Common Name: DDT Chemical Name: 1,1,1-Trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane Molecular Formula: C14H9Cl5 Appearance: White, crystalline solid, usually odorless Usage: Best known as an insecticide, particularly in agriculture and vector control programs, though most countries have phased out widespread use Solubility: Insoluble in water, easily dissolves in organic solvents Melting Point: Around 109°C
Hazard Class: Considered harmful if swallowed or inhaled Risks: Linked to liver damage, reproductive effects, probable human carcinogen status under major agencies such as EPA and IARC Target Organs: Liver, nervous system, reproductive organs Route of Entry: Inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption Symptoms of Exposure: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tremors, convulsions with high levels Environmental Risks: Persistent in soil and water; potential for biomagnification in food chains
Main Ingredient: 1,1,1-Trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane Common Impurities: Small quantities of related chlorinated hydrocarbons Contaminant Profile: Manufacturing can introduce trace levels of DDE and DDD, both degradation products
Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms persist Ingestion: Avoid inducing vomiting; get professional medical help Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash thoroughly with soap and water Eye contact: Flush eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes Special Notes: No antidote known; treatment supportive and symptomatic
Flash Point: Not known to be flammable; may decompose with heat Hazardous Combustion Products: Hydrogen chloride, phosgene, carbon oxides Extinguishing Methods: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam. Water spray to cool containers Fire-Fighter Protection: Full protective equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus
Personal Protection: Avoid dust, wear chemical resistant gloves, safety goggles, disposable coveralls Containment: Prevent further leakage or spillage, avoid runoff to drains or waterways Cleanup: Scoop up spill and place in labeled containers, decontaminate area with soap and water Disposal: Dispose as hazardous waste, follow local regulations Ventilation: Use in well-ventilated areas, consider fume hoods for lab-scale work
Safe Handling: Avoid creating dust, use non-sparking tools Use Precautions: Reduce exposure through PPE and engineering controls Storage Conditions: Keep tightly sealed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from heat or flame, segregated from food and drink Labeling: Clearly marked with hazard statements Container Type: Preferably glass or high-density polyethylene; avoid metal as it can promote decomposition
Occupational Limits: OSHA and ACGIH set limits, usually very low (TWA 1 mg/m3 for total dust, stricter in some countries) Personal Protection Equipment: Impervious gloves, safety goggles, NIOSH-approved respirators for high exposures Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, protective barriers Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling, do not eat/drink/smoke while working with compound
Physical State: Solid Color: White Odor: Faint, almost none Melting Point: Approximates 109°C Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling Vapor Pressure: Very low at room temperature Density: 1.6 g/cm3 Water Solubility: Negligible Solubility (other): Highly soluble in organic solvents such as acetone, benzene
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions Decomposition: At high temperature, decomposes to hazardous gases Incompatibility: Strong acids, alkali, reducing agents Reactivity: Unreactive at room temperature but can degrade slowly under direct sunlight Dangerous Reaction Products: Hydrogen chloride, phosgene
Acute Toxicity: Toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact Chronic Exposure: Lasting low-level exposure linked with liver damage, reproductive disorders, disruption of endocrine function Carcinogenic Status: Classified as probable human carcinogen (Group 2A by IARC) Reproductive Effects: Evidence shows impaired fertility and developmental harm in laboratory mammals Bioaccumulation: Concentrates in animal fat, persists over long periods in body tissues Symptoms: High exposure may bring on fatigue, headache, nausea, incoordination
Environmental Fate: Persists in soil and water, can linger for decades Bioaccumulation: Accumulates in fatty tissues of wildlife and humans Mobility: Low in soil, high in aquatic food chains Aquatic Effects: Toxic to fish, aquatic invertebrates, and birds Long-Term Effects: Endocrine disruption, thinning of eggshells in birds, loss of biodiversity in impacted regions
Recommended Methods: Incineration at a licensed hazardous waste facility Disposal Prohibitions: Never release into the environment, never dispose via drains Regulations: Must comply with hazardous waste legislation Packaging: Secure, clearly labeled containers, minimize handling
UN Number: Regulated under international codes as an environmental hazard Packaging Group: Group III (for less severe toxic substances) Transport Hazard Class: Classified as toxic, environmentally hazardous Precautions: Avoid temperature extremes, rough handling. Label all shipments clearly, restrict movement to authorized personnel
Global Status: Banned in many countries under the Stockholm Convention, restricted elsewhere Classification: Listed as hazardous by several international and national health agencies Reporting Requirements: Must declare inventories, trace environmental emissions, consult local laws for updates Worker Protection: Regulations control exposure, mandate PPE, enforce hygiene and medical monitoring for those involved in legacy cleanup Environmental Restrictions: Production, trade, and use highly regulated or prohibited