The term BANNED PESTICIDE refers to a number of chemicals that have been prohibited from use due to their hazardous effects on the environment. ALAR, URETHANE, SPRAY, TALC, and DDT are all examples of banned pesticides. ALAR is a plant growth regulator that was used to control the ripening of apples, but was found to be carcinogenic. URETHANE is an organic compound that was used as an insecticide, but has been linked to cancer and other health issues. SPRAY is a pesticide that was used to control insects, but has been found to be toxic to humans and animals. TALC is a mineral that was used as an insecticide, but has been linked to respiratory problems. DDT is an insecticide that was widely used in the 1940s and 1950s, but has since been banned due to its environmental toxicity.