Pure DDT

     In its pure form, DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) is an organochlorine insecticide which is a white, crystalline solid, tasteless, and almost oderless (like table salt). 1.

     One of the worries about DDT is it doesn't break down in the environment or in organisms. Its long life is due to its low solubility in water and it's relatively high solubility in fats. In other words DDT will not dissolve in water but will in the fats of organisms.

     The way it effects humans is through the food supplies. Cow eats the plants that were sprayed by DDT. When we later consume the cow we end up having DDT in our system. The fields that were sprayed with DDT also leech into our rivers, streams and the lakes. When it rains DDT is swept away into our waterways where DDT clings to the plants and the krill. The fish eat the contaminated plant and then the larger fish eats the smaller fish and we end up consuming the poisonous fish.

                     We consume the product.

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d e f g h i} Toxicological Profile: for DDT, DDE, and DDE. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, September 2002.