The IUPAC name of DDT is 2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane. The IUPAC name of bezenehexachloride is 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane.

Their use is banned in India and other countries because DDT is not metabolised very rapidly or solubilized effectively by animals. It is deposited and stored in the fatty tissues. If ingestion continues at a steady rate, DDT builds up within the animal over time, damaging the environment. It was also shown to have high toxicity towards fish and many insects also developed resistance towards it.