DDT Fact Sheet

Source of Exposure

The use of DDT has been greatly restricted in past years due to its persistence in the environment and accumulation in the food chain. DDT breaks into partially dechlorinated derivatives known as DDE and DDD which have extremely long half lives in the body. DDT contamination may be found on produce from countries where application of the pesticide is still legal. This product was manufactured under the trade names of Zeidane, Anofox, Arkotine, Ridimac, Isodex, Rigmar and Neocid.

Symptoms

Acute exposure may cause nausea, dizziness, tremors, and convulsions and loss of consciousness. These poisons are absorbed across the gut and interfere with the transmission of nerve impulses. This neurologic interference can produce weakness, apprehension, excitability and disorientation in an exposed patient. Additional symptoms may be irregular or depressed respiration as well as myocardial irritability. Many forms of the pesticide may be delivered in petroleum solvents that may contribute to respiratory depression upon exposure.

Blood Concentrations

While DDT can be found in the serum of the general population, it is DDE derivative that is the most frequently found. DDE is present in 98% of the population and at an average serum level of 4.2 PPB. (EHS data)

Toxic Levels

In general the risk from acute exposure to DDT is limited. The dangers from the compound come from its persistence in the fat compartment of the body. DDT has been clearly linked to reproductive problems and birth defects in animals.

Metabolism

DDT is converted to a less toxic form known as DDE. This form of DDT will not undergo further biotransformation but is stored in the fat and adipose tissue. Detoxification may be achieved by dechlorinating it to DDD which is water soluble and can be excreted in the urine.

Summary

Classification Chlorinated Pesticide
Population Average (DDE) 4.2 PPB (serum)
Frequency Per 100 (DDE) 98.2%
Onset of Symptoms Data not available
Death Data not available
Half Life Indefinite
LD 50 (oral-rat) 113 mg/kg

References

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