Is DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) safe for babies and kids?
High risk for kidsInfants accumulate DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) through breast milk (bioconcentration), placental transfer, and dust ingestion. Persistent pollutants concentrate in fatty tissues with extended half-lives in developing organisms.
What is ddt (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)?
The IUPAC name is 1-chloro-4-[2,2,2-trichloro-1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl]benzene.
Also known as: 1-chloro-4-[2,2,2-trichloro-1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl]benzene, 1-Chloro-4-(2,2,2-trichloro-1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl)benzene, RefChem:127031, Clofenotane.
- IUPAC name
- 1-chloro-4-[2,2,2-trichloro-1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl]benzene
- CAS number
- 50-29-3
- Molecular formula
- C14H9Cl5
- Molecular weight
- 354.5 g/mol
- SMILES
- C1=CC(=CC=C1C(C2=CC=C(C=C2)Cl)C(Cl)(Cl)Cl)Cl
- PubChem CID
- 3036
Risk for babies
High riskInfants accumulate DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) through breast milk (bioconcentration), placental transfer, and dust ingestion. Persistent pollutants concentrate in fatty tissues with extended half-lives in developing organisms.
Neonates and infants up to 12 months have incomplete blood-brain barrier development, immature Phase I/II metabolic enzymes (particularly CYP3A4, UGT1A1), and higher gastrointestinal permeability. Equivalent doses produce higher internal concentrations and longer residence times.
Risk for pregnant and nursing people
Elevated riskPlacental transfer; preterm birth; DDE disrupts progesterone signaling.
Regulatory consensus
11 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane). The classifications differ — that's the data.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IARC | 2015 | Group 2A (probably carcinogenic to humans) | Breast cancer, NHL; Monograph 113; reclassified from 2B |
| US EPA | 1987 | Likely to be carcinogenic to humans | Liver tumors; banned US 1972; still globally used for malaria control |
| EPA CTX / IRIS | — | B2 (Probable human carcinogen - based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in animals) | |
| EPA CTX / NTP RoC | — | Reasonably Anticipated to be a Human Carcinogen | |
| EPA CTX / IARC | — | Group 2A - Probably carcinogenic to humans | |
| EPA CTX / EPA OPP | — | Group B2 Probable Human Carcinogen | |
| EPA CTX / CalEPA | — | Known human carcinogen | |
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: negative (Ames: negative, 4 positive / 6 negative reports) | |
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: negative (Ames: negative, 4 positive / 6 negative reports) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | Eye Irritation: Category 2B (score: moderate) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | Skin Irritation: Not classified (score: low) |
Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.
Where kids encounter ddt (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
- Industrial Facilities — Manufacturing plants, Chemical storage areas, Waste treatment sites
- Occupational Environments — Factories, Warehouses, Transportation vehicles
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane):
-
Physical/mechanical pest control (IPM)
Trade-offs: More labor-intensive. May not be sufficient for severe infestations.Relative cost: Variable; lower long-term
Frequently asked questions
Is ddt (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) safe for kids?
Infants accumulate DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) through breast milk (bioconcentration), placental transfer, and dust ingestion. Persistent pollutants concentrate in fatty tissues with extended half-lives in developing organisms.
What products contain ddt (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)?
DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) appears in: Manufacturing plants (Industrial facilities); Chemical storage areas (Industrial facilities); Factories (Occupational environments); Warehouses (Occupational environments).
What should I do if my child is exposed to ddt (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)?
Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.
Why do regulators disagree about ddt (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)?
DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) has been classified by 11 agencies including IARC, US EPA, EPA CTX / IRIS, EPA CTX / NTP RoC, EPA CTX / IARC, with differing conclusions. Regulators apply different standards of evidence (animal data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds), which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. See the regulatory consensus table on this page for the full picture.
See DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) in the baby app
Look up products containing ddt (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (2)
- IARC Monographs Volume 113: DDT, Lindane, and 2,4-D (2015) — regulatory
- US EPA: DDT — A Brief History and Status (1987) — regulatory
Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →