Because of the spraying, the entire town of 2000 people was evacuated. The contaminated soils were incinerated and the site was cleaned up by 1997. Lead was often used in red and white paints. Because of its toxic properties, especially for children, lead was banned in house paints in the US in the late 1970 s. Pesticides and Herbicides Pesticides are used to control insects, rodents, and other animals that destroy crops and spread diseases.
Herbicides refer to compounds that are used to destroy weeds and other undesirable plants.
Pesticides were developed to improve crop yields. In the 1930 s, it was discovered that the white powder was effective in killing insects. During WWII, DDT killed lice, mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects and probably saved the lives tens of thousands of allied soldiers. Nevertheless, DDT also killed beneficial insects, such as bees. Furthermore, the chemical was responsible for thinning eagle and other bird eggs, and placing some of these birds onto the endangered species list.