What you and I may think does not matter. What does the university sponsoring your Master Gardener chapter want taught to the public? Al

Also isn't it against the law in California to use it?

Penny

I'm raising the issue with A&M, Calistoga.

And that's the point: how can anyone think and make an informed decision if you don't know the facts?

We trust our teachers to give us accurate information or at the very least, a full and balanced picture. Ditto the media.

The closest this lecturer could come was he had heard there was criticism of the banning but didn't know the details. It would be helpful if he, and others running courses, did know the details. I think people would be a little less cavalier about it.

Yes, Penny, it is illegal to use in California, and elsewhere.

Not sure Fox News is the place to get a full and balanced picture. The EPA's website has some interesting information, including statistics regarding DDT's persistence in the environment, accumulation in fish, accumulation in humans, and the recovery of birds of prey since the ban.
Additionally, the Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) lists an amazing amount of independent scientific studies showing effects including tremor, ataxia, seizures, liver damage, tumors, degeneration of the brain covering, anaphylaxis, adrenal changes, decreased immune response, mutation in sperm DNA, lymphoma, and fetal abnormalities.
As someone who works in the chemical industry, I work with the RTECS database on a regular basis. This is truly one of the scariest chemicals I've ever looked up. I am glad it is no longer polluting our environment.

Thanks, Luv, for the facts. I'm also glad it's not in use any more.

I was very interested to read the bonifides of the agencies and researchers and reporters in the sites SowthEfrikan seems to endorse. The Cato Institute is a major political lobbyist and organization. I am afraid that if Spike sees this thread we will all be getting warnings and possibly some new residents in disneyland.
SowthEfrikan, if you wish to discuss this it will have to be done on some other basis as the prohibition against discussing politics from any viewpoint is absolute on GardenWeb. Sandy