DDT
Definition
DDT (Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane) is a synthetic insecticide that was widely used in the mid-20th century to control mosquitoes and other insects. It was later banned in many countries due to its harmful environmental impacts.
Analogy
Think of DDT as a super-effective bug spray that everyone loved using at a summer barbecue. But then we found out this bug spray was not only killing bugs but also harming birds, fish, and even us humans! So, just like we'd stop using a harmful sunscreen that's damaging our skin, countries stopped using DDT.
Related terms
Pesticides: Substances used to destroy pests. They can be natural or synthetic and are used in agriculture and public health initiatives.
Bioaccumulation: The accumulation of substances, such as pesticides or other chemicals, in an organism. This happens when an organism absorbs a substance faster than it can break it down or excrete it.
Endangered Species Act: A law passed in 1973 aimed at protecting species threatened with extinction.
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