Many local, state, and national groups have moved to eliminate DDT and other chlorinated hydrocarbons via a "ban" route, with little consideration for the social, economic or political implications of such actions. Also, there has been insufficient awareness that all compounds which may be classified as chlorinated hydrocarbons do not behave similarly, and that blanket elimination of chlorinated hydrocarbons would pose serious, if not insurmountable problems for agriculture, public health and structural pest control. The uses of some chlorinated hydrocarbons have been reduced significantly in recent years, beginning prior to the current concern. Since 1964, 64 dieldrin, 67 aldrin, and 25 endrin uses have been withdrawn, including most uses involving application to non-agricultural wildlife habitat and aquatic environments. Replacements for these and other chlorinated hydrocarbons will come slowly, requiring up to $6 million and 8 years to develop. As in the past, field studies to determine the effects of new compounds on fish and wildlife will continue to be conducted in cooperation with State Fish and Game Departments, Cooperative Wildlife Research Units and the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
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