except for during public health emergencies. DDT is still used in some other countries. DDT breaks down into two similar products: DDE (1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(chlorophenyl) ethylene) and DDD (1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethane). Other names for DDT are Anofex, Cesarex, Chlorophenothane, Dedelo, p, p-DDT, Dinocide, Genitox, Gyron, Hildit, Ixodex, Pentachlorin, and Zerdane.
