Versatile as it may be, DDT is not a silver bullet in the fight against malaria. Like any other prevention method, it has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Although authoritative groups such as the World Health Organization have ruled that the benefits of indoor DDT spraying outweigh potential health risks, there are still uncertainties associated with the chemical. Toxicology reports vary in their conclusions, but most do agree that in large enough concentrations, DDT is a possible carcinogen. Consensus has yet to be established in various studies, but some have found potential links between DDT and cancer, decreased fertility, and adverse affects on the immune system.
Another major concern is that of environmental impacts. If not properly used, DDT may contaminate the surrounding environment by air, land, or water. This can become problematic if the chemicals enter food or drinking supplies of an ecosystem. Wildlife can be negatively impacted, particularly those of the aquatic and avian variety.
But perhaps the greatest drawback is the ability of mosquitoes to develop DDT resistance. It is possible for the effectiveness of DDT to be diminished if it is overused: natural selection has a tendency to favor mosquitoes that develop resistance. The mosquitoes that survive the encounters with DDT are more likely to breed, leading to even more resistant generations. Already, pockets of resistance exist where DDT has lost much of its effectiveness, leading to localized increases in malaria. DDT has done much to combat malaria, but it certainly has its limits. Continue reading
Blogal Prosperity by the Center for Global Prosperity 