How DDT Can Help Control Malaria

DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) is a moderately toxic insecticide that is used in the control of malaria. It is It was banned in the USA in 1972 (Ambose et al., 2016). It is, however, authorized for use in some states. Due to its highly insoluble nature in water, it is very persistent in the environment it is used in. Upon entering the soil, it decomposes into DDD and DDE both of which are of smaller atomic mass but have the same adverse effects as DDT. In addition to its environmental hazards, the insecticide affects humans who are exposed to it. In mild exposure, the drug leads to nausea, diarrhea, and irritation of eyes, nose, and throat. In higher exposure rates, the drug leads to convulsions and tremors. Taking into consideration the effects that the pesticide has, it is unwise that it should be allowed for use in the control of malaria. A case that would probably require such a desperate measure is when no other means of controlling the disease are available. There exist numerous ways of controlling malaria most of which have lesser side effects and are far more environmental friendly.

Zika virus is one of the diseases that like malaria is spread by mosquitoes. In a bid to control the disease, I would recommend the use of natural insecticides such as pyrethrum-based sprays which have minimal effect on the environment and the people who get exposed to them. Furthermore, other measures such as draining stagnant water in residential areas would be a primary objective. In addition to reduced effects on the people and the environment, natural pesticides are readily available. An excellent example is a pyrethrum which is easily grown even in the areas that do not have very good climatic conditions. Mosquitoes pose a major threat in both the spread of malaria and Zika virus and should, therefore, be controlled by all means possible.

Reference

Ambrose, S., Florian, C., Ritchie, R. J., Payer, D., & O’Brien, R. M. (2016). Recovery of American peregrine falcons along the upper Yukon River, Alaska.  The Journal of Wildlife Management ,  80 (4), 609-620.