Question

DDT and BHC may act as:
A) allergens
B) carcinogens
C) asthmatic agents
D) laxatives

Answer 1

Hint: The answer to this question can be approached on the basis of the fact that DDT and BHC are the hydrocarbons which are responsible for cancer in liver and also have effects on reproduction.

Complete step by step answer:
We have widely come across and studied about the DDT in our daily lives which were used by us to combat the harmful diseases caused by mosquitoes and other insect borne diseases.
- DDT with a full name is given as dichloro diphenyl trichloro ethane and BHC is given by the name benzene hexachloride.
- Both these abbreviations suggest that these two are composed of hydrocarbons containing chlorine which is called as chlorinated hydrocarbons or organo chlorides.
- They are the fat soluble hydrocarbons which severely affect the living system.
- In general some hydrocarbons cause cancer and this includes the above two hydrocarbons which are chlorinated.
- Laboratory tests have proven that these hydrocarbons affect the liver and also reproduction.
- DDT and BHC are toxic to life when used in excess and inhaled excess.
Since it is the cancer causing agents , they act as carcinogens.
So, the correct answer is “Option B”.

Note: Note that DDT is considered as a possible human carcinogen and both DDT and BHC are banned for agricultural use in India for its adverse environment impact. The isomers BHC, indane and gammexane are used as insecticide and do not be confused if the question is substituted with their isomer name.