Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
- Pronunciation
- /dih-klor-o-di-fen-il-tri-klor-o-ethane/
- Category
- Chemical Insecticide
- Singular
- Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
- Plural
- Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
Definition
A synthetic organochlorine insecticide, first synthesized in 1874, that was widely used to control various insect pests but has been largely banned due to its environmental persistence and toxicity.
Etymology
From the chemical structure of the molecule.
Example
DDT was widely used to control malaria-carrying mosquitoes but its persistence in the environment led to its banning in many countries.
Related Terms
- Organochlorines
- Insecticide
- Bioaccumulation
Usage Notes
DDT is highly persistent in the environment and can accumulate in food chains, leading to biomagnification.