DDT Found In Penguins

DDT is a pesticide that was banned decades ago. However, traces of DDT are still found to this day! But how in the world is a pesticide showing up in Antarctica you ask?

According to sea bird experts, the most likely cause is from build up from melting glaciers. DDT has been known to be in the fatty tissues of these birds, but not enough to harm them. The surprise is that these levels of DDT haven't gone down. The United States banned DDT in the 1970's, and other countries have as well.

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DDT, and other pesticides, actually travel through the atmosphere toward the polar regions by a process of evaporation and then condensation in cooler climates. Penguins feed off tiny sea creatures called krill that live in melted glacier water, and DDT is brought up the food chain directly to the penguins.

Although DDT is banned, the United States and the rest of the world should adopt a policy of extensive research before approving toxic chemicals that can leave long lasting damage to our environment.

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