In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assert...
Assertion (A): DDT has nowadays lost its use as an insecticide.
Reason (R): DDT has harmful to man.
The correct answer is option 'B': Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
Explanation:
DDT and its Use as an Insecticide:
DDT, short for dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, is a synthetic pesticide that was widely used as an insecticide in the past. It was highly effective in controlling pests and played a significant role in reducing the spread of diseases like malaria and typhus.
Loss of Use:
However, over time, DDT has lost its popularity and is no longer widely used as an insecticide. There are several reasons for this decline in usage:
1. Environmental Impact: DDT is a persistent organic pollutant. It does not easily break down in the environment and can accumulate in the food chain. This poses a significant threat to wildlife, particularly birds and fish. The harmful effects of DDT on birds, including thinning of eggshells, were observed, leading to population decline.
2. Resistance Development: Prolonged and widespread use of DDT led to the development of insecticide resistance in many pest species. This means that the insects have become less susceptible to the effects of DDT, making it less effective in controlling them.
3. Health Concerns: DDT has been linked to various health issues in humans. Although it was initially considered safe and widely used for pest control, studies have shown that long-term exposure to DDT can have adverse effects on human health. It has been associated with reproductive and developmental problems, as well as certain types of cancer.
Harmful to Humans:
The Reason (R) states that DDT is harmful to humans. This statement is true. While DDT was used extensively in the past, its harmful effects on human health have become a cause for concern. Prolonged exposure to DDT has been associated with various health issues, including:
1. Reproductive and Developmental Problems: DDT has been linked to adverse effects on reproductive health, such as infertility, miscarriages, and birth defects. It can disrupt hormone function and interfere with normal reproductive processes.
2. Cancer Risk: Studies have shown a potential link between DDT exposure and certain types of cancer, including breast cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
3. Endocrine Disruption: DDT is known to disrupt the endocrine system, which regulates hormone production and function in the body. This can lead to hormonal imbalances and associated health problems.
However, it is important to note that the Reason (R) does not provide a correct explanation for the Assertion (A). The loss of use of DDT as an insecticide is primarily due to environmental concerns, resistance development, and regulatory restrictions. While the harmful effects on human health contribute to its decline in usage, they are not the sole reason for it. Hence, option 'B' is the correct answer.
In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assert...
DDT has lost its use as an insecticide because insects have developed immunity against it. However, it is true that DDT is harmful to man.