Where It Comes From
DDT degrades to DDE in soil, water, and our bodies; legacy contamination and ongoing DDT use for disease control abroad keep levels in the environment; DDE accumulates in fish and animal fat [1][3][4].
How You Are Exposed
Eating fatty fish, meat, and dairy; living near or disturbing contaminated soil/sediment; pregnancy and breastfeeding transfer to babies; handling old DDT products [1][2][3].
Why It Matters
DDE can disrupt hormones (anti‑androgenic), and is linked to reproductive, developmental, and liver effects; cancer findings are inconsistent, and agencies continue to review the evidence [1][2][4].
Who Is at Risk
People who eat a lot of sport-caught fish from contaminated waters; pregnant people, infants, and children; communities near former DDT use or disposal sites; some vector‑control workers [1][2][3][4].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Follow local fish advisories; choose lean meats/low‑fat dairy and trim fat/skin; vary fish choices; wet‑mop/dust and remove shoes to limit soil/dust; never use or store old DDT—dispose through hazardous‑waste programs [1][2][3][5].
References
- [1]ATSDR. ToxFAQs: DDT, DDE, and DDD.
- [2]CDC. National Biomonitoring Program: DDE (p,p'-DDE) Biomonitoring Summary.
- [3]EPA. DDT—A Brief History and Status.
- [4]IARC Monographs, Vol. 113 (2018): DDT, DDE, and DDD.
- [5]EPA. Fish and Shellfish Advisories and Safe Eating Guidelines.