Which substance bioaccumulates in the body?

• A. Ethanol
• B. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• C. DDT
• D. Benzene

Answer: (C)

Bioaccumulation happens when a chemical persists in the body and builds up with ongoing exposure, especially if it is fat-soluble and not readily broken down or excreted. DDT is a prime example because it is highly lipophilic, meaning it dissolves in fatty tissues, and it resists metabolic breakdown. Once in the body, it tends to stay there for long periods and can accumulate to higher levels with repeated exposure, and it can move up through the food chain, increasing concentrations in predators.

Ethanol, by contrast, is rapidly processed by the liver into harmless metabolites and water, so it does not accumulate in the body over time. Acetaminophen is also quickly metabolized and eliminated; its body burden stays low unless exposure is excessive. Benzene is hazardous and toxic, and it is metabolized and excreted rather than stored long-term, so it does not persist in the body to the same extent as DDT.

So the substance that bioaccumulates in the body is DDT.