The chemicals DDT and PCB are still causing environmental problems despite being banned for nearly four decades. These chemicals were used in such components as agricultural pesticides, commercial oil and plastics, and electrical equipment before the negative environmental effects were discovered. The chemical DDT was banned in 1972 while PCB was banned in 1979.
The Associated Press published an article today stating that the EPA will be replacing a protective covering over a large deposit of these chemicals located in the ocean off Southern California. The deposit was initially dumped from the sewer system between 1947 to 1971 by Montrose Chemical Company. It has been determined that the current covering is eroding but can not yet be replaced due to the risk of releasing higher levels of contaminants. The EPA stated that the area of DDT/PCB deposit will not be recovered until 2012. In the mean time, research will be conducted to determine the best way to perform the project.
Both DDT and PCB chemicals can cause a number of health problems in humans especially when ingested. However, DDT is best known for the harmful effects it had on the Bald Eagle and Osprey populations. When ingested by these birds of prey largely by consuming contaminated fish, eggs laid were calcium deficient resulting in unsuccessful breeding seasons and dramatic population declines. Once these chemicals were banned and conservation programs implemented, both the Bald Eagle and Osprey populations have been recovering in healthy numbers.
Picture shown was taken in 2007 at the Roger Wiliams Zoo. The Bald Eagle was near extinction due to the harmful effects of DDT.
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