DHAKA, Jan 9 (NNN-BSS) – Bangladesh has been declared free from dangerous Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane pesticide, commonly known as DDT pesticide.
Bangladeshi Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister, Md Shahab Uddin, made the announcement at a press conference, yesterday.
The press briefing came, after Bangladesh’s successful removal of 500 tonnes of DDT, from a medical sub-depot in Chattogram city, some 242 km south-east of the capital Dhaka, in Dec, last year.
According to the World Health Organisation, DDT is a persistent organic pollutant (POP), a chemical that can have significant negative effects on both human health and the environment.
Bangladesh imported 500 metric tonnes (500,000 kg) of the pesticide in 1985, to control malaria-carrying mosquitos. Upon arrival, it was put into a government compound in the Agrabad district in Chattogram city. Over the years, many of the boxes and bags have disintegrated, leaving exposed piles of the white DDT powder.
In 1991, Bangladesh imposed a DDT ban, but the huge consignment remained.
Under a project titled “Pesticide Risk Reduction in Bangladesh,” the toxic substance was completely exported to France, for incineration, according to the ministry.– NNN-BSS
