DDT or Malaria -- Which is Worse?

Assassin bug wonders: "Although the topic of malaria has been discussed on Slashdot, DDT use has not. After having banned DDT (C14H9Cl5)" in 2004, Tanzania has reversed their ban on DDT use. What is the Slashdot community's opinion regarding the use of DDT for mosquito control versus genetically modified mosquitoes?" "Key facts to consider:

• Insects have developed resistance, for every tactic that has been used against them (including biological control, crop rotation, and various chemicals)
• Although the direct effects of DDT on humans might be benign, the effects on wildlife and the environment are well documented
• In some countries, such as India, popluations of DDT-resistant mosquitoes exist
• The fitness (i.e., reproductive success in the wild) of mutant mosquitoes is not well understood."

Comments

Re:DDT Use

[Detritus]

The problem with pesticides and antibiotics is that they are often abused and misapplied through ignorance, stupidity and greed. Read how China may have fscked the entire world by using a human antiviral drug in an effort to protect the Chinese poultry industry from bird flu.