Using DDT to prevent disease in the tsunami disaster
Water, Water Everywhere
There are two parts to the tsunami disaster in South Asia.
Part one we know all too well. And while we can provide aid, there’s no way to undo the overwhelming destruction and loss of life.
But part two is another matter. Diseases such as Cholera, typhoid and malaria are expected to bring a second wave of deaths. Supplies of fresh drinking water may be effective in preventing large outbreaks of those first two diseases. But the third – malaria – is spread by mosquitoes. And with all the pools of standing water left behind by the tidal waves, the coastline of South Asia has been transformed into a huge breeding ground for mosquitoes.
The New York Times recently carried an op-ed column by Nicholas D. Kristof. And the headline of that column about the South Asia catastrophe may have taken many readers aback: “It’s Time to Spray DDT.”
The very mention of those three letters is enough to set many environmentalists howling. When DDT was banned in the U.S. in 1972, it carried the stigma of possibly causing cancer in humans and interfering with the reproduction of birds. But the fact remains that nothing kills mosquitoes as effectively as DDT. And with millions of deaths attributed to malaria every year, the selective use of DDT is an idea whose time may have returned.
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Another myth bites the dust
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Another myth bites the dust
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At the forefront of pro-DDT thinking is none other than alternative healthcare pioneer (and friend of HSI) William Campbell Douglass, M.D.
When the very first issue of Dr. Douglass’ Real Health Breakthroughs newsletter was published in May of 2001, this was the leadoff sentence to the featured article: “Yes, ITYS – ‘I Told You So.’ In scientific significance, DDT ranks right up there with penicillin, the electric light, and the internal-combustion engine.”
As always, Dr. Douglass lets you know right where he stands, in no uncertain terms. You can use this link to read Dr. Douglass’ full article about DDT.
Are you DDT deficient?
Every month, Dr. Douglass reveals research that shatters the myths of conventional medicine, science and nutrition in his Real Health Breakthroughs newsletter. Find out more about Dr. Douglass and Real Health Breakthroughs at realhealthnews.com
To Your Good Health,
Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute
Health Sciences Institute
Sources:
“It’s Time to Spray DDT” Nicholas D. Kristof, The New York Times, 1/8/05, nytimes.com
“It’s Time to Spray DDT” Nicholas D. Kristof, The New York Times, 1/8/05, nytimes.com
