A "Blitz Fog" pesticide dispenser, 1965

"Blitz Fog" Pesticide Cocktail


Developed for the U.S. military during World War II, the synthetic insecticide DDT gained aclaim for saving thousands of lives from insect-born diseases during the war. Soon after, American chemical manufacturers began producing millions of pounds of DDT for an array of bug control products, including this "Blitz Foz thermalized insecticide" dispenser which attached to a lawn mower. Despite consumer and business enthusiasm for chemical insecticides, growing concerns about the long-term health and environmental effects led to hearings before the Wisconsin DNR in 1968. DDT was officially banned by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1972.

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Related Topics: Wisconsin's Response to 20th-century change
The Modern Environmental Movement
Creator: Northern Industries, Inc.
Pub Data: State Historical Museum. (Object # 1999.143.22)
Citation: "Blitz Fog" Pesticide Cocktail. State Historical Museum. Online facsimile at:  http://wisconsinhistory.org/turningpoints/search.asp?id=1248; Visited on: 4/19/2024