DDT Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

DDT - Article Example However, due to high prevalence and mortality rate associated with malaria, I suggest review of the policy governing the use of DDT and the insecticide be reintroduced to prevent high malaria outbreak in African continent. To make this decision, it is important to have toxicological data on the effects of the insecticide on human health and the environment. Concerns about toxicity of DDT on human health are based on the storage of the compound and its metabolites in the human body fat, the occurrence of DDT residues and its radicals in human milk, the potential of causing cancer in addition to fears of interfering with hormones in the body (WHO, 2007). From these concerns, it is important to have toxicological data regarding its effects on various physiological processes in the body. These include effects on respiratory, reproductive and circulatory systems among others. Currently, toxicological data on DDT indicates that exposure to high concentration of the insecticide within half an hour does not cause permanent health effects (CDC, 2010). In addition, the insecticide has low order of severe toxicity when inhaled (CDC, 2010). ATSDR (2002) lists the four phases of disposition of toxic compound in assessment of its toxicity. Absorption of a compound into the body is the first phase, followed by its distribution in the body in the second stage. The third phase entails metabolism or the breakdown of the compound in the body and finally secretion of the chemicals from the body is the fourth and final phase (ATSDR, 2002). DDT enters the body through contact of the chemical with skin and the mouth when swallowed. WHO (2007) notes that the insecticide has marginal severe toxicity on dermal contact but is extremely poisonous when taken orally. The first phase of absorption involves the movement of molecules across membranes.