is a pesticide that was widely used in the mid-20th century. It was effective in controlling a variety of insects, including those that spread diseases like malaria. However, it was later discovered that DDT was also highly toxic to wildlife and persisted in the environment for long periods of time. As a result, its use was banned in many countries, including the United States, in the 1970s. Despite the ban, DDT can still be found in the environment today, and it continues to be a controversial issue.