An insecticide that is also toxic to animals and humans is known as which chemical?

• A. Agent Orange
• B. Roundup
• C. DDT
• D. Atrazine

Answer: (C)

Understanding why certain pesticides affect non-target organisms helps explain why this particular chemical stands out. DDT is an insecticide that disrupts nerve function, making it highly effective against insects. However, it also proves toxic to many other animals and humans, which is why it has been linked to health concerns and environmental harm. It’s also known for its persistence in the environment and tendency to bioaccumulate in food chains, leading to long-lasting ecological effects. The other compounds listed are not insecticides: Agent Orange is a defoliant herbicide with toxic dioxin components; Roundup and Atrazine are herbicides. So the chemical that is an insecticide and toxic to animals and humans is DDT.