A study released yesterday by the World Wildlife Fund argues that innovative methods can be used to fight malaria-carrying mosquitoes just as effectively as the dangerous insecticide DDT, and that such methods would be cheaper and safer than spraying DDT. WWF is pushing for a phaseout of DDT and 11 other persistent organic pollutants (POPs) as negotiators meet this week in Geneva to hammer out a treaty dealing with the toxic chemicals. The group suggests the use of lower-risk pesticides, pesticide-soaked bed nets that curb the need for indoor spraying, odor-baited cloth to lure mosquitoes, and the elimination of mosquito breeding grounds. The World Health Organization argues that limited use of DDT is the most effective way to combat malaria.
