D.D.T., Though Deadly To Insects, Has Little Toxic Effect On Man

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 12, 13 January 1948, Page 5

D.D.T., Though Deadly To Insects, Has Little Toxic Effect On Man

With infantile paralysis a present menace, the destruction of insect pests is of paramount importance, especially the destruction of flies, and D.D.T., which hit the headlines during the war, seems to be the most efficient and dependable insecticide known to date. It is what is known as a contact poison, which that when an irfsect walks over D.D.T. the substance is absorbed, probably through the nerve endings, and has a powerful toxic effect on the nervous system, producing oonvulsions, then paralysis and death. Death does not come quickly, but within one to four hours. Lasting Effects

Some insecticides usually control the visible insect pests, but others will continue to breed in nooks and crannies. This is where D.D.T. is invaluable because of its residual toxic effect, which remains lethal for weeks, sometimes months. First step in controlling the worst of insect pests, , flies, is the destruction and removal of their breeding grounds. Frequent removal and proper disposal of manure, garbage and other refuse is of primary importance. Dusting and spraying of these areas is only a secondary duty and cannot be relied on as a certain method of destruction. Care must be taken in regard to foodstuffs, for although D.D.T. has little toxic effect on man, it can produce gastric or nervous symptoms if inhaled or ingested for any length of time.