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Posted

A cousin of mine recently told me that kids used to run behind the mosquito foggers dragged through his small town in the 60's. The main ingredient was DDT but it seems there was an additive used in the mix to make the fog smell better.

Upon more reflection, that may explain a LOT of things...

Posted

Don't remind me. I recall running behind the trucks spraying for Dutch Elm disease. By the time mosquito fogging came around, we had some mild sense to stay out of it.

Posted

Is it true that more people died of malaria than would have been harmed by DDT? IE - the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

As I recall, DDT is not particularly hazardous to humans. It's still used today in many countries. The problem was that it devastated bird populations by causing their eggshells to become thin. It's possible that the only reason we still have bald eagles is because of the ban on DDT.

Given that malaria is not a big problem in the U.S. the ban here is probably an unequivocal good thing.

Posted

Is it true that more people died of malaria than would have been harmed by DDT? IE - the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

As I recall, DDT is not particularly hazardous to humans. It's still used today in many countries. The problem was that it devastated bird populations by causing their eggshells to become thin. It's possible that the only reason we still have bald eagles is because of the ban on DDT.

Given that malaria is not a big problem in the U.S. the ban here is probably an unequivocal good thing.

How would bald eagles become exposed to DDT? Was the stuff used in wilderness areas that these birds thrive in?

Posted

Is it true that more people died of malaria than would have been harmed by DDT? IE - the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

As I recall, DDT is not particularly hazardous to humans. It's still used today in many countries. The problem was that it devastated bird populations by causing their eggshells to become thin. It's possible that the only reason we still have bald eagles is because of the ban on DDT.

Given that malaria is not a big problem in the U.S. the ban here is probably an unequivocal good thing.

How would bald eagles become exposed to DDT? Was the stuff used in wilderness areas that these birds thrive in?

The eagles got exposed it was thought mostly through fish... Fish eat bugs that were coated with DDT then the Eagles would catch and eat the DDT tainted fish and it was then passed into the eggs...

Posted

Is it true that more people died of malaria than would have been harmed by DDT? IE - the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

As I recall, DDT is not particularly hazardous to humans. It's still used today in many countries. The problem was that it devastated bird populations by causing their eggshells to become thin. It's possible that the only reason we still have bald eagles is because of the ban on DDT.

Given that malaria is not a big problem in the U.S. the ban here is probably an unequivocal good thing.

How would bald eagles become exposed to DDT? Was the stuff used in wilderness areas that these birds thrive in?

Eagles eat the fish that grew up in the creek and ate the insects.

Eagles eat road kill when there's no fish handy. Or you will see them at the landfill hunting rats maybe and eating garbage. They are a noble bird but they take food anywhere they can get it.

Fast on the draw there, Scott. [:)]

Posted

Another concern with DDT was the overuse. Yes it was fogged by the thousands of gallons over millions of areas in metro areas for mosquito control. My Uncle would buy train tanker car loads of it and repackage it in brown gallon jugs, label it and sell it all over Michigan. It remains toxic for nearly "ever". Nasty stuff and as with all chemicals has a defined purpose that is sometimes not followed.

Posted

From our pest control office collection:

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62.88 KBThree of the biggest killer chemicals shown here.

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Lonnie is a hoarder!

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