DDT

Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane) (DDT) was a widely used synthetic pesticide before its used was banned in many countries. It is a persistent organic pollutant

Persistent organic pollutant

thumb|right|275px|State parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic PollutantsPersistent organic pollutants are organic compounds that are resistant to environmental degradation through chemical, biological, and photolytic processes...

 with a half life of 2-15 years.

History

DDT was first registered as an insecticide in Australia in the 1950s. A 1972 report from the Australian Academy of Science entitled The Use of DDT in Australia recommended continued use of DDT where its use clearly outweighed the disadvantages, plus further emphasis on research for alternatives.

Stockholm Convention

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants

Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants

Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is an international environmental treaty, signed in 2001 and effective from May 2004, that aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of persistent organic pollutants .- History :...

came into force on 17 May 2004, with Australia ratifying the Convention on 20 May 2004 and becoming a Party on 18 August 2004.

External links

• Department of the Environment and Heritage - Scheduled Wastes Fact Sheet