Health Effects of DDT Found in Future Generations

Studies Link DDT Exposure to Epigenetic Changes

Exposure to DDT, an insecticide banned in the United States since 1972, has been linked to health problems across generations.

Laboratory studies, including one by Cohn in 2019, have demonstrated that DDT and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can have epigenetic effects, altering gene expression without changing the underlying DNA sequence.

Epigenetic changes can be inherited, passing from one generation to the next, potentially contributing to increased susceptibility to diseases and other health conditions.

Pregnant women exposed to DDT have been found to have an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight babies, according to research. Furthermore, a recent study suggests that health problems linked to DDT exposure have persisted across at least three generations.

While DDT is no longer used in the United States, it remains in use in some countries for malaria control. However, its potential long-term health effects raise concerns about its continued usage and the need for further research.