What pesticide was banned in 1972 because of its harmful effect on the environment?

The pesticide that was banned in 1972 due to its harmful environmental impacts is DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane). This chemical became notorious for its detrimental effects on wildlife, particularly birds, as it caused thinning of eggshells, leading to decreased reproductive success. DDT was widely used for agricultural and mosquito control, but its persistence in the environment raised significant concerns. As a result of these ecological impacts, along with accumulating evidence of potential human health risks, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took action to restrict its use. The ban on DDT served as a pivotal moment in environmental policy and pesticide regulation, highlighting the need for safer alternatives and more stringent evaluation processes for chemical substances used in agriculture and beyond.