Luis Manuel M.

Gonzales
Gr. 12 – Pope John XIV
CHEMISTRY – REFLECTIVE JOURNAL

1. What are your personal insights from DDT story? Give 3 big ideas.
- That the use of DDT insecticides in the late 1940’s, it became
beneficial for the population because it greatly affects to reduce the
spread of malaria, typhus and other insect-borne human diseases.
- DDT was also beneficial for the state of agriculture back then,
because in using this insecticide, it is said that it was effective for the
insect control in crops and livestock production, farms, homes and
gardens.
- However, every success of a product has its downfall and flaws. As the
federal agency began to thoroughly examine the usage and the effects
of DDT insecticides. There were evidences that was gathered is shows
the negative effects of the product to the human health and the
wildlife.
2. Why is understanding the correct name of a substance important to
a worker in a poison control center?
- Based from the DDT story, the inventors or the chemist/s behind the
insecticide was not careful and is/are unaware of the chemicals or
substances are being used and what could be the possible effects of
this as it will be used in a certain amount of time. At first, the product
became beneficial for the crops and to reduce the spread of insect-
borne diseases. However, as time passes by, there were evidences that
the product has a negative effect on the environment and the health
of living beings. That is why we must be knowledgeable about the
substances that we are handling with. Safety must always be our
number one priority because little do, we know, maybe the
substances that we use on a daily basis has a negative effect when
used over time. Obviously, workers that are handling with poisonous
substances must be always aware of what kind of substances are they
Luis Manuel M. Gonzales
Gr. 12 – Pope John XIV
handling and must always keep in their mind their safety and the
safety of others.