Which pesticide was banned due to its harmful environmental effects?

Prepare for the Agriculture Associate Certification Exam. Enhance your knowledge with multiple-choice questions, each with detailed explanations. Get exam-ready and boost your confidence!

The pesticide in question that was banned due to its harmful environmental effects is DDT. Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane (DDT) was widely used for agricultural and vector control purposes due to its effectiveness in killing pests. However, over time, it became evident that DDT posed significant risks to wildlife and ecosystems, particularly because it is persistent in the environment and bioaccumulates in the food chain.

DDT was found to have detrimental effects on bird populations, leading to eggshell thinning, which resulted in declines in species like the bald eagle and peregrine falcon. Its impacts extended beyond avian life, affecting various organisms and leaving long-lasting residues in soil and water. As a result of these severe environmental consequences, DDT was banned for agricultural use in many countries, especially with the growing awareness brought about by Rachel Carson’s book "Silent Spring," which highlighted the dangers of pesticides.

While other listed pesticides, such as chlordane and aldicarb, also have restrictions or have been banned in certain jurisdictions, DDT's extensive history of harmful ecological impacts, particularly in the mid-20th century, marks it as a significant case in the movement toward environmentally responsible pesticide use. Roundup, on

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