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DDT linked to premature births

DDT linked to premature births

Women who are exposed to DDT (Dichloro–diphenyl–trichloroethane), may be more likely to have premature births. DDT, the insecticide effective in controlling mosquitoes, is banned or its use restricted in many countries but it is still being used in India. DDT was used on a large scale in agriculture during the 1960s. Scientists have long suspected a link between premature births and DDT. But these findings from the various small studies were inconclusive. Scientists at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at the University of North Carolina did this study. They studied the stored blood samples of pregnant mothers with children born between 1959 and 1966. A sample group of 2,380 revealed that 361 had been born premature and 221 had low birth weight. The mothers who gave birth to premature or low birth weight infants had higher levels of the breakdown product of DDT in their blood, indicating a high level of exposure to DDT. The researchers found that the insecticide increased the risk of pregnant women having their babies about 3 weeks before the due date. The findings strongly suggest that DDT use increases premature birth, which contributes to infant mortality. This is a major issue of concern especially in about 25 countries, including India, where DDT is still being used.
The Lancet ; July 2001, vol 358 : (9276)

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