Evaluate the use of DDT based on its advantages and disadvantages.
DDT is effective in controlling malaria and improving crop yields but poses significant environmental and health risks, such as wildlife harm and potential human health issues. The WHO's move toward phasing out DDT suggests that its disadvantages are considered to outweigh its advantages.
How did the World Health Organization's policy on DDT change in 2006?
In 2006, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the use of DDT for indoor residual spraying in buildings and areas with a high incidence of malaria, while still aiming for a total phase-out by the early 2020s.
What regulatory actions were taken regarding the use of DDT in the late 20th and early 21st centuries?
In the 1970s and 1980s, the use of DDT in farming was banned in many developed countries. The 2001 Stockholm Convention regulated DDT by banning it in farming but permitting it for disease control.
What are some environmental and health impacts of DDT mentioned in the text?
DDT has been linked to thinning eggshells in birds like the peregrine falcon, cancer in humans, premature births, low birth weight, and reduced mental development.
Why did public opinion turn against DDT in the 1960s?
In the 1960s, the publication of "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson highlighted the environmental damage caused by DDT, including its role in bioaccumulation and biomagnification, leading to a shift in public opinion against its use.
What economic benefits does DDT offer in the context of malaria control?
DDT reduces malaria transmission by killing mosquitoes, which decreases time off work due to malaria, boosts worker productivity, and lowers healthcare costs for governments, employers, families, and individuals.
Why is it important to use alternative technologies in managing pollution from products like aerosols?
Alternative technologies, such as roll-on deodorants instead of aerosol sprays, help reduce the emission of harmful pollutants. By using these substitutes, we can decrease the release of ozone-depleting substances into the atmosphere, thereby mitigating their environmental impact.
What is the purpose of international treaties like the Montreal Protocol in pollution management?
The Montreal Protocol aims to phase out the production and use of numerous substances responsible for ozone depletion. It is an international treaty designed to reduce and ultimately eliminate the use of CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances to protect the earth's ozone layer.
How can the long-term impact of pollutants on the ecosystem be managed, particularly those that contribute to ozone depletion?
Managing the long-term impacts involves providing protection from increased UV radiation. This can include using sunscreen or protective clothing for humans, implementing UV-resistant technologies in buildings and materials, and developing improved crops with more UV resistance, possibly through genetic modification.
What actions can be taken to manage the release of pollutants such as CFCs?
To manage the release of pollutants like CFCs, actions include recycling CFCs from disused refrigerators, creating and enforcing emission standards, laws, or regulations, and using more efficient technology to reduce the usage of ozone-depleting substances.