Question

Which is more hazardous to human health?

• A. Pyrethrum
• B. DDT
• C. Rotenone
• D. Humulin

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

DDT

A. Pyrethrum is the crude extract obtained from the flowers of Chrysanthemum plant.

B. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane or DDT is a crystalline, colourless and odourless compound which is used as an insecticide. DDT on runoff from the fields reach the water bodies and gets accumulated in the bodies of fishes. When fishes are eaten by birds, it gets accumulated in the body of birds and hence, in this way it gets incorporated in the food chain. It gets deposited in the fatty tissues of animals as it is fat soluble and cause serious health hazards.

C. Rotenone is a colourless and odourless crystalline compound used as a broad spectrum pesticide and insecticide.

D. Humulin is the genetically engineered insulin hormones of humans.

Hence, DDT is more hazardous to human health.

So, the correct answer is 'DDT'.