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Low-resolution image of man holding a device and spraying DDT into the water. Behind him, a swampy area, body of water, and trees.
Beginning in 1958, the US' National Malaria Eradication Program used DDT to treat water.

DDT is discovered and begins to be used as an insecticide to kill mosquitoes, which cause malaria.

1945

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Beginning in 1958, the US' National Malaria Eradication Program used DDT to treat water.

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is also used to combat other diseases like yellow fever. Small quantities are offered to individual Americans as an experiment, and people fight to participate. Proponents of DDT name it as the primary weapon in the next war–"the war on mosquitoes."