The Commons Blog thinks that bringing back DDT is a swell idea, as does Nicholas Kristof at the New York Times. To return to comments I made earlier this week, this is a “penny-wise and pound-foolish” solution. DDT causes nervous system disorders and reproductive problems, and is linked to liver cancer. And, it’s bioaccumulative — it sticks around long after the initial application. Plus, (as neither Kristof or the Commons Blog folks mention), Mexico’s done a bang-up job of controlling malaria without DDT. (in PDF — sorry!) This is irresponsible, especially when offered as “help” for the victims of the tsunami.
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