Isotope labelled 4,4'-Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane a synthetic organochlorine insecticide. 4,4'-Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane functions by opening sodium ion channels in the insects’ neurons, causing them to fire spontaneously which in turn leads to death. 4,4'-Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane is banned for agricultural use in North America, it is still commonly used in some countries and particularly as a means of malaria control.