The DDT Debate

James Vollick

  Introduced through underground aquifers, DDT is remembered as the most notorious chemical in environmental policy. The widespread use of DDT by farmers and suburban communities was seen as the primary operative responsible for sharp decline in the populations of raptors and songbirds. In order to give DDT a fair evaluation, we must examine the real findings that science has provided us. The paper employs a fact versus fiction scenario, or myth versus reality approach to explore policy options.