DDT was widely used as a pesticide for 20 years. Its use was banned after studies showed severe side effects were evident in humans, the environment, and animals as a result of DDT. Which reason best explains why the side effects of DDT were so harmful?

DDT is persistent and builds up in organisms over time, a process called bioaccumulation. It can also become more concentrated as it moves up the food chain, exposing predators—including humans and other animals—to harmful levels. Therefore, “DDT bioaccumulates” best explains its widespread harmful effects.

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