DDT and child development

Although banned in the US, DDT is still used in developing nations. According to the BBC|News, a recent report indicates child development problems associated with exposure to the pesticide, already linked to low birth weight and premature birth.

The researchers tested the mental and physical skills of the women's babies at six, 12 and 24 months using established tests to measure the children's development.

For each tenfold increase in DDT levels measured in the mother, the team found a corresponding two to three-point decrease in the children's mental development scores at 12 and 24 months.

Children with the highest DDT exposures in the womb were associated with a seven to 10-point decrease in test scores, compared to the lowest exposures.

When the children's physical skills were measured, there were two-point decreases in children's scores at six and 12 months for each tenfold increase in DDT levels in the mothers.

Malaria and mosquito control is a critical issue in many parts of the world. How do you conscientiously protect your population from malaria without damaging the minds and bodies of your youngest citizens?