Question

what characteristic of ddt and other pesticides belonging to the chlorinated hydrocarbon group caused them to be banned by the epa?

affordability and relatively low cost of production

limited impact on air quality and surrounding ecosystems

ability to break down quickly in the environment

persistence in the environment leading to biomagnification

Explanation:

DDT and other chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides were banned by the EPA due to their persistence in the environment. This persistence leads to biomagnification, where the concentration of the pesticide increases as it moves up the food chain, causing harm to wildlife and potentially humans. The other options are incorrect: affordability and low production cost would not lead to a ban; they had a significant impact on ecosystems, not a limited one; and they did not break down quickly in the environment.

Answer:

persistence in the environment leading to biomagnification