Why is DDT banned in most countries?

 

DDT stands for Dichloro-diphenyl trichloroethane. It is very effective as an insecticide but is very toxic to fish, shrimps, birds and plants. It is also very stable and does not degrade into smaller molecules, thus causing long-term toxicity in the environment. The stability of this compound is the main reason for it being banned in most countries.

Chlordane was another chemical used earlier to control termites around wooden houses.

These chemicals are so stable they can even show up in organically-grown foods.