The greatest problem commonly encountered from chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides is associated with their:

Chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides are known for their long-term persistence in the environment, which is the primary concern associated with their use. These compounds can remain in soil and aquatic ecosystems for extended periods, leading to accumulation in the food chain and potential ecological disturbances. This persistence can pose significant risks not only to target pest populations but also to non-target species, including beneficial insects, wildlife, and humans, as the chemicals may leach into water sources or degrade very slowly, affecting the local ecosystem over time.

While these insecticides may have high toxicity to humans and other organisms, the most pressing issue is their capacity to remain in the environment for long durations, increasing the likelihood of harmful effects on a broader ecological scale. This makes long-term environmental persistence the key problem when discussing chlorinated hydrocarbons in agricultural and pest control applications. Other factors like low efficacy and short persistence are less relevant when examining the major concerns tied to these chemicals.