INEP: What are pesticides?
Dr. Chandrashekhar: As the name suggests these are chemicals that kill or destroy pests. The first known pesticide is arsenic, which was used about 100 years ago. But the most popular chemical pesticide is DDT. Mr. Paul Muller, a scientist, discovered DDT in 1934 during World War II. This was used as a weapon to kill enemy soldiers in the war. It was used to eradicate malaria around 30 – 40 years ago. We also used it against pests, predators, beetles and other insects that were destroying our crops. But DDT is harmful when used injudiciously.
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