Nonmalarial Infant Deaths and DDT Use for Malaria Control

Abstract

Although dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDT) is being banned worldwide, countries in sub-Saharan Africa have sought exemptions for malaria control. Few studies show illness in children from the use of DDT, and the possibility of risks to them from DDT use has been minimized. However, plausible if inconclusive studies associate DDT with more preterm births and shorter duration of lactation, which raise the possibility that DDT does indeed have such toxicity. Assuming that these associations are causal, we estimated the increase in infant deaths that might result from DDT spraying. The estimated increases are of the same order of magnitude as the decreases from effective malaria control. Unintended consequences of DDT use need to be part of the discussion of modern vector control policy.

Endocrine control of mucosal immunity in the female reproductive tract: Impact of environmental disruptors

“…Its endocrine activity has been observed in mice and rat toxicological studies, and available epidemiological evidence indicates that these effects may be occurring in humans as a result of DDT exposure. DDT exposure damages the reproductive system, reduces reproductive success, semen quality, menstruation, gestational length, and duration of lactation (Chen and Rogan 2003; Roberts, et al 2004; Rogan and Ragan 2003). In addition, exposure to DDT that would be needed in malaria control might cause preterm birth, which is a major contributor to infant mortality (Longnecker, et al 2001; Rogan and Chen 2005).…”

DDT in Malaria Control: Roberts and Tren Respond

“…We agree with them and appreciate their willingness to admit this, because their admission opposes published speculations that DDT might be causing more harm than good (Chen and Rogan 2003). …”

What does it take to control malaria?

“…Although DDT (dichlorodiphenyl-trichloroethane), the cheapest available insecticide, is particularly longlasting, repeated spraying is necessary to achieve a long-term effect, requiring a costly infrastructure. DDT is not biodegradable, and its use has been associated in humans with more preterm births and a shorter lactation period (Chen and Rogan, 2003), although the impact of DDT on human health is still debated. There is, however, concern about its impact on the environment when used widely as an agricultural pesticide, and communities become increasingly reluctant to use it for IRS, largely because such chlorinated hydrocarbons induce rusting of steel roofs.…”